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Jazz Nites

22 March 2012

Over 400 guests were treated to great food and scintillating music on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th March at the School Jazz Nites.  Over 40 musicians made up several bands and combos playing to an incredibly high standard.

I never can find enough superlatives to use to describe these 2 evenings. David Fitzgerald and Richard Allain brought together a very special bunch of exceedingly talented musicians in a very short space of time.

Phil Ashford played 2 sets of well-known guitar ballads and Georgie Franklin treated us all to spine tingling renditions of some fine jazz standards - reminiscent of the late Amy Winehouse.  The fine Ed Bartram blasted out some massive numbers such as New York New York - the maturity of both their voices is far beyond their young years. Hattie Ekbery was also a true delight and again wooed the audience with her sultry tones and Annie Wilson, making her vocal debut, sang beautifully.  Then came George Salter's rock n roll band with some upbeat toe-tapping dance floor fillers.  Moriah again gave the audience everything they have come to expect from this amazingly talented bunch of young men. World renowned Tony Parsons on trombone stepped in for the absent Tom Isaac and David F was also waving his jazz flute and sax like a magic wand. This might be Moriah's last gig so do try to catch their CD before they all sell out. They will be sorely missed next year. Thanks again guys for a fine show.

The senior Jazz Band were again on top form. The sax line up of Alex Barnes, Emily Briggs, Elle Tivey, Alice Rickett, Freya Aquarone, David Hoare, Sandy Ni'Man, Geo Rolls (Finlay Hanlon as a cameo role) were a delight with the back line from the effervescent Cam Johnson, Rebecca Lawrence and Els DeVrijer.  Geo Rolls and David Hoare were also power houses alongside the fine Eric Grunstein on keyboard and Felix Peckitt also on second keyboard. Fran Ball treated us all again to a fine lesson in how to play a drum solo, ably assisted by Amelia Farrant on the bongos. George Salter and Rose Buchan on rhythm guitar with Matt Dunnett on bass kept the engine ticking along nicely.

Over £2500 was raised for Cancer UK. Many, many thanks to all the parents, pupils, ONs and staff who came to support these fantastic events.

Special mention must go to all the L6 and U6 Cokesians and senior prefect helpers who were are a huge credit to the House and School. We couldn't do this event without them or Sarah Priestley and John Sharpe with their talented catering team.  Rachel Lightfoot was again instrumental and always a great help at yet another event.

See you all next year! Tickets will be on sale from January 2013.

Graham Hanlon