JAZZ - from Phoenix Review 66-67 [published September 1967]

JAZZ CLUB

Jazz Club re-opened in Scptemeber 1966, after a year’s absence, with mild success. A varied selection of L.P. records were brought, mainly thanks to Fowler and Palmer of the Lower Sixth and Sills of the Upper Sixth. The jazz played varied from the early Dixieland style, with 78’s of Turk Murphy and Kid Ory, big band L.P’s of Duke Ellington, technical geniuses such as Roland Kirk, and up to the present avant-garde of John Coltrane. These meetings were attended by a regular fifteen members whom I should like to thank for their constant support. TheManor House Five’was re-formed in late September, and their two live performances met with good support and success. The line-up of the ‘Manor House Five’ was as follows:

    Eddie Fisk, Richard Fisk: trumpets

    David Mann: bass

    John Sills: drum and cymbal!

    Mr. Farrow: guitar

    Richard Wakeman: piano and organ

I think it is a pity that large audiences come quite willingly to listen to the jazz played by the ‘Manor House Five’ but will not come to hear jazz geniuses whose records were played on other Friday jazz clubs.

Finally I should like to thank Mr. Herrera for the use of the music room and the record player.

Richard Wakeman

THE SCHOOL JAZZ GROUP

The School Jazz Group owes all its success to the consistent harc work of Alan Wakeman and the experience of Mr. Westbrook. The line-up of the band was as follows:

Front line Eddie Fisk )
Ian Cole )  trumpets
Richard Fisk )
Mr. Westbrook )   trombones
Mr. Herrera )
Alan Wakeman tenor saxophone

Rhythm Richard Wakeman piano
David Mann bass
Mr. Farrow guitar

The band’s rehearsals on Tuesday dinner-times were well-attended by interested pupils. For the second year the Jazz Group played in the annual School Concert. All three numbers played were compositions by Alan Wakeman, who also did the arrangements.

The slow blues number was of an extremely high standard and merits a special note. The descending major sevenths beneath a melodi theme made it extremely pleasant listening.

Finally, a word of thanks to the three members of the staff who willingly gave up their time to come and support the Jazz Group.

Richard Wakeman