I worked with Dr Alexander Douglas to set up the Veritas Orchestra, a big band made up of some of London’s best upcoming jazz musicians. I brought together the band to workshop and showcase how the styles of big band performance and gospel choir could work when performed in synergy. The two styles are historically linked but separate disciplines, each with their own traditions. I've enjoyed working with the group on how these sound worlds interact, both practically and theoretically.

Led by Alexander Douglas and with solos from Rachel Huggins, we worked on a short set and it was fantastic to work with such a great band. We used Alexander’s arrangements including a brand new composition for the big band horns (no rhythm section) dedicated to the slaves who lost their lives travelling at sea in the slave trade. Other works included a gospel rendition of Handel’s ‘Messiah’.

Huge thanks to Simon Woodman from Bloomsbury Baptist Church, Becca Hunt for the photographs and for John Hindley for support with sound.