With a full house, the atmosphere was great from the very start of the night. Trinity Jazz Collective kicked things off with a tribute to the legendary Herbie Hancock, finishing their set with the funk/fusion track Hang Up Your Hang Ups.
Georgia Mancio was our special guest for the night. Joining her were Gareth Lockrane (piano/flute), Dave Ohm (drums) and our very own Head of Jazz, Rock and Pop, Joe Pettitt (bass). Georgia’s set consisted of standards from the Great American Songbook interspersed with her own songs, co-written with two-time Grammy award-winner Alan Broadbent.
The audience was made up of current and past Trinity students, parents, governors and staff along with jazz fans from the wider community. It was great to see recent alumni in attendance and full of praise for the current students. “Phenomenal” was how Gareth Lockrane (jazz professor at the Royal Academy of Music) described the Trinity musicians and Georgia hailed them as “tremendous”.
One audience member, Mr Steele, Assistant Bursar, shared his view of the entertainment:
“Last Friday’s Trinity Jazz Club was an unforgettable experience, showcasing a delightful blend of talent and camaraderie. The atmosphere in the Sixth Form Centre was relaxed, with a lively buzz that set the perfect stage for an evening of exceptional music.
Guest singer Georgia Mancio wowed us with her mesmerizing vocals. Her smooth delivery and emotional depth were reminiscent of the greats, such as Ella Fitzgerald, and her ability to connect emotionally with the crowd made her performance even more captivating.
The student players of the Trinity Jazz Collective were equally impressive. Leo brought a charming energy to the stage with his vocals. Ben on trombone added a rich, brassy texture that lifted the performance. Gabriel dazzled on the trumpet, his solos filled with flair and creativity. Benjy on saxophone showcased impressive dexterity and improvisational skills, while Jasper’s guitar work was both intricate and soulful. Ellis on piano and the drums provided a solid backbone for the ensemble, showcasing his versatility and flair on both instruments.
What truly stood out was the interaction among the musicians. Their sense of fun was infectious, as they shared smiles and laughter while playing, along with some impressive dance moves in perfect unison! It was a fabulous opportunity for the students to jam with a professional, led by the ever-charismatic Head of Jazz, whose head-spinning bass runs and smooth style added an extra layer of depth and drive to the band’s performance, reminding us why jazz is such a beloved genre.
The evening was not just about the music—it was a community gathering, a chance to unwind and enjoy the artistry of young musicians alongside talented professionals. The relaxed vibe, superb musicianship, and palpable joy of the performers made this a night to remember.”
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The next Jazz Club at Trinity School, Croydon, is scheduled for March, please watch out for more details nearer the time.
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