The Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra were the stars of the show on Wednesday 16th January as they took over the Atlee Suite in the House of Commons' Portcullis House. The young players made the trip to London to show off their skills for a 'celebration of youth jazz' event held by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group and supported by PPL.
Each year PPL helps sponsor a youth jazz ensemble to work with a major guest artist, culminating in a live performance. This year it was the Devon groups turn, and teamed up with them for the gig were Mike and Kate Westbrook, who appeared alongside DYJO for the Portcullis House performance.
The ten-piece group was conducted by Brian Moore, and played through two sets, culminating with a great version of the Duke Ellington/Barney Bigard number Mood Indigo. With this kind of high-profile support and tutelage from PPL and the Westbrooks, young groups like the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra will surely go on to produce some great names to help brighten the UK jazz scene in the future.
DYJO with members of APPJAG and PPL.
Kate Westbrook with DYJO
Mike Westbrook with DYJO
All photos courtesy of Hayley Madden.