Bram van Tongeren (trumpet), Harm Hillegers (clarinet, alto-saxophone), Barry Woestenburg (trombone, vocals), Robert Botman (banjo), Lauryan Feijen (bass, vocals), Bob Leijen (drums, vocals), Carmen Vos (piano).
In the UK I sometimes have the impression that, to play New Orleans Jazz, the main essentials are to have a senior citizen's bus pass and a first edition of A Hundred Hot Licks for Bb Instruments (pub. Herman Darewski).
In Holland, and indeed mainland Europe and The World, these rules don't seem to apply as the Whitley Bay Jazz Festival proved last weekend and as the oddly named Oriental Jazz Band did tonight at Gateshead Fell.
The young Dutchmen (and woman) with an average age I would guess of around 25 played a rocking set that had the dance floor in business from the second number onwards.
It reminded me in places of the old Dutch Swing College Band and it was good to know that there are young musicians fanning the flames of early jazz. Jazz/music shouldn't be a victim of ageism a player should feel free to play the music he wants to play whether it be New Orleans, Bebop or Hebridean folk songs on the bagpipes.
The Oriental Jazz Band combine the wonderful ability to be both musicians and entertainers and, despite their youth, performed with maturity and professionalism.
Impossible to list all the highlights but Georgia On My Mind with a vocal by drummer Bob Leijen and some magnificent blues inspired piano choruses from pianist Vos was one. Another was Hillegers' Charlie Holmes-like alto on Girl of my Dreams. There'll Be Some Changes Made saw the ensemble release it's power in a polyphonic explosion whilst Someday You'll Be Sorry featured the round-toned trumpet of Van Tongeren.
Vocals were ably handled by drummer Leijan and trombonist Woestenburg with solid support from bass and banjo.
A splendid gig with a good appreciative crowd.
Catch the band at Boston Spa tomorrow (Saturday July 17).
Lance
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