DMU Jazz Band - Ladybird (2020)

DMU Jazz Band have launched their debut album Ladybird today after overcoming the challenges of recording and producing during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The 15-strong Big Band ensemble brought together a set of jazz classics and they are hoping it will put De Montfort University (DMU) Leicester’s burgeoning music scene, under the banner of DMU Music, firmly on the map.

The Ladybird album cover designed by DMU Fine Art student Rosa Ramirez Perez

The album, named after the celebrated jazz standard by Tadd Dameron which has become the band’s signature tune, is available as a download on Bandcamp and will be appearing on Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play.

The all-important Big Band live sound was captured in The Chantry on the DMU campus prior to lockdown but the vocals and solos still needed to be captured and produced.

So a mobile studio was driven to people’s houses, set up in the car, and each player or singer’s parts were recorded wirelessly on the driveway or street, ensuring social distancing was observed.

It’s an exciting time for DMU Jazz Band who see the debut album as the next step on their way to gaining wider recognition.

Musical Director Gareth John, who co-produced the album and played lead trumpet, said: “I am really, really proud of this album and proud of the musicians. It really sets our stall out and shows everyone where we want to go as a band.

“The most satisfying part of the recording process, I think, was when we came out of the first session before lockdown and we had recorded four songs in the time we were expecting to have done one.

“Most of the musicians in the room had not worked in that environment before where we were recording live as a Big Band. We all needed to be on top of our game and they really delivered.

“I hope people who listen to the album get a sense of the energy and excitement that was there when we were recording.”