MUSIC
Over the course of the year, we have come to develop a deeper chemistry within the band
high level of talent amongst its members, as well as a strong and confident rhythm section. One of the key points at which we became tight as a group was when Ben and I went independently to a jam session in Brixton, at which we were able to meet lots of other jazz musicians and play with lots of new players. We went to the Hideaway at the end of April feeling confident with our new repertoire, with the exception of one piece: ‘Zyriab’, by flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia, was the main source of anxiety for us at the Hideaway. Having never actually been able to rehearse it all the way through without making mistakes, we were apprehensive about the notoriously difficult piece, with its infusion of flamenco rhythms and jazz harmony, played rapidly at around 200 beats per minute in 3/4 time. John Turville eloquently summed up our sentiments about ‘Zyriab’ when he introduced it as ‘an especially challenging tune that they all dread but secretly love’. Fortunately, the actual gig went smoothly, and our few mistakes during this particular piece were, I think, well-disguised by the relaxed cool vibe we gave off on stage. Unfortunately, John Turville is leaving at the end of this year but there is no doubting the huge contribution to musical education he has made at Dulwich, through his interactive and creative lessons. He embodies what teaching should be: stimulating, challenging and rewarding but most of all enjoyable, encouraging you to decide what you would like to learn in the lessons. Notwithstanding his modesty, John is, in my opinion, one of the best jazz pianists in Britain, and will be greatly missed. His successor at the College has big shoes to fill, but will undoubtedly drive next year’s Jazz Band forward and in a new direction.
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