Umlaut Big Band

Umlaut Big Band is an orchestra of fourteen musicians that, under the direction of Pierre-Antoine Badaroux, explores both the historical "swing" repertory of big bands based on sound archives and manuscripts (1920-1940), through the music of Don Redman, Mary Lou Williams, Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Benny Carter and others, but also European musicians. They developed a repertory of over 200 tracks and released 5 records in 10 years.

In the manner of the orchestras of early music, the historical research carried out from rare scores and recordings, is based on the intimate conviction that the arrangers, rarely featured in the history of jazz, are creators who never stop inventing new forms.

Too rarely tackled by composers in our days, the form of the big band is ideal for rich sound explorations, and starting a dialogue between a long tradition linked to jazz and the forms of contemporary inventions.

In its performances, the band favors the acoustic as well as a warm and festive atmosphere, whether they are playing in a concert hall or on a village square.

In residency at the Théâtre de l’Aquarium (La Cartoucherie, Paris) from end of 2019 to 2022, upon the invitation of the company La Vie Brève.

Line-up:
Pierre-Antoine Badaroux : artistic direction, alto saxophone
Antonin-Tri Hoang : alto saxophone, clarinet
Pierre Borel : tenor saxophone, clarinet
Geoffroy Gesser : tenor saxophone, clarinet
Benjamin Dousteyssier : alto, , baryton, bass saxophons
Brice Pichard : trumpet
Louis Laurain : trumpet
Gabriel Levasseur : trumpet
Fidel Fourneyron : trombone
Michaël Ballue : trombone
Romain Vuillemin : guitar, banjo
Matthieu Naulleau : piano
Sébastien Beliah : double bass
Antonin Gerbal : drums

Contact: umlautbb@gmail.com
Website : umlaut-bigband.com