This is an Orchestra with about 45 members on stage. Formed by conductor Jules Buckley from ex-Music College Graduates as a 'non-orchestra' Orchestra. He says he wants to get musicians out of classical music comfort zones and into some challenging jazz arrangements. There's no shortage of volunteers and it works.

On the opener, Natalie Williams took lead vocals in a 4Hero strings style arrangement called 'Tell Me Stories'. Chris Bowden has worked with 4Hero and most of the show was his songs as arranged by Jules. 'Ballard for Strings' switches mood to a wet London 60s black and white feel.

'Telescopic' originally appeared on a Soul Jazz CD called 'Time Capsule'. It builds and falls and incorporates Blue Note piano styling, Latin beats with tenor, flute, alto solos and a big string and wind section ending. There's variety and talent in abundance. The next one is reminiscent of Barry White or MFSB. 'These Days' follows and is more of a film theme score style, with vocalist Liz Swain for a 2 Banks Of 4 style tune with an excellent guitar solo with soaring sax from Chris.

'Crockers and Killers' has previously been out on Ninja Tune and gets really busy with a Mizell Brothers funky Bobbi Humphrey flute solo, Claire Wheeler on vocals and a free-jazz interlude. This was a great set and the audience that had been getting bigger throughout were ecstatic at the finish. Watch out for a GP Worldwide session coming soon and full marks for raising Chris Bowden's profile.

The Heritage Orchestra has not only got the ability to adapt to club nights such as Cargo where they've already played with Chris but there is the proposal that Jules can orchestrate visiting jazz musicians work. The possibilities could be awesome. For example, could you imagine an 18 piece Build An Ark backed by this lot? Sixty musicians on one stage! Who'd buy the first round in the pub? Perhaps one day if there's a stage big enough for them all to fit on?

The Finn Peters Band brought the afternoon to a close. They'll be a big name this year. Their contribution on the 12" for Club Brazil that came out towards the end of last year was excellent. As is the white label, 'The Dile Loop' that Gilles played on his Radio 1 show last night.

The first band on were Tomorrows Warriors. They were featured on Friday's final part of the Jazz Britannia trilogy on BBC4. Formed in 1992 to develop talented young jazz musicians by original Jazz Warriors' bassist, Gary Crosby. For example, Eska Mtungwazi and Soweto Kinch were members in previous versions of the band and both would be on the main stage in the evening show.

One of the current band members, Jay Phelps (Trumpet) has already been on tour in Europe with Andrew Hill. They currently have a monthly Sunday Jam Session residency at the Spice of Life in Soho (see link below).

Looks like the whole weekend was a great success and let us hope the Beeb can organise something even better next year to celebrate British jazz.

Links:
Chris Bowden
Finn Peters - Club Brazil
Tomorrows Warriors