Jazz at SADACCA

Story: Ben Kirby, Photos: Jack Flanagan

On the evening of Friday 3rd July, “Jazzmotic”, a local five-piece jazz collective, played the first of a series of gigs at SADACCA.

With the warm evening sun streaming in through the windows of SADACCA's upstairs hall, it was rather apt that the band opened with the classic jazz standard, “Summertime”. With the setting sun on their necks and cool drinks in their hands, a mixed audience settled down at their tables for an informal and relaxing evening of good conversation and quality music.

As candles were lit, the spectators involuntarily tapped, slapped and nodded their way through a diverse selection of lively jazz numbers. Alongside polished renditions of John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock, and a fitting tribute to the late Michael Jackson's musical genius, there was a definite Latin twist to Jazzmotic's set – between the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington, there was even scope for a bit of bossa nova.

As the evening drew to a close, a member of the audience spoke for everyone when he expressed his frustration that too few people had come along, when the music was so good. Stephen “Mongoose” Naylor (tenor and soprano saxophone) simply replied:

“Until you've heard us, we can't convince you that we play ‘real’ music!”.

With cries for more from the audience, the band, clearly at ease and enjoying themselves, slid into one final number – a beautiful rendition of Miles Davis' “All Blue”, which topped off a delightful evening, perfectly.

Jazzmotic are Stephen “Mongoose” Naylor (tenor and soprano saxophone), Kent Roach (tenor and baritone saxophone), Errol Francis (piano), Smyli (drums), and Stephen Mosel (double bass).

If you missed out this time, you can catch Jazzmotic the Red House pub, Solly Street on 23rd August. Jazzmotic will be back at SADACCA in the autumn, check the Messenger website for details.