Innovations will get you in the swing of things!

INNOVATIONS is the name, high quality Jazz is the...Orchestra – simply brilliant!

We had the most wonderful evening listening and dancing to many big band classics, such as April in Paris, In The Mood and Strike Up the Band.

We spent a balmy summer’s evening with a large group of friends at the sell-out concert in aid of Save the Children.

It was the musicians’ seventh appearance in this annual charity concert and the talented swing band played to a packed audience.

As well as enjoying the musical offerings, the concert was also very entertaining – something which goes hand-in-hand with an evening in the company of IJO.

There was a mock bullfight played out on the lawn to music of the paso doble: Spanish Gypsy Dance.

James Avison, one of two tenor saxes, in his last concert with the band, played a very lively Yakety Sax and Cameron Ward, the 11-year-old son of musical director, Simon, played great drums in Basie Straight Ahead.

The next appearance of the Innovations Jazz Orchestra is at The Haymarket, in Basingstoke, on September 19, at 7.30pm, in Sing! Swing! Sing!

Tickets can be bought at the box office on 01256 844244 and further information is available at innovations-jazz-orchestra.co.uk.

–Hilary Nickell