Scotch College

Jazz cabaret – a Wilde night!

Jazz Cabaret was a sell-out – as usual

WORDS: Mr JOHN FERGUSON – DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

The Jazz Cabaret is the annual climax for the two principal jazz ensembles, the Monday Big Band and the Show Band. As always, it was sold out, and there was that familiar relaxed atmosphere in the Cardinal Pavilion.

This year, the Senior Jazz Septet, coached by Howard Belling, opened the evening with some lovely improvisation and sensitive interaction between the players. Megan Philip, with her characteristic understated style led the Monday Big Band to perform at a remarkably competent level – the blend of the band and security of intonation made it a really enjoyable experience to listen to this fine ensemble. Andrew Hunter’s vocal ‘crème de la crème’– the Cardinals – delighted the audience with musical wit and vocal repartee in blended close harmony.

It has been traditional since the first Jazz Cabaret to include a guest professional ensemble, and this year celebrated jazz legend Wilbur Wilde and his ensemble delighted students and audiences alike with a dazzling display of brilliance matched by off-the-wall humour. Our own top jazz ensemble, the Show Band, led by the energy packed and inimitable Roger Schmidli, played with Wilbur and friends, as well as performing their own bracket. There was a particularly memorable solo from our own saxophonist Yang Li (Year 12) who had also delighted the Foundation Day audience earlier in the year. It was a fabulous performance.

As is traditional, the evening concluded with couples taking to the dance floor while the band played on.

Roger Schmidli is to be congratulated on running another magical night, with the aid of Megan Philip, Glenn Bardwell, and Wendy Dawson from the Music Auxiliary. GS