GIJF Day 1 NYJO with Mark Nightingale, Jacqui Dankworth and Jason Yarde. April 5.

(Review by Lance)
(NYJO trumpet section. Photo credit: Mark Savage.)
After Jambone's opening set with Tim Garland and Paul Edis' compositions (review due shortly), NYJO had it all to do.
However, NYJO has grown in stature over the years and these days it can hold its own against any big band anywhere. Add soloists of the calibre of Mark Nightingale, Jason Yarde and Jacqui Dankworth and you have the ingredients for an evening of unmitigated delight!

The brass section in particular unleashed their power from the start - a big, round, collective, sound that,. aided by the legendary Hall One acoustics, shouted out, "hold on to the ceiling".

The saxes, smooth and facile, the rhythm section driving the horns forward and, with MD Mark Armstrong holding it all together, they told us in no uncertain terms that THIS IS AN ORCHESTRA!

Lots of good soloists within the band whose names I unfortunately didn't catch and 3 superb guests.

Mark Nightingale's trombone feature Bill from Showboat was an absolute joy to hear. A big sound, he took the Jerome Kern tune and made it not Bill but William, Sir William, King William - William the Conqueror!

Ms Dankworth looked lovely and sounded super then Jason Yarde on alto joined up with Nightingale for Tag. An amazing arrangement. Dissonant, discordant and complex it made Kenton's Peanut Vendor sound like the local Sally Army band playing Abide With Me! This was wild and then some!
Leader Armstrong blew trumpet (or was it flugel? Can't remember) on What is This Thing Called Love?
Dawn Before Dark Before Dawn was dedicated to the late Chris Dagley and the final number brought all three guests together for a jam on Oh Lady Be Good with Jacqui's vocalese chorus outstanding.
A good start to the festival.
Lance.