EMBOLDENED JAZZ ORCHESTRA & CHOIR _
Emboldened: From Quintet to Orchestra & Choir _
A powerful journey of music, unity and resilience
The Journey So Far _
In 2023, I released and toured my quintet album ‘Emboldened’ sharing a powerful, universal message highlighting the positivity of people facing adversity, and strength in unity.
A New Chapter with Jonathan Silk _
Since releasing Emboldened, it has been an extraordinary experience to collaborate with Jonathan Silk as he expanded my quintet compositions into the dynamic, soaring landscapes of jazz orchestra with his unique musical voice.
Jonathan has a rare ability to extend a composition, adding rich textures and new movements without losing its original identity. His work reveals fresh, exciting directions I would never have imagined.
We also enhanced the jazz orchestra with a choir, adding emotional depth and a powerful connection with the audience. This has led to an exhilarating re-imagining of the music at its full scope and potential.
Performances _
The project has reached audiences nationwide, including:
Wiltshire Youth Jazz Orchestra at Wiltshire Music Centre
2023
University of Birmingham Jazz Orchestra and Choir at CBSO Centre
2024
Guildhall Jazz Orchestra and Choir at The Barbican
2025
Leeds Contemporary Jazz Orchestra at The Venue
2025
“It is a rare joy as a choir director to have the opportunity to integrate a choir into a contemporary jazz orchestra as its own section, especially amongst such an exhilarating and memorable work. ”
The Exciting Next Step _
Jonathan and I are now preparing to record Emboldened Jazz Orchestra and Choir as a double album, to be released on the independent label Stoney Lane Records.
With the generous support of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, we have already achieved the significant step of securing a world-class studio to record our large ensemble of extraordinary musicians.
Orchestral scores and parts will also become available as downloadable PDFs on this website.
Steve Banks
“Together, I hope we can offer an uplifting and inspiring experience to audiences everywhere.”
Support Us _
Please help us to capture and share the music and message of Emboldened with an international audience.
This project requires significant funding. Your financial support will directly benefit musicians, sound engineers and other creative industry professionals.
As part of the final Emboldened Jazz Orchestra & Choir album, supporters can choose to be acknowledged by name or remain anonymous.
If you have any questions, please do get in touch.
Thank you. We couldn't do this without you.