Review: Santa Barbara Jazz Collective 10/15/23
I think a lot of Jazz Society members were pleasantly surprised last Sunday with the debut performance of The Santa Barbara Jazz Collective at SOhO. Some of us had heard the individual players, but not the whole band. These young players were definitely ready to play ….and play they did!
Although sticking mostly to jazz standards, each member had a chance to stretch out and solo on every piece. Pianist, Andrew Williams, mentioned that the band does not rehearse so each tune is in the moment. And since the band has about 12 rotating members, each song remains fresh and a delight to the audience as well as the band, members themselves.
The band opened the afternoon with the jazz standard, St. Thomas with trumpeter, Harry Swalley taking the lead and doubling on congas. Saxophonist, Colin Richardson followed with a lively solo as well as Andrew on piano and Guil Juliano on bass. Drummer, Jon Harris, was definitely a driving force on that tune as well as all afternoon. Colin and Harry played beautiful solos on Jobim’s Meditation with the band members trading 4’s with drummer, Jon on Beautiful Love. Sticking to standards the band made an interesting choice with Stomping’ At the Savoy with a Latin beat…maybe a cha cha?
It’s reassuring that the jazz music that we all love is in the hands of these fine, young musicians.
Photos by Rob Hoffman
SB Jazz Collective
