Sinatra sang about New York and Chicago. Now Newark, Nottinghamshire, has something to sing about.

Because local jazz trumpeter, Nathan Bray, has composed a six part suite of music celebrating the market town’s glories – past and present.

Nathan is one of the music businesses busiest performers. Playing on TV shows such as X-Factor, regularly performing at Ronnie Scott’s Club in Soho and currently on tour with the Birmingham Royal Ballet in a stellar jazz orchestra, Nathan has composed a six set suite of music to be premiered at Newark Jazz Festival, on May 16th.

Nathan has performed alongside such jazz greats as Quincy Jones, Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson and McCoy Tyner. He will be playing with Leader of Ronnie Scott’s Big Band Pete Long, Trombonist David Williamson, one of the West End’s busiest drummers, Elliott Henshaw, and pianist John Turville, to bring his new composition to life, with the East Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra, winners of last year’s East Midlands Young Jazz Awards instigated by Newark Jazz Festival.

‘Newark’ is described as ‘accessible music with the big band influences of Count Basie and Duke Ellington’. The six linked pieces lead the listener through the Civil War, the influence of Lady Godiva – once the major landowner in Newark, composer John Blow, the River Trent and the development of the Great North Road.

The Newark Suite was specially commissioned Newark Town Council and funded by the National Lottery’s Awards For All scheme. It has enabled him to make the music available for local schoolchildren to link history and music curriculum areas: “My big passion in life is communication for me, communication is easy through music. I want the kids to be inspired.”

Nathan says that composing was the easiest bit: “I have had an incredible journey from concept through to performance. Once I had my theme chosen – the history of Newark - the music flowed. Now I have adapted the music for individual instruments and their role within the orchestra, booked studios and recorded tracks.

“I am particularly excited about bringing together the vibrant energy and enthusiasm of the Youth Orchestra members with the experience and talent of Guy Barker and Stan Tracey.”

Nathan Bray’s Newark Suite will be premiered at Newark Parish Church on Friday May 16th at 6.30pm. Tickets £15 and £12.

Newark Jazz Festival runs from May 16 – 18 with over 70 performances at 30 town centre venues. Most of the gigs are free entry. More information and tickets available from www.newarkjazz.co.uk