Past Rehearsal – September 2025 – Craxton’s Studio, London

‘the 22’ played at rehearsal at Craxton’s Studio, London, September 2025.

From notes on manuscript to a pre-concert performance was a huge leap. Each one of the musicians allowed the comfort of their talent and experience to bring David Mellor’s music to life.

‘the 22’ played multiple genres across Swing, Ballads and existing Jazz tracks, reimagined using some of David’s original compositions, in the manner of Miles Davis, Bill Evans and others. They played standard Latin tracks, and originals in the manner of Antonio Carlos Jobim. ‘the 22’ also showcase an appreciation of film music with several classic examples including a nod to Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth.

One of the reason’s Woody Allen’s 2011 movie ‘Midnight in Paris’ was so successful was his choice of a French soundtrack; within the concert is a section featuring just that. The music of Sidney Bechet is featured by Andy Tweed on Soprano Sax, lead violinist Warren Zielinski and Guitarist Sam Dunn playing Django Reinhardt’s Gypsy Jazz.  Karen Street on Accordion, with Charlie Pyne, reproduces classic French chanson.

Sam Dunn features with Frank Schaefer on David’s original composition ‘Opus for Guitar and Cello’, a track in the classic Spanish guitar style plus Karen Street features a Tango piece.

At the root of the music is the appreciation for both new and standard Soul tracks, and features Charlie Pyne interpretating some of Aretha Franklin’s work.

‘the 22’ were delighted to be captured in rehearsal by our partners at Tim Hand productions.