ANDY MEARS OCTET
Schedule
Wed, 04 Jun, 2025 at 08:00 am
Location
Cu Mumbles, 7 Castleton Walk Arcade, Newton Rd, Mumbles,, SA3 4AX Swansea, United Kingdom | Swansea, WA
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Featuring a stellar cast of UK talent, the Octet provides an outlet for Andy’s own intricately crafted arrangements and compositions, as well as those by other members of the group. Much of the repertoire is heavily rooted in the traditions of jazz and pays homage to some of the most celebrated and iconic figures including – Ellington, Basie, Gil Evans, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, and more. In addition, this dynamic ensemble performs a feast of global rhythms and grooves, including the samba & bossa nova of South America, music from the townships of Africa and joyous calypsos of the Caribbean. Andy has enjoyed a successful and varied music career to date. Since graduating from Leeds College of Music in 1999, he has worked extensively on the freelance circuit, touring with some of the finest bands in the UK. Playing credits include - Syd Lawrence Orchestra; Ray McVay's Glenn Miller Orchestra; Buddy Greco; Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra; Soul Fish; Joe Loss Orchestra, Royal Marines Band, RAF Central Band, RAF Squadronaires, his own-led projects and more.
He has worked aboard several cruise ships including the QE2 and the inaugural World Cruise on P&O's Aurora.
Theatre credits include - Rat Pack, Live from Vegas - West End, UK & Ireland; Live on TV; Sunshine on Leith: Crazy for You; Guys & Dolls; On Your Toes: Help for Heroes Variety performances; Royal National Scottish Orchestra - Frank Sinatra’s Songs for Swinging Lovers; Back to Bacharach
A member of HM Royal Marines Band Service, 2002 - 2010, and Royal Air Force Music Services, 2010 - present, he has performed at prestigious venues and events at home and abroad. From 2015 -2020 he held the position of Musical Director for the RAF Squadronaires. During his tenure he led the band in a number of projects with the Airmen of Note; performed at the Royal Albert Hall with Sir Tom Jones; toured the UK at numerous venues and in 2017 wrote several arrangements for Dame Vera Lynn’s 100th Birthday celebrations at the London Palladium with a host of stars from stage and screen.
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Where is it happening?
Cu Mumbles, 7 Castleton Walk Arcade, Newton Rd, Mumbles,, SA3 4AX Swansea, United Kingdom, 21 Newton Road, Swansea, SA3 4AS, United Kingdom,The Mumbles, Swansea, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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