BANSANGU orchestra
is a fresh contemporary orchestra formed by Paul Booth, Giorgio Serci and Kevin Robinson. It boasts some of the finest London-based musicians, such as Jason Yarde, Alex Wilson, Shanti Paul Jayasinha, Trevor Mires, Barnaby Dickinson, Steve Fishwick, Rod Youngs and many more. While retaining a traditional Big Band format, Bansangu consciously steers clear of the traditional Big Band Jazz and Swing repertoire, choosing instead to perform self-penned compositions and original arrangements that showcase the rich and diverse musical influences from Brazilian, African, Cuban, Caribbean, Indian and Middle Eastern cultures, all performed with the intelligent skill and sensitivity fast becoming the trademark of this exciting ensemble.
The band’s name comes from the compliment Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira would pay his band in English: ‘Ban San Goo’ meaning ‘Band Sounds Good!’