100 Steps to Heaven – A Celebration of the Music of Miles Davis

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The New Tones Jazz Orchestra marks his centenary in Bedford Park

Miles Davis

April 17, 2026

St Michael and All Angels Church in Bedford Park will be filled with the unmistakable sound of classic jazz this spring as the New Tones Jazz Orchestra presents 100 Steps to Heaven, a one-night celebration of the music of Miles Davis. The concert takes place on Wednesday 20 May, from 7pm to 9pm, offering audiences a rare chance to hear a 17-piece big band explore the full sweep of Davis’s acoustic legacy.

The performance marks what would have been the 100th birthday of the legendary trumpeter, composer and bandleader, whose influence shaped the sound of 20th-century jazz. The programme spans Davis’s evolution from bebop and cool jazz to the orchestral collaborations with Gil Evans and the groundbreaking quintets of the 1950s and 60s. Expect fresh arrangements of classics including So What, My Funny Valentine, All Blues and other defining works from the era.

Led by local pianist James Hayes, the New Tones Jazz Orchestra brings together some of London’s most accomplished jazz musicians, including Amy Winehouse collaborators Aaron Liddard and Giles Straw, and West End trumpet players Graham Russell and Andy Gibson. Making full use of the church’s resonant acoustics, the band will perform in the round, giving audiences an immersive experience with music unfolding from every direction.

Tickets are £15, including entry and a complimentary drink — a fitting welcome for an evening that promises both atmosphere and artistry. With its blend of world-class musicianship and community spirit, 00 Steps to Heaven offers a vibrant tribute to one of jazz’s most transformative figures.

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