Having been interested the local jazz scene in Derby and the East Midlands for some years; I was keen to see what was on offer as part of the annual jazz week organized by Derby Jazz.

In the past, a large part of my experience with jazz was made up of going to live gigs by MYJO (Midland youth Jazz Orchestra), and so this was a chance to see what its younger brother had to offer.

Joining the group for this gig was Alan Barnes, an accomplished saxophone and clarinet player, with a sparkling talent for writing with both small and large ensembles. While not knowing much about Alan's musical history, his name and reputation precedes him and his contribution to the band was both energetic and inspiring. His confident solo technique accented the solid backing of the band in numerous charts and his skills as a writer was embraced by a small break-away ensemble performing his famous 'Sherlock Holmes Suite'

Driven by solid and energetic direction of the M.D, Jonathan Eno, each section of the band complimented each other in their variety of charts, including such favourites as 'Night Train', 'Sing Sang Sung', and a soulful, down-tempo performance to the Latin beats of 'Sway' with Nikki Foster on vocals. All the time, the rhythm section expertly adapting to the many styles, from smooth 1920's cabaret to the modern beats of Latin and funk. 

Being a reasonably young band in comparison to other big band jazz groups, their slight inexperience was, at times, noticeable, however listening to the band as a whole, their wide range of styles as well as the numerous soloists, that Jon Eno can call on at any time to adapt quickly and confidently to the piece, this band will soon be able to put Derby and the East Midlands on the Great British jazz scene map.

Tim Nicholls