(Review by Russell).
The Eastern Area Schools Youth Jazz Orchestra is a
shining example of jazz education at its best. Based in Scarborough, the
ensemble performs regularly in Yorkshire and, as and when funds permit, further
afield including frequent visits to Wearside to take part in the annual Great
North Big Band Jazz Festival in Sunderland. EASY, as the outfit is known, has
become a fixture at Scarborough. This year’s invite included a workshop session
with Alan Barnes and Gareth Williams. Christmas comes early to
Scarborough!
As the Grand Hall’s afternoon session ended, festival
goers filtered through the lounge to order another pint of Wold Top Brewery’s
festival beer and claim a seat in the Spa’s Sun Court to listen to the EASY
band. Tutored year round by dedicated, unsung musicians – Ralph Alder and Nigel
Blenkiron, to name but two – this Scarborough Jazz Festival date must surely
rank as up there with the most prestigious in the EASY’s diary. Alan Barnes and
Gareth Williams took it in turn to share conducting duties with Alder and
Blenkiron.
A nine-strong saxophone section, five trumpets, four
trombones and a rhythm section of piano, bass and drums got stuck into Back in Blue Orleans, Stolen Moments, Yesterdays and many others. Soloists impressed, Barnes and Williams
were impressed, and spoke of the vital role of bands such as the EASY orchestra
in nurturing the next generation of jazz stars. Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely? engendered a ‘feel
good’ atmosphere and to end, Mr A Barnes sat in the reeds’ section to play the Pink Panther theme. Barnesy just about
held his own. At the conclusion of the Eastern Area Schools Youth Orchestra’s
set Ralph Alder presented the Geoff Laycock Memorial Cup to the band’s Musician
of the Year. A proud Ben Quilter, drums, stepped forward to accept the award
which was established by family members of the late Geoff Laycock, a man who,
for many years, was a key figure in the development of the band and a
well-known figure on the regional music scene.
Russell.
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