Book now: Abstract Orchestra does Dilla at Band on the Wall

As every hip hop head knows, February is Jay Dee aka J Dilla month: he died young in 2006, and came into the world during the same month 32 years earlier. A trailblazing producer (Slum Village, A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Common to name only a handful) whose influence resonates stronger than ever, many of his best compositions were reinterpreted for an orchestra by LA’s Miguel Atwood-Ferguson in 2009 with the landmark Suite For Ma Dukes – it’s this performance that has inspired the UK’s own Abstract Orchestra to put together their own interpretation of Dilla’s work. The crew comprises of a big band, live hip-hop rhythm section with two MCs plus guest singers. With musicians who have performed with some of the world’s best, including Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse, Martha Reeves and Jamiroquai, expect a jaw dropping rendition of selected examples of the timeless genius of Jay Dee. I’ll be on warm-up duties, delving deep into his back catalogue.

Thu 2 Feb, Band On The Wall, 25 Swan Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 5JZ. Tel: 0161 834 1786, 7.30pm, £8 / £10 / £12, www.bandonthewall.org