Chris Coull’s Porgy and Bess
- Main Information
Imogen Ryall – Vocals
Chris Coull – Trumpet
John Turville – Piano
Ken Marley - Double Bass
John Hirst - Drums
Gershwin’s masterpiece, reimagined for the 21st century.
Trumpeter Chris Coull and an all-star band bring George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to life in a thrilling new jazz suite. Featuring award-winning vocalist Imogen Ryall, this narrated concert blends unforgettable songs with fresh, inventive arrangements that honour the tradition of post-bop jazz while speaking directly to today’s audiences.
Expect timeless favourites like Summertime and I Loves You, Porgy, alongside rarely-heard gems (Buzzard Song, Strawberry Woman) - all delivered with swing, soul and sophistication. The performance transports listeners to 1930s Charleston, tracing the love story of Porgy and Bess through hard bop grooves, lush ballads, Latin rhythms and orchestral colours.
Coull, a leading figure on the Brighton jazz scene and founder of Hove’s acclaimed Speakeasy Jazz Club, is joined by three of London’s finest jazz musicians—John Turville (piano), Simon Thorpe (bass), and Matt Fishwick (drums)—to create an evening of world-class jazz: dynamic, moving and utterly engaging.
Saturday Pass: £30
Purchase tickets for Alexia Gardner Quintet, Celebrating Wes Montgomery and Chris Coull’s Porgy and Bess for £30 (discount applied when tickets for all events are added to basket).
Weekend Pass: £60
Purchase tickets Alexia Gardner Quintet, Celebrating Wes Montgomery and Chris Coull’s Porgy and Bess on Saturday and SwanNek, Threeway At Twenty One, Abbie Finn Quartet and Modern Vikings on Sunday for £60 (discount applied when tickets for all events are added to basket).
“There’s a special place in my heart for Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess by Chris Coull, love the arrangements and vocals by Imogen Ryall. Chris’s plays beautifully throughout.”
“This is a lovely reading of Gershwin’s magnificent Porgy and Bess Suite. Imogen Ryall has great intonation, crystal clear diction and a real sense of the theatre of the pieces and Chris Coull contributes beautifully toned and inventive trumpet solos and sensitive backings to the vocals. Wonderful swinging trio as well.”