NYJO Success @ National Music Festival
NYJO were excited by the invitation to perform at the National Music for Youth festival, CBSO Centre in Birmingham on 10th July. One of the first bands to play, they earned high commendations from the judges for the quality and passion of performance. Here’s what the judges wrote about the 3 tunes that NYJO performed:
Spain - What a beautifully played opening to this tune. Lovely buoyant grove to this tune. Great to hear both drums and percussion. Excellent ensemble playing displayed here- great blending and phrasing. Much attention has been given to changes of texture, dynamics etc., giving lots of interest to the performance.
Mr Bojangles - Nice change of tempo and feel. This was very well sung. I liked the rhythm section playing – piano fills well supported by the rest of the band, there a really strong sense of involvement here. Well done.
Count Bubba - Fantastic energy and sense of swing here. Great to see drums and percussion swap round. Very exciting ensemble playing. Solo sections very well negotiated – stylish playing. Love the way the R/section calms down and grooves for the solo sections – excellent improvising.
Next steps: This is a very fine band indeed, displaying not only excellent ensemble playing but fine solos too. Think about developing the improvisation element further (“small band within big band”), more interaction between soloists and the rhythm section would add yet more variety and excitement to the performance. Improvised backings? Repertoire: perhaps explore some more non-natural charts – odd time feels? You’re well up to it. We were very impressed – keep it up!
NYJO Success @ B’ham Festival
Saturday, 10 July 2010
