Phenomenal jazz and blues night

Dixie Band, Christ's Hospital SUS-180220-144627001

Top class jazz musicians came together with pupils and music teachers to create a phenomenal jazz and blues evening in the theatre at Christ's Hospital on Friday February 2.

Trumpet and drums player Peter Batchelar, Senior Grecian (head boy, Year 13) said: “For me, this Jazz and Blues night, being my last whilst at Christ’s Hospital, was particularly special.

“The usual jazz café atmosphere was warm and relaxed with a fantastic programme of music to match.

“A more intimate first half saw a range of small ensembles play some classic tunes such as the vocal duet of ‘Dream a Little Dream’ as performed by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ performed by the Dixie band and ‘Comes Love’ arranged by Jules Jackson, the instrumental jazz teacher, and performed by the senior jazz ensemble.

“The second half opened in style with ‘In the Mood’ by Glenn Miller and welcomed the Big Band to the stage. Other well-known tunes including ‘American Patrol’, ‘Lil Darlin’’ and ‘It don’t mean a thing’ followed.

“Throughout the evening, the audience were treated to some top class professional jazz musicians.

“Welcoming musicians such as Nikki Iles (voted best pianist in the 2017 British Jazz Awards), Simon Bates and Pete Cater to the School to perform was one thing but having the opportunity to perform with them on stage, particularly in the big band, was incredible.

“I would like to thank music teachers Steve Titchener, Rachel Taylor and Jules Jackson (former pupil) especially for all their hard work in making this fantastic evening possible.”