University Jazz Orchestra - Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall - 13/06/08

Sir Jack Lyons Hall, York, Friday the 13th might have been bad news for some, but it spelt nothing but good news for the audience who attended the summer concert given by the University of York Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Zezo Olimpio.

From the initial dimming of the house lights to the final encore, a sense of upbeat ambience was set for the entire show.

The first half of the concert saw the talented orchestra (all music students from the University of York) manoeuvre their way around great tunes scored for full band by jazz greats such as Dave Holland as well as some impressive in-house student compositions.

Had it not been mentioned in the programme that some of the compositions were student-composed, all of the works would have been perceived as professional compositions.

However, it was during the concert’s second half that the ensemble truly shone. The talent of the orchestra was joined by Steve Watts, an internationally-known double bass player who has performed with the likes of Julian Argüelles. Steve had coached members of the orchestra with smaller ensemble pieces (composers included Coltrane) prior to the concert.

Along with Steve, each and every ensemble performed with excellent musicianship at a professional standard. Special mention for outstanding performances goes to Phil Merriman for his superb playing of the ivories and to Tim Twomey’s thrilling saxophone solo.

Although the focus of the programme did not include languid jazz ballads, never once was there a want for anything less than the pulsing, rhythmic drives (which varied from Western to African) found throughout the show. Indeed, after the last note of the encore had faded into the distance the audience seemed unwilling to leave the auditorium...

What else could be expected after such a fabulous evening of live music and all that jazz?

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