Jazz Articles about Ian Thomas

About Ian Thomas

Album Review

Glorious Assembly Jazz Orchestra: Glorious Assembly

Read "Glorious Assembly" reviewed by Mark McKergow

by Mark McKergow
June 6, 2026

The Glorious Assembly Jazz Orchestra is the creation of Emmy Award-winning film composer David Mitcham . After a career writing music for the screen, often with jazz undertones, Mitcham has chosen to expand his ambitions by directing a full-on extended big band playing new compositions on Glorious Assembly. The 20- piece group features some of the UK's top players, with additional specialists on flute, E-flat clarinet, bass and contrabass clarinet, and tuba. The palette is further expanded by performers doubling on ...

Album Review

Ross Lorraine: More From The Heart

Read "More From The Heart" reviewed by Neil Duggan

by Neil Duggan
July 30, 2024

A jazz pianist, arranger, theatre music composer and contributor to numerous other projects, Ross Lorraine now seems to have found his true calling as a songwriter. More From The Heart follows on from his songwriting debut on Heart of Mine (self produced, 2022) and follows a similar approach. After penning the lyrics and melody, Lorraine steps aside and a variety of top-class vocalists perform his compositions, together with a cracking band that elevates the songs and brings them to life. ...

Album Review

Sarah L King: Fire Horse

Read "Fire Horse" reviewed by Neil Duggan

by Neil Duggan
January 27, 2024

Starting her musical path with coaching from Mike King, one of the UK's leading contemporary vocal coaches, Sarah L King (no relation), surfaced as a solo jazz vocalist, releasing an EP of standards and several singles. Her passage was helped by a family heritage consisting of an accomplished jazz trumpeter father and an orchestral conductor grandmother. An early career as a writer and director of short films provided the right impetus to be a compelling musical narrator. King's ...