Big Band performs at Sunderland Jazz Festival

Posted on 6 March 2010

The Big Band once again took to the stage at the Great Northern Big Band Jazz Festival, held at Sunderland University. They were performing alongside a whole host of top Big Bands, from Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, Newcastle University, Durham University, the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band, and the Big Band from Leeds College of Music.

The ULMS played an eclectic repertoire which showed off the bands many abilities. They started with a punchy opening playing the funk piece, made famous by the Average White Band, Pick up the Pieces. This was followed with Li’l Darlin, a quiet jazz number which completely changed the mood, composed and arranged in 1958 by Neal Hefti for Count Basie. This featured a trumpet solo by Jenni Hughes which was praised by judges Paul Jones of the BBC Big Band and Mick Donnelly. This was followed by a vocal piece, New in London, sung by Beth Evans, who was once again praised by the judges. The final piece was Gordon Goodwin’s Count Bubba, which featured all the sections, but a special mention was given to the rhythm section, in particular drummer Rachael Keefe, by the adjudicators.

The band was then able to watch the other bands, who were all of a high standard. The clear winners, taking three of the four awards on offer were Leeds College of Music, who produced an amazing performance, and were deserved winners of the competition. The ULMS Big Band held its own against stiff competition, a fact that is even more impressive by the fact that many of the members of this band are not music students, unlike the likes of Leeds College of Music who are performance specialists.

The trip was a great experience for the band. The organiser of the competition, Bill Watson, praised ULMS Big Band, saying that “A number of people spoke to me about how much they had enjoyed your performance and looking forward to hearing you again next year.” Phil Allcock, Big Band Conductor, said “the Big Band did themselves proud. They held their own against other university big bands and received very favourable feedback from the judges. This is especially good considering that 75% of the band are new this year, and many play as a hobby whilst studying a degree other than music”.

Big Band Members:

Conductor: Phil Allcock

Saxes: Michelle Butler, Laura Dady, Luke Johnson, Siobham Latham, Heather Law, Hannah Ogden, Alice Powell, Jonathon Phippen

Trumpets: John Berry, James Fialho, Jenni Hughes, Hannah McKenzie, Mike Turner

Trombones: George Bell, Richard Hall, Ole Hunt, Max Stannard

Rhythm Section: Stewart Colley, Rachael Keefe, Alex Phillips, Sam Walters

Vocals: Beth Evans