Line-up:
Billy Marrows - Acoustic Guitar
Mike Soper - Trumpet
Tom Ridout - Alto Saxophone
Gustavo Clayton Marucci - Clarinet
About
The most intimate version of Billy Marrows' acclaimed 12-piece chamber-jazz ensemble, the Grande Família Quartet features an unusual line-up of some of London’s finest young jazz musicians.
Grande Família was formed in 2023 to record Billy’s debut album 'Penelope', a surprise for his mother Penny during her struggle with pancreatic cancer. Released in her memory in early 2024, the album has raised over £5,800 for World Child Cancer. Grande Família play Billy’s emotive, melodically driven contemporary jazz compositions, blending classical, folk and Brazilian influences. This gig will also include brand new compositions and arrangements of some of Billy’s favourite pieces.
The 'Penelope' album launch at Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho sold out over two months in advance and was released as a live album in March 2025, celebrated with nine-date UK tour in spring 2025, including a sold-out two-night return to Pizza Express. 'The Penelope Album Live', received 4-stars in both Jazzwise and All About Jazz, who noted that it "magnifies the invention, charm and compositional strength of the original".
The members of the Grande Família Quartet are highly creative, versatile musicians who have worked with artists such as Mark Lockheart, Chelsea Carmichael, the Bryan Ferry Orchestra, and Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
“A triumph...Marrows has created a spectacular new ensemble” Jazz Views
“An exhilaratingly original sound, at once intimate and expansive” ---- Editor's Choice, Jazzwise
“Melodic and distinctive” ---- All About Jazz
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