Grand Union Orchestra is a multicultural world jazz ensemble based in London. It has been performing, touring and recording large-scale shows for over 30 years and is well known for its educational work.

Grand Union specialises in large-scale musical performances that reflect the backgrounds of its performers and often invites participation from amateur musicians and community groups. These shows can have dozens of local musicians, groups, choirs and folkloric ensembles alongside the core 15-18 piece group.

Led by its co-founder, artistic director and composer Tony Haynes, Grand Union works to highlight the contributions that immigrant musicians and communities, particularly in the East End, make to music in London and to British culture in general.

THE PATH>THE PLAN>THE CLAP
 
This song suite tells the story of a lost traveler, trials and tribulations much like us 1st or 2nd generation migrants arriving in new worlds, treading paths unknown. 

THE PATH> Mohamed Gueye [Ibibio Sound Machine], (Senegalese Percussionist/Vocalist) seeks the way his ancestors tread, questioning “am I stepping correctly through life?” Through struggle ancestor Shaka Lish (Jamaican vocalist) answers, reassuring everything sought is within his grasp and to trust his feet.
THE PLAN> The vocal ensemble romantises the formation of the universe’s ‘master plan’, following a virtuosic call to prayer on cello from maestro Shanti Jayasinha [Mulatu Astake, Tindersticks, etc], we muse on the conception of the plan and its countdown through stages and seasons to the end; Time won't wait – to endure takes grit and composure.
THE CLAP> Tasting the glories and fruits of life the band decides unanimously “I want my flowers today!” with a 12/8 groove handed down from Hugh Masekela’s bandmate, Claude Deppa, that marries a Moog & Cello duet with Piri flautist Seayool.


Driving the story throughout is the rhythm section…
Alexandré Dayo, Burkina Faso master percussionist who toured the world throughout the 80s & 90s with the original West African break out group, Wountey and The National Ballet

Joshua Brandler [Animanz / Tru-Thoughts recording artist], Jamaican multi-instrumentalist/producer; band leader of The Grand Union Orchestra 
acknowledged cross-cultural pioneers & winners of parliamentary jazz awards 2023.

Maria Grapsa [Collectiva & Nu Civilisation Orchestra], Greek pianist whose sextet is storming the London Jazz scene.

Marc Goymour, Animanz synthesist and Strongrooms resident DJ.

With additional flavoring from Nigerian Afropriest: Eegun, and Ghanaian rapper Boy Nash [championed by Fire-In-Da-Booth, Charlie Sloth & DJ Semtex]

Cal Jader is one of the musical activists behind London Latin cultural protagonists Movimientos and co-host of one of London's finest tropical / global bass parties Love Carnival. With his trademark blend of latin beats, carnival rhythms and fresh global sounds he is helping to soundtrack London's underground music scene with regular sets across the capital, as well as around the UK and Europe. 
He's also played at clubs and festivals around the globe as far afield as Mexico City, Beirut, Bogota, Kuala Lumpar, Istanbul, and a 10 date tour all around Brazil in Rio, Salvador, Brasilia and at carnival in Recife. In the UK he's played everywhere from festivals like Bestival and Glastonbury as well as closing WOMAD in Fuerteventura, and has shared stages with world class live acts like Manu Chao, Bomba Estereo, Novalima, and Calle 13 as well as Chico Trujillo and La Yegros. He continues to champion the new generation of producers from Latin American and has played alongside the likes of El Búho, Chancha Via Circuito, DJ Raff, Kaleema and Uji.

Parky is a producer and singer song writer based in Folkestone and Peckham. Their music spans, folk and pop.

Hello! 
Geology student looking for some background music for the adventures of my life.

I like instrumental music
I support independent artists

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