Wow! On Sunday 21st September, the Project Swing Big Band, formed and led by Andrew Monfroy (also of Sweet Thunder) proved that jazz is alive and kicking! The Band’s mission is to connect young musicians to older people through music and this shone brightly, with two school-aged brothers holding their own in a powerhouse line-up.
The program showcased a thoughtful balance of timeless classics and lesser-known gems, opening with Basie’s Time Stream, followed by Thelonious Monk’s Well you needn’t (but they did!) and closing the first set with Lester Young’s fiery Tickle Toe. Highlights included Quincy Jones’s Muttnik and Louie Belson’s moody Hyde Park 2am,
Caitlin Chester, as well as anchoring the rhythm on electric bass, delighted with her confident vocals, revealing her sensitive interpretation of jazz phrasing to several songs: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Jobim’s No more blues, Hallelujah, I love him so, But not for me and Alright with me.
The saxophonists, trumpeters and trombonists dazzled with superb solos, displaying both technical flair and expressive depth and the rhythm section – drums, piano, guitar and bass, tightly held the ensemble together.
The second set kept momentum high, launching with another Basie favourite, Hay Burner followed by the aptly named Barn Burner, delivered with breathtaking pace and energy. Basie tunes continued to feature with Flight of the Foo Birds and Corner pocket, while Caitlin charmed again with classics such as Blue skies, I can’t give you anything but love, Embraceable you, L.O.V.E., and All of me. A funky Pixel added a modern edge and Jelly Roll Morton’s Wolverine closed the show and the audience’s enthusiasm earned a well-deserved encore – a spirited rendition of Charlie Parker’s Yardbird Suite.
From start to finish, the concert was a joyous celebration of jazz across generations. The Project Swing Big Band not only honoured the masters but also injected youthful verve and creativity proving that the language of jazz continues to inspire, connect and thrive and the next generation of jazz is in safe hands.
The Club wishes to acknowledge and thank its member, Jules Verity, for preparing this review.
