An Evening of Big Band Jazz and Swing

Worcester Youth Jazz Orchestra

Countess of Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

DID my ears deceive me? Was this really the county's youth jazz orchestra punching out their swing into the celestial surroundings of the Huntingdon Hall?

If it wasn't for the sight of the tiny drummer poking his head out from behind the sparkling young faces of the saxophonists and the youthful gleam in the eyes of some of the trumpeters, you could be forgiven for thinking you were listening to a top grown-up jazz band.

They were fantastic! From the moment they blasted out with the opening Hop-squealin', rip-snortin', belly-achin' blues to the closing Groovin' Hard, this mighty team raised the hall's roof with their professional brand of pacy jazz.

Their polished performance is even more remarkable as they have only been together since September; cue special applause for directors Ian Hattersley and Roy Turner.

The talent of the musicians was brilliantly showcased in a varied programme that sashayed from classic Duke Ellington through Sting and Santana back to Dizzy Gillespie and Sammy Nestico.

Soloists had many chances to shine, revealing a veritable wealth of talent in the county, and indeed in our town. Redditch-based musicians included saxophonists Alex Woods and Emily Tyrell, bass guitarist Nick Roberts and trumpeters Felicity McWilliams, Annabel Kings, Paul Mosely and David Piela.

Alex, who is only 12, already plays regularly in a Headless Cross bar and has passed Grade 8, while Emily, a self-taught saxophonist, plays several instruments and has a place at the Birmingham Conservatoire in September.

SCC