Fluent and intelligent jazz is thriving in Norfolk with musicians of such dynamic creativity, reports Roger Haywood, arts and jazz critic for the Eastern Daily Press.
Five Norfolk musicians at the peak of their abilities made an impressive debut at the celebrated jazz venue, the Dereham Jazz Society at Lyng. This was their debut as it marked the first performance of the ensemble outside their home base; this is the Cottage pub in Norwich, where they perform to enthusiastic fans every Monday night, with many talented musicians from across the county and beyond, joining them to show their own styles and skills.
This first club performance by these players was greeted with delight by the enthusiasts at the club in Lyng, near Dereham. The leader of the Norwich jazzjam band, Brendan Youngs, plays a powerful electric double bass, the heart of the rhythm section. He was excellently supported by the amazing fluidity of Lee Vasey who has earned his reputation as one of the finest UK jazz guitarists. His flights were supported by the impeccable chords of Ian Hireson on rhythm guitar. Driving the band was the accomplished drumming of the youngest player, the amazing Matt Furness. He may look 14, as he is, but he already sounds like a star in the making. Front man, Mark Jolley, on electric violin, perhaps more familiar in the folk scene, demonstrated his stylish skills with sensitive, soaring solos, also taking the lead on most numbers.
Two horn players were added to the band for the night and both made distinctive contributions. Buzz Clarke, dominated the performance with his superbly muscular and creative trombone. Alongside him, was the diminutive Gerry Salisbury, a respected jazz veteran, yielding not an inch in his distinctive and witty cornet … nor sounding as if he is planning to retire, despite being 70 years older than Matt!
Gerry has played many times at DJS which is a club he helped to form some years ago. That master of the clarinet, Pete Oxborough, who has often played alongside Gerry, also joined for the second set and changed the whole mood of the session. His playing was exhilarating with a brilliant tone, making up the classic front line … but swinging as if it would go out of fashion!
The tight ensemble playing and impressive solos were greeted with enthusiasm by the knowledgeable fans at the club. This is a band that is not just new on the scene but which is certain to be central to the rising popularity of polished and tuneful jazz in our region.
