The first ever Big Band consisting almost entirely of musicians with a disability
An ambitious project initiated by the Douglas Bader Foundation, ‘Bader’s Big Band’ is the first ever Big Band consisting almost entirely of musicians from the UK with a physical disability or diagnosed mental health condition.
The Band has already performed at several venues, including airshows, festivals and private events and received great feedback. There has been nothing like it and we are so proud of what they have achieved since they started playing together.
You can follow Bader’s Big Band on Facebook
Background
There is a wealth of evidence to show that music is beneficial to us, whether we’re listening or playing. These benefits can be enjoyed by people with disabilities and non disabled alike. Deaf people are able to appreciate music by feeling the vibrations produced and interpreting them through their other senses.
Playing music with other people and creating harmony in sound is a powerful psychological influence that can give rise to feelings of spiritual and social togetherness. Music itself is capable of engendering emotions, feelings, thoughts and images. It is an incredibly powerful and inclusive branch of the Arts.
Sorrow, gladness, yearning, hope, love, belong to all of us, in all times and in all places. Music is the only means whereby we feel these emotions in their universality. – H.A. Overstreet
‘Bader’s Big Band’ has been created to enable amputees and those with other visible and invisible disabilities to enjoy making music in a supportive and encouraging environment. This unique band has now recorded their first album at a well-known studio and performed at a variety of events. They already have several bookings for this year. The project receives support from relevant people in and connected to the music industry.
All ‘Bader’s Big Band’ events will be listed in our Events page:
Musical Inspiration
Mark Bassey, Jazz Trombonist, Composer, Arranger, Educator and Band Leader.
Mark was born with no left hand and fingers missing on his right hand. He wears a split hook on his left arm, which he attaches to a pieces of leather on his slide, and has a metal digit on his right hand, which opposes the real finger. He plays left handed on a Bach 16 with an F attachment especially fitted by trombone maker Michael Bath, to enable him to reach 6th and 7th positions more easily.
Mark Bassey has been described as ”a superb, witty player” (Dave Gelly), whose playing can stretch from the “raucous” (John Fordham) to “an exquisite sound and perfect phrasing” (Brian Plain).
Mark has kindly said that we can put up some short films of him playing, so watch and be inspired!
Mark Bassey Plays Trombone.001 – YouTube
Mark Bassey performs My Funny Valentine with 3bpm – YouTube
Mark Bassey Plays Trombone.003 – YouTube
Mark Bassey Plays Trombone.002 – YouTube
Mark Bassey with 3bpm – YouTube
Just In Time – Mark Bassey Trio – VerdictJazz – YouTube
Mark Bassey Plays Trombone.004 – YouTube
Marc E. Bassy – You & Me ft. G-Eazy – YouTube
You can check out Mark’s website by following the link