GIJF Day Two: AN AFTERTHOUGHT (I HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE!). JAZZATTACK Led by Paul Edis

(Review/photo by Jerry)

Reading Ann A’s comments on Jambone reminded me that I HAD intended to write a few words on some other youthful (and very useful) players, but then forgot. So may I set the record straight?

Saturday afternoon’s entertainment in the concourse kicked off with Jazzattack featuring some of the Sage’s youngest practitioners: the future of jazz in the region is safe with the likes of these young stars blowing up a storm and soloing like veterans!

After some nerves in the opening bars of Honeysuckle Rose, the band quickly got into their stride and began enjoying themselves. Smiles and applause all round at the end of the number! Some Miles Davis followed – So What? – with more good solos and a really good, full sound when playing “ensemble”. An Edis’ original was up next entitled Snazzy Dressaz (inspired, apparently, by the players’ sartorial elegance). Finally a favourite of mine, Watermelon Man, where the band got into a really good groove to end their all-too-brief gig on a high.
Everyone played without sheet music and almost everyone had a solo, which takes much “bottle” and they did it well, which takes much skill. Well done to all involved.

Jerry.