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| © Sylvia T |
The evening was organised by Jason Holcomb, the affable American Geordie trombonist who is currently the Head of Brass Studies at Newcastle University as well as being the Director of the Newcastle University Music Department Ensemble Programme.
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| © Sylvia T |
Not long after the
7:30pm opening of the doors the first ensemble took to the stage. A spirited
version of Lullaby of Birdland featured solos by trumpet, tenor, alto,
trombone and keys over a solid bass guitar and drums rhythm. If they were
nervous it didn't show. People don't often realise that the toughest audience
in the world is an audience of friends, neighbours, workmates or, in this case,
classmates. In other words people you are going to see the next day. Blow a
clinker in front of strangers who cares? Do it in front of 'friends' and it
will be remembered maybe even brought up ten years later when you're headlining at Pilgrim or other prestigious venues.
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| © Sylvia T |
However, I digress.
Various combinations of singers and players came and went. It wasn't all jazz
there was pop and soul and funky music played. Interestingly the female of
the species outnumbered the male.
I didn't make a note of the names and I'm not going to single out individuals, they all gave it their best shot.
Songs included: Autumn Leaves; Mr Magic; Isn't She Lovely?; Play That Funky Music; Let it be, My Funny Valentine and Out of Office by an all girl band who have adopted the name for their group.
It was good to see and hear the embryonic talent and I look forward to charting their development,
Special thanks to Jason and the team at Pilgrim who provided his students with afternoon rehearsal space.
Jason's own band Castillo Nuevo Orquesta are at Pilgrim tonight (7:30pm) where you can salsa, samba and rumba the night away. Lance
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