‘Unforgettable’ recording session for Big Band

With the lights down low and the atmospheric jazzy strums of The People’s Big Band, the latest studio recording by The People’s Orchestra (TPO) family proved to be its most ethereal yet.

Within the well-equipped halls of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), members of The People’s Big Band came together in a state-of-the-art recording studio to immortalise their jamming session on one special day. Here’s what happened.

In a similar set-up to that of Radio One’s Live Lounge, around 20 musicians took centre stage to perform a repertoire of jazz standards and big band favourites throughout Sunday April 19.

Musicians reflected on it being a long yet satisfying day with sounds of saxophone, double bass and more heard as the band recorded four pieces for posterity.

Carefully re-arranged music had been selected and rehearsed ready for the recording day and everyone rose to the challenge. As is the way with The People’s Big Band and TPO in general, the soundtrack contained uplifting classics and popular hits of It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing, a jazzier version of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army, a swing rendition of the theme tune to TV show Family Guy and Song For Bilboa.

A Big Band for musicians who love jazz

The People’s Big Band is an intimate branch of TPO, which launched in 2022, for those who love to jam to blues, swing, jazz and every kind of funk. It’s resulted in a friendly group of pro-amateur musicians rehearsing together every other Sunday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in Birmingham city centre.

While the Big Band has already performed at MCM Comic Con and even Snobs nightclub in Birmingham, this latest unprecedented event gave many band members the opportunity to take part in a live studio recording session for the first time.

Among them was band member Lucy Fallows, playing the double bass and electric bass guitar.

“I’ve done small scale recordings of one to one before but never anything on this scale with a big band, so it was exciting,” explained Lucy, a 23-year-old part-time music teacher for Sandwell Music Service, who also works in IT.

“I was nervous at the start, especially as I had two instruments with me and I’m a reserved person, but I was greeted straight away and helped with my instruments, so I felt at ease.

“The whole experience was a lot easier and calmer than I thought it would be the production side was very professional. It was all planned out so well and I liked that it wasn’t a high-pressure environment, but lovely and relaxed.

“The lighting and microphones were set up all around us on stage and there were markings on the floor for the musicians, so I knew I would be in the right place with my instrument for the microphone.

“I sway when I play the double bass, so I really had to stop myself doing that, so as not to affect the sound,” chuckled Lucy, a classically trained cellist who joined the band in September last year as she “loves jazz”.

“We repeated the beginning and end of songs a lot to get the recording just right, but the day never got boring.

“I’m so excited for when we get to hear the full recording back. The whole day was an unforgettable experience.”

The Big Band is a smaller group than the main orchestra as lower numbers fit with the dynamics of the style of music they play, which was beautiful to hear at the RBC recording studio.

Jamie Parker, TPO’s Digital Communications Coordinator, was there listening in and working behind the scenes.

“It was very pleasing to the ears and a great day for the musicians,” said Jamie. “Some had been working on their solos for a while and finally got the chance to play them as part of the songs in the recording studio. That was a real highlight for them.

“There was a relaxed but cosy atmosphere. Lights with a soft glow and so effective as they shone across various parts of the stage, between musicians.”

TPO offers industry-leading experience

Jamie got to see up-close the work of RBC’s audio engineers, who offered expertise and support to help the band improve its quality throughout the recording process.

The experience also offered Jamie the opportunity to work alongside industry-leading cameramen recording the session. Seasoned professionals Russ and Adam had filmed the Sidemen v YouTube Allstars Charity Match at Wembley Stadium the day before they came to capture The People’s Big Band in Birmingham.

Shadowing Russ and Adam during the recording session helped Jamie further develop his professional skills.

“Russ and Adam regularly cover live concerts and the equipment they had was mind-blowing – for me, that’s the equivalent of waving a great piece of steak at a tiger,” laughed Jamie.

“The rehearsal was a little like having work experience with industry professionals and such a positive opportunity for me. It all helps me develop further and these experiences are what I enjoy about working for TPO.”

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There were even more celebrations on the day with a surprise birthday presentation for photographer Rob Hadley. A familiar face with the TPO family of members, Rob regularly takes photos at events.

Orchestra Manager Amy Marshall organised a birthday cake while conductor Saphran Ali led the Big Band through a rendition of Happy Birthday for Rob.

“Amy wanted to recognise the value of Rob’s support, photographing our various gigs and concerts over the past few years,” explained Jamie. “Rob has since said he was very heartened and touched by the surprise. It was a really lovely moment that sums up what TPO is all about.”

Find out more about The People’s Big Band here as it is always keen to hear from those interested in playing jazz and swing. New members can also get a two week free trial before they commit.