High Brow

On Tuesday, May 5, at the Training College Hall, a large jazz-digging crowd swung to a varied selection of numbers from the members of the V.U.W. Jazz society plus guest artists. Some Items were cool, some were hot, some were serious, some were amusing, but all were characterised by enthusiasm and smooth rendition.

The concert opened with a musical history of jazz from the Dave Goodland trio; the numbers swung well, and the playing made very pleasant listening. The cool touch introduced by the final part of this item was followed up by two thoughtful and inspiring groups; the John Charles Quintet and the Barry Herland Quartet.

Then a marked contrast in theme was made by Geof. Murphy's Dixie Band, playing fast and furious with tremendous fervour.

After intermission came an item which caused some sensational amusment; word jazz from Mark Young—the first number of its kind to be heard in Wellington. Mark broke away from the Ken Nordine nonsense tradition in that he burlesqued a certain well known poem, giving it the name of 'The Pied Piper of Harlem," and a jazz-based theme.

Another real cool group now took over the stage; the Noel Evans Sextet. Their numbers were thoughtful and well-played, and that swingin' beat was never lost.

The concert ended with renditions by three guest groups. The first the Windy City Jazz Band, played dixie with their usual competence and gusto. Unscheduled, but very welcome, were the numbers played by the John Patience Group and then the audience was very fortunate in hearing items by Pat Harrington and Terry Crayford.

All in all, despite wretched weather, the concert was very successful, in fact, real gone man. It fully illustrated the fact that to dig jazz means to have a good time—it's crazy.