A joyful and comforting performance by a talented group of young musicians
I had the pleasure of attending the Guildhall Jazz Orchestra & Choir’s performance of Emboldened. Composed by Steve Banks and arranged by Jonathan Silk, this collaboration was a brilliant fusion of jazz and choral elements that brought Banks’ composition to life.
Opening with ‘The Mancunian Candidate’ there was an immediate warm and inviting atmosphere. The lights switched to this autumn yellow/orange and the best way I can describe what it felt like was as though we had stepped into a field of sunflowers. The Guildhall Choir was absolutely wonderful, their voices blending seamlessly with the jazz orchestra and lifted the music to another level.
Each soloist brought their own unique flair to the performance, and while there were hints of nerves in the beginning, it was clear that as the night progressed, the performers grew more comfortable and their confidence flourished. There was something magical about the chemistry between the piano and bass players, it was electric seeing them almost bounce off each other’s playing. When the choir accompanied them, it was as if you could close your eyes and visualise the very places Banks described in pieces like Staunton Sands.
One of my favourite moments was when the first trombone player came forward for his solo. It was such a memorable entrance as he came in all guns (or should I say all trombones) blazing! You could see the smiles coming from the audience as well as his fellow musicians on stage. While the mood shifted after the interval, as the tone of the ‘Emboldened Suite’ evolved, the great playing continued. The performance remained engaging and each section had great musical detail, a testament to Scott Stroman’s directing and again Steve Banks’ marvellous compositions.
There was so much joy in the room. Overall, Emboldened was an wonderful show. The Guildhall Jazz Orchestra & Choir delivered a performance that was as colourful as it was vibrant, and I would implore everyone to attended a performance of theirs.