To anyone who’s into ‘Jazz’ as a music genre, they’ll probably have heard of the legendary Jazz Club Ronnie Scott’s. Our members have most definitely heard of it, it’s on many of their bucket lists as somewhere to perform one day. Well, for DJO and Alumni guests, a huge tick was placed right next to that exact item of their list on Sunday 3rd March 2019. An incredible opportunity to support Groove Armada and perform a red-hot set of Big Band Dance Classics was one not to be missed!
Despite performing all over the globe in some world-renowned venues, few of our DJO musicians had been afforded the opportunity to take to the stage of this intimate, stylish Jazz Club before now. Of course, they’ve been and experienced this famous London landmark – the unassuming acknowledgment of the venue by way of a discreet neon sign out front, the plush red velour seating offering uninterrupted access to whomever is performing in this iconic club and the incredible mix of music lovers all there to drink in the atmosphere, appreciating the calibre of talent being presented before them – but had never been directly in the spotlight on the celebrated stage, until this wonderful occasion.
The night, set up and organised by Andy Cato from Groove Armada, was not only a chance for our musicians to experience the pleasure of performing to a hugely receptive audience, it was also put on as a fundraiser for DYJA. Andy, originally a Yorkshire lad, was involved in DYJA as a young trombone player and has never forgotten his humble beginnings in the Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra before going on to become a chart-topping, award-winning DJ, producer and one half of Groove Armada. His experiences with DYJA have remained close to his heart and he continues to support the Association through events such as this.
There’s always a lot that goes in to putting on a tight, crowd-pleasing performance and this night was no exception. Added to the usual rehearsals, get-in, sound check and generally getting comfortable with the surroundings, was the additional pressure that a substantial number of the audience were there for Groove Armada’s DJ set – why would they be there for this unknown entity playing house classics – and the fact that this was, after all, Ronnie Scott’s! However, from the moment of arriving in Soho, there was a warm welcome waiting and the excitement started to build. Sound check and rehearsal complete, everyone was ready to go. Family and friends of the band had made their way down to the club and helped to make the setting feel more familiar. It was an immensely proud moment for DYJA founder John Ellis who, as a regular patron of Ronnie’s, never expected to be watching one of his bands perform in this hallowed venue.
There’s always a lot that goes in to putting on a tight, crowd-pleasing performance and this night was no exception. Added to the usual rehearsals, get-in, sound check and generally getting comfortable with the surroundings, was the additional pressure that a substantial number of the audience were there for Groove Armada’s DJ set – why would they be there for this unknown entity playing house classics – and the fact that this was, after all, Ronnie Scott’s! However, from the moment of arriving in Soho, there was a warm welcome waiting and the excitement started to build. Sound check and rehearsal complete, everyone was ready to go. Family and friends of the band had made their way down to the club and helped to make the setting feel more familiar. It was an immensely proud moment for DYJA founder John Ellis who, as a regular patron of Ronnie’s, never expected to be watching one of his bands perform in this hallowed venue.
So, the stage was set, the introductions had been made and DJO plus alumni guests were on. Their set started and the audience were in awe. Murmurs of ‘who is this band?’ ‘where are they from?’ ‘when are they next playing’ could be heard across the floor in between tracks and the overriding sense of respect for the talent on display was palpable. The whole set was energetic, exhilarating and distinguished and inviting Andy to play trombone with the band for his own track ‘At the River’ was a special moment.
The faces of the musicians clearly showed they were relishing in the occasion, and rightly so. The crowd were reacting enthusiastically to each track ( - with an age-range from early 20’s to Octogenarians that is no mean feat) and adding to the buzz of the night with their very audible cheers and applause. James Hamilton (directing the band) couldn’t have been more focussed and passionate and each member of the band took their moment to shine quite in their stride, demonstrating that as professional musicians you really do have to channel any nerves and translate them to into an impressive performance.
The whole experience is one that will stay in the memories of everyone performing that night, and the emotional exchange between Andy and Mark Ellis (on behalf of the band and DYJA) followed by John’s heart-felt closing words of gratitude and pride will stay with the audience for a fair while too!
If ever there was an example of why you should never give up and always strive to achieve your dream, this was it. A thoroughly memorable time for everyone involved – on and off the stage - and a very definitive tick off the bucket list for those at the centre of it.