Jambone @ Sage Concourse - March 5

An informal first public outing for Jambone under their new director, Jason Holcomb, aiming to get the band out and about more after two years of reduced exposure. Jason has taken over from Paul Edis, who had ten distinguished years at the helm of the Sage Youth Music Programme’s  jazz ensemble. Any concerns over the giant sized shoes to fill were not apparent, as our effusive young American trombonist and educator (he is also Head of Brass and Director of the Big Band at Newcastle University) introduced his junior charges. He enthusiastically led them through a well judged programme of sprightly old favourites and crowd pleasers, and the band responded in some style to his anecdotes and encouragement.

The concert was in lieu of attendance at the Great North Big Band Jazz Festival at Chester-le-Street this weekend, due to lack of rehearsal time, and maybe due to lack of numbers.  Jason had judiciously augmented the horn section with a trombone from the university and my first impression was actually how strong they sounded as they kicked off with a portentous intro unwinding into the familiar loping stride of The Chicken.  This was driven along nicely by electric bassist Jack locking in nicely with authoritative and propulsive drumming from Nathan Hulme, which was to be a feature of the rest of the gig.  This was followed by an up tempo, short and sweet rendition of Caravan, leading into the Mardi Gras New Orleans seasonal anthem When the Saints Go Marching in – Jason clearly missing his home country this week!

 

In addition to confident solos spread liberally around the band, and contributions from Izaac on keys spurring them on,  an unexpected highlight was the appearance of two vocalists, Neve and Sophie, for a very engaging rendition of God Bless the Child. Both young singers powerfully and maturely captured Lady Day’s classic, and even gave us a couple of choruses together in sweet harmony as a duet. They were guesting from other programmes at Sage, so hopefully we’ll hear more from them drafted in with Jambone!

 

The band followed this up with a funky version of Pass the Peas, with confident and effective solos from literally all the band. Enthusiastic applause from the late afternoon coffee and muffins brigade predictably drew an encore (Bye Bye Blackbird) to close the proceedings. All in all, great to see Jambone out and about: clearly in capable and enthusiastic hands with Jason, sensibly starting with some fun and funky repertoire. More please! Chris K

Joseph Meston, James Goldberg, Ferg Kilsby, (trumpet); Caris ? (trombone); Adam Johnstone (alto sax); Izaac Wilson (keys); George Ivanov (guitar);Jack ? (bass guitar); Nathan Hulme (drums); Neve Raine, Sophie Gordon  (vocals).