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| Pete Cater, Still Playing With Fire 20 Years On Almost twenty years have passed since Pete Cater formed the first London edition of his big band. From the moment the band made its debut Pete set about carving out a reputation as the UK's number one big band drummer/bandleader, and from then until now he remains unrivalled in this regard. April 2015 marks this anniversary, and to commemorate this significant milestone the Pete cater Big Band once again returns to Cadogan Hall, London for a UK exclusive concert on Monday April 20th. Since 2007 Pete has also forged an international reputation as the greatest living interpreter of the iconic big band music made famous by the legendary Buddy Rich. Interestingly, this change of musical direction came about quite by accident: "I'd always maintained that the band should have its own unique musical identity as evidenced by the music we have recorded over the years. I continue to enjoy showcasing talented, emerging big band writers, as not ever one of them wants a band of their own. That said, about eight years ago I was offered the opportunity to present an evening performing Buddy Rich's music. To be honest I wasn't keen at first but I saw some YouTube videos of some Rich charts being played so incredibly badly that I felt it was my duty to set the record straight. As a result of everything we had previously achieved with the band, and because we were already very well-known, I didn't feel that my integrity was on the line". "This music has been a part of my life for 47 years (Rich only had it for 21), I grew up with it, it's engrained on my consciousness to the point where I can play the entire repertoire from memory, and of course it is a pivotal part of the ongoing history of the drummer as a big band leader. We've done over 100 of these concerts now and it has been a hit from day one". The April 20th concert will include Buddy Rich classics (the legendary medley from West Side Story most notably) as well as a few rarities. Pete says that Bill Holman's composition 'Time Being' may well be on the agenda "If I can rewrite it in time". Also in view of the significance of the occasion there will be a selection from the band's back catalogue of record releases, 'The Right Time', 'Playing With Fire' and 'Upswing'. write your comments about the article :: © 2014 Jazz News :: home page |