NYJO, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, have not only provided the launching pad for a large number of young British jazz musicians but they have also added another dimension to big band music; humour!
Their version of "Don't Dilly Dally On The Way" is the (intentionally) funniest track I have heard in years; a feat achieved without any musical compromise (well not much). Its from their "London Pride" album.
The same album includes "A Nightingale SWANG in Berkeley Square."
Bird and Diz recorded tunes such as "Anthropology" and "Ornithology" based on the chords of "I Got Rhythm" and "How High The Moon" respectively. NYJO had a bop arrangement called "Gynaecology" based on, wait for it, "Thou Swell"!
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NYJO, of course, is lead by Musical Director Bill Ashton who has done a grand job of keeping the band alive.
Cormac Loane, who had a spell with band in the 70/80s, described Bill Ashton to me as "a mad Andy Hudson" which, as anyone who knows Andy Hudson will realise, puts Bill Ashton in the near certifiable category.
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