Reviews

Jan ‘Bas’ Johansen, Jazz Presenter, Riviera FM, Devon

“I had a fabulous time at the Carlton Theatre in Teignmouth, South Devon last night where I went to see the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra led by trumpeter John Ruddick, but sadly the auditorium was only 1/2 full which this band nor the Carlton Theatre deserved, the band was absolutely fabulous. It’s amazing to think that the band members were all under 25 and I take my hat off to the management of the Carlton Theatre for having the guts to put on the event.
 
I know that there are a lot of jazz fans not just in Teignmouth who also put on the “Teignmouth Jazz Festival” but throughout the English Riviera from Star Cross to Kingsbridge and I am not only disappointed that they didn’t show up. I am angry; it doesn’t say much for the community spirit which supposedly exists throughout our area. 
 
“Well it was only a youth jazz orchestra” you will no doubt excuse yourselves by saying No, it was not just a youth jazz orchestra, it was one of the best big bands in the UK and, I will add, in Europe.  Their musicianship is exceptional and the direction by John Ruddick was wonderful showing not just how good he is a musician, but that he approaches a serious musical task with fun, and humour - and the band repays him in grand measure with some fantastic swinging ensemble play that makes you bop up and down like a fishing float to riveting solo performances of such technical quality their young years belie.  I was especially impressed by young Callum Roxburgh’s arranging ability showing a rare musical talent, and among the musicians Alex Woods solo alto play was exceptional as was Callum Roxburgh on tenor, Nick Dunham on trumpet showed a rare tone quality and a lovely flowing technique, but the musician who for me took the biscuit was the drummer Dave Tandy.  He never missed a beat, was technically amazing and should be an inspiration to every aspiring young drummer around.  He didn’t beat the drums, he played them. He plays with the traditional grip like Buddy Rich and was sensational with the brushes. But what amazed me was his ability to make everything swing. To me he is going to be one of the very best drummers ever to come out of Britain or possibly even Europe.
 
My final comment is on John Ruddick’s direction, John is and has always been one of the very best big band trumpeters alongside Kenny Baker within British big band jazz, but not only that, he has an extraordinary and in-depth knowledge as well as an inherent love of the music his band plays mixed with a terrific sense of humour which is truly contagious, and as such it makes him the ideal leader and teacher in a situation like this as his tuition does not become a drudge, but something you the band member really look forward to each and every day. So it is no wonder that he has been rewarded and awarded an honorary Doctorate in Music by Birmingham University it is in my humble opinion wholly deserved and it shows in the fabulous big band he has created and all I can and want to say is: Good on you, John and may you long continue.”

Solihull Times “MYJO with John Etheridge at Birmingham. This was a cracking session from a gifted guitarist backed by an irrepressibly swinging big band.”

BBC Big Band Club Magazine, Tony Sturgess “I have just managed to see the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra in Christchurch, and what a brilliant concert it was.The band is a mixture of young men and women, and how marvellous they are. Directed by John Ruddick,they exuded enthusiasm and happiness apart from their obvious talent, which was transmitted to the responsive audience who reacted accordingly. They played some difficult arrangements, such as “My Man Bill” by Rob McConnell and Giant Steps by John Coltrane, brilliantly performed, and other numbers too numerous to mention. Their maturity is unbelievable with this kind of music. If MYJO comes down your way, give yourself a treat and go along and see them; you will be astounded at their talent and performance.”

DIGBY FAIRWEATHER “honestly, I haven’t heard a better big band since the days of Herman, Ellington and Basie.“

THE MUSICIAN “surely, one of the finest big bands in the land.”

THE STAGE “…arguably, the finest of its kind in the UK…. big band jazz MYJO style….does not get any better than that.”

BOBBY SHEW “….one of the finest youth bands I’ve ever performed with…..in the world. MYJO IS HOT!“

BILL WATROUS “one of the best bands I have ever played with – just fabulous – some marvellous players, great ensemble work, and they really
swung too.”

GODFREY SMITH, Sunday Times “shattering talent….played with a power and precision that would not have shamed Stan Kenton himself. Catch them if you can.”

KEN RATTENBURY, Crescendo & Jazz Music “vibrant, confident, highly professional peak of performance……definitely the quickest 150 mins of sheer enjoyment and musical excitement I can recall ever having had the privilege to attend and absorb.”