Talented musicians on show in Jazz in the Barnes

The great American Jazz pianist, Keith Jarrett, said that ‘Jazz is there and gone. It happens. You have to be present for it. That simple.’ Those of us lucky enough to be in the Barnes Theatre last week for the annual ‘Jazz in the Barnes’ concert were privileged to be part of one such transient, brilliant, musical moment.  

The first set was performed by the Jazz Band, under the baton of Katy Landon. They took us from Funkytown to Hawaii, via Havana, with some sizzling solos along the way. I particularly enjoyed the mellifluous Jasper H (O, UVI) on Alto Sax, and Meadow P (MSH, V)’s heartfelt vocal rendition of ‘This is Me’, from the Greatest Showman.  

The stage was then taken by ‘All that Jazz’, an entirely student-led ensemble, consisting of some of our most talented and versatile senior musicians. We were treated to amazing solos by Ed P (R, UVI), Max D (Rb, LVI), Ivo W, (Rb, LVI) and Billy G (SH, LVI) – all held together by the rock-solid rhythm of drummer Ethan P (I, UVI).  

As a last-minute addition to the programme, Mrs McKenzie had prepared a special treat: a premiere of Alexander L’Estrange’s brilliant new feminist anthem, ‘Twenty-First Century Woman’. Sung by a massed girls’ choir and accompanied by an all-girl band, this was a genuinely moving and empowering performance. Those of you able to get to chapel next week will be able to hear a reprise as we celebrate International Women’s Day.  

The final set of the night was performed by the Big Band, whose repertoire never ceases to amaze and astound. Fiendishly complicated arrangements and virtuoso solos came thick and fast: Ed P, Ivo W, George R (PH, IV) and Oliver C (R, LVI) on trumpet, Max D and Oliver C (Rb, LVI) on Sax, Laurie M (Rb, UVI) on guitar, Rufus T (Ch, UVI) on congas and Ed P, Pippa L-S (G, IV), Luke W (SH, LVI), Gaby T (G, UVI), Hattie A (G, LVI) and Billy G (SH, LVI) on vocals. Watching the performers shift around the stage, moving from instrumentals to vocals without missing a beat, was an impressive demonstration of the extraordinary versatility and talent of these young musicians.  

Enormous thanks to all the staff and students involved. 

Dr Helen Brown

Deputy Head (Co-Curricular)

You can watch Jazz in the Barnes here: