New Regency Orchestra
+ DJ Lex Blondin
New Regency Orchestra has been shaking up a storm in the last three years with its mighty twelve-piece horn section, lock-tight five-piece rhythm section and the NRO dancers bringing a new energy and new arrangements to the golden age of mambo and latin jazz.
Inspired by New York’s melding of Jazz and Latin from the 50s to the 70s, when the sound of jazz luminaries Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker collided with the Cuban roots of Chano Pozo and Machito, New Regency Orchestra add a contemporary London spin with the city’s best Latin Music and Jazz talent driving each other to greater heights.
The 18-piece big band formed in London in 2021 to provide a regular gig for members of the city’s Jazz and Latin scenes emerging from lockdown. 2024 finds NRO ready for the world. The band’s debut album is being pressed for release by Mr Bongo on June 14, with singles coming out on April 3 and May 1.
‘A hepcat big band with a vibe straight out of the Nuyorican barrios…a killer rhythm section, mighty wall of horns and moments of sparkling call-and-response between instruments and dancers – given a 21st century London twist with new influences, arrangements and attitude.’ Evening Standard
‘Remember New Regency Orchestra. See how they grow!’ Gilles Peterson BBC 6 Music
‘Extremely full-on.’ Time Out
‘The group’s unique take on Latin jazz combines fiendishly complex polyrhythms with blasting horn fanfares and an impeccable sense of groove.’ The Guardian
‘Could convert any 90s hip-hop head into a salsa fan.’ Songlines