This latest release from Billy Marrows features the Grande Família Sextet, made up of three horn players from the 'Penelope' album, the drummer from the 'Penelope' album launch and one of Billy's long time bass associates.

"A superb follow-up to his debut album ‘Penelope’, the EP features some of the UK’s finest up-and-coming talent”
Ruth Fisher, Jazz FM

It was recorded at the Vortex Jazz Club with the band in the round, surrounded by some of Penny Marrows' paintings (Billy's mother). 

The track 'Mount Tibidabo' is a musical representation of Billy's journey to the top of Mount Tibidabo and back...

This trio version of 'A Grande Família' features Flo Moore on bass and Tom Potter on drums, improvising on the original "lead sheet" for Grande Família's signature tune, which was the first single of the 'Penelope' album.

'The Heron' is inspired by a card Billy received from American friends of his mum informing him that one of them took the photo of Penny in her youth used inside the 'Penelope' album. The card features a heron playing an orange accordion with the tale of Bruce Balfour Great Blue Heron on the back.

The EP ends with a sextet arrangement of the beautiful traditional American sea shanty Shenandoah, expanding upon the solo guitar version that concluded the 'Penelope' album.

​Billy Marrows guitar
Mike Soper trumpet (1,2,4)
Tom Ridout soprano/tenor saxophone (1,2,4)
Olli Martin tenor/bass trombone (1,2,4)
Flo Moore electric bass
Tom Potter drums

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All compositions by Billy Marrows except Shenandoah (trad arr. Billy Marrows)

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Recorded by Jack Perry-Cockings on 16th July 2024
Mixed and mastered by Alex Bonney
Photos and videos by Ted Smith - Glass Eye Factory
Artworks by Penny Marrows (1951-2023)​​