The Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra was delighted to welcome back trumpeter and composer Laura Jurd on Sunday 8th December for a workshop and sell-out performance as part of the SoundCellar jazz series.
Prior to the performance, Laura led a workshop with the band members where she expertly guided them through the co-creation of a jazz version of the Coventry Carol. This composition was created purely through listening and improvisation – no written music was involved! The piece included a number of different sections/movements with contrasting textures and moods with all members of the band contributing. The band gave the composition it’s world premier during the evening’s gig and, under Laura’s guidance, they even created new elements spontaneously in front of the audience! It was fantastic!
The rest of the performance was under the skilful direction of the band’s leader, renown local jazz saxophonist, Terry Quinney. The band’s set included a range of numbers from those composed in the early days of jazz, such as Duke Ellington’s C Jam Blues, right up to present day pieces such as Ezra Collective’s Victory Dance. Throughout these numbers, the band’s young musicians showed off their excellent solo improvising skills – alongside those of Laura – and were continually applauded by the audience as each solo was completed.
At the end of the band’s set, the packed venue demanded an encore and were duly treated to DYJO’s unofficial theme tune – and firm band favourite – Joe Zawinul’s Birdland.
DYJO is recruiting! The band welcomes young musicians from across the county of Dorset who are in full time education and are under the age of 21. If you, or a young musician you know, would like to find out what it’s like to be in DYJO, free taster sessions are available at the band’s monthly rehearsals. For more details, please visit the DYJO page on the Dorset Music Service webpages: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/education-and-training/dorset-music-service/playing-opportunities/county-music-groups/county-music-groups.