Jazz Band Reunion Gig
Tuesday 11th January 2005
Every year the College Jazz Band meets up just before Christmas to welcome any Alton College Jazzers, old or new, to play in the final gig of the year. It is possibly the most awaited, much anticipated gig of the year - Friday 17th December was definitely no exception.
Starting the night off was the Big Band 2004/2005 playing such hits as "Are We Keeping You Up Sir?", "I've Got You Under My Skin" (wonderfully sung by Alan Brough) and of course the one and only "Spain". With some extremely tight harmonic playing, the Big Band certainly got the night off to a good start.
Pictured above: The Jazz Band 2004/2005 playing "Oh Lord Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb On Me!"
Next up were the Jazz Band 2004/2005 starting off with "St Thomas", from which we heard excellent solos from most of the band, followed up by just a few Mingus tunes from "My Jelly Roll Soul" to "Oh Lord Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb On Me!", hearing sensational interlocking solos from Luke Jones and Louise Coady.
We then heard from the Jazz Band 2003/2004, starting off with "Black and Tan Fantasy", followed with the likes of "Nostalgia in Times Square" and straight on to "Moanin'". Great solos as always from Richard Shepherd and Neil Blandford.
Pictured above: No room at the Inn!
Finally it was then time for any Alton College Jazz lover to come and join in a massed performance of Chick Corea's "Spain", not to mention "Oye Como Va". At this point we were hearing stunning solos by members of the band from years ago and present, all playing together - the sound can only be described as immense!
It is safe to say that this is one annual gig that should never be missed!
Review by Tim Ower.