Jazz performers workshop with the Ruth Hammond Trio - Sunday 15 July

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On Sunday 15th July around a dozen or so teenagers and two adult musicians attended an all-day workshop run by Ruth Hammond and the members of her trio – Scott Hammond, percussion, and Valere Sperenza, double bass.

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Because of the diversity of abilities and background of the students Ruth decided to perform all the tunes without music! And what a wise decision it was. She took a risk and it paid off ‘big time’, with nervous first-time performers excelling themselves playing melodies and improvising with growing confidence. It would be unfair to pick out individual soloists for praise, and to be honest I would be hard pushed to pick one as everyone played so well.

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With the day’s workshop successfully concluded, the Ruth Hammond Trio started the evening concert session with her brilliant version of ‘You and the Night and the Music’. Ruth’s voice just seems to get better and better – I don’t usually like to make comparisons but Hammond is up there with the best - the female Michael Buble (there I’ve said it).
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Scott, who spends more time in Wales than Tom Jones, was in great form and also played piano while Ruth led the ensemble with her tenor saxophone. Making up the trio, double bassist Sperenza as always put in a solid performance: what a good player, his infectious bass lines and melodic soloing were the icing on the cake.

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The workshop/concert format, which was supported by Arts Wales was another first for BMJ, and judging by the feedback from the performers and the audience it will not be the last.

© Peter Scaddan 2007