GIJF: Jambone - Sage Gateshead. April 16.

(Review by Lance).

Sage Gateshead's policy of giving young musicians the opportunity to develop any early promise shown is never better exemplified than in the ensemble. Directed and tutored by Paul Edis, who must surely be ranked as one of the UK's top jazz educators - many talented players have emerged from Jambone. The current band is a work in progress, as it always is. End of term, the stars shoot off to pastures new eg: guitarist Francis Tulip off to Birmingham Conservatoire. Francis had the awesome task of taking over the guitar chair from Bradley Johnston. That he was able to meet the challenge says much for his ability and the guidance he received. However, such is the fertile ground that no sooner have they gone than another takes their place. Perhaps 13-year-old trumpet player Lucien Guest is the next one to be noticed. His full-toned passage on Edis' Vignette suggested he could be.

But, it's unfair to make comparisions, all played to their best whether as a soloist or a section player and long may Jambone thrive.

One player is deserved of mention above all others and he wasn't even there! Baritone sax player Ciaron Jasper was reportedly stuck in a traffic jam and couldn't make the gig. How heartbreaking is that? Imagine it happening to a footballer on cup final day (not that I know any baritone sax playing footballers!)

So they needed a dep. But who, at such short notice? John Surman was around but he was preparing for his own gig.

Phil Meadows (pictured) - the man who'd actually composed the Lifecycles suite that was to be played in the second set - was commandeered, or maybe he volunteered, whatever. He's quite young but not that young yet didn't look out of place and sight read Paul Edis' parts.

This was set one.
Lance.
Apologies for the lack of photos of the  band but only the official snappers are allowed.