NYJO - worth saving

The future of NYJO is uncertain in today's financial climate. The main trouble it faces are expressed in the following Times article

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6988522.ece

which hosts some interesting discussion from NYJO members both past and present, and representatives from the jazz-loving public. Feel free to add your own views!

NYJO for me has been the foundation upon which I have been able to build my jazz singing career.

Through NYJO I have learnt how to front a band (in terms of singing, speaking between numbers and even what to wear - to my first NYJO gig, I turned up without any make-up to the horror of then-principal singer Annabel Williams, who dusted and drew on me until I looked stage-presentable. The following rehearsal, Bill Ashton gave her 20 quid to take me to the market and buy me the necessary war paint. Now I'm a fully-fledged fake-eyelash-sticking, eye-liner-painting, red-lippy-sporting, wig-wearing band-fronter).

I have learnt a host of songs - over 350 at the last count - which have given me endless enjoyment on countless gigs, and the ability to turn up to many a gig and be able to sing whatever the band leader called.

But the main two things that I can thank NYJO for are these: I have met 90% of musicians in London through its very impressive alumni list, and I have learnt how to be a better jazz singer by watching and being inspired by a host of talented NYJO singers.

Earlier this year, the "Sponsor A chair" appeal was launched, in order to secure the necessary funds for the organisation to keep running. Guy Barker was there and made a short speech, attributing much of his success as a professional trumpeter to NYJO and its excellent foundation.

I expect many a past and present member would whole-heartedly agree.

If you feel that you would be able to contribute to the Sponsor A Chair appeal, then please contact Nigel Tully by email: info@nyjo.org.uk

Album Launch - Darning the Dream

My album was launched on Wednesday 17th March to a packed 606 club. We had the pleasure of album-guest Jim Hart playing live with us which added an extra dimension to the regular jazz quartet sound. Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing" became awash with lush harmonies and hard-edged mallet timbres; "I only have eyes for you" was transformed by the mesmerising speed of a vibes solo. Highly enjoyable! I can't wait to get on the road and play the album material for jazz audiences around the country. All the tour dates are listed here. The album is available from: AMAZON http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00380PDFG?ie=UTF8&tag=propemusicd05-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B00380PDFG

iTUNES http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=1531261&url=http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/darning-the-dream/id355423468

NAPSTER http://home.gb.napster.com/#cgi-bin/searchXML?type_id=albumtracks&result_type=track&select_by=album&select_value=13559235&format=json&count=10&index=0

TESCO http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=898&a=1531261&g=18158604&url=http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;206589205;33747258;p?http://www.tescoentertainment.com/store/mp3/sarah-ellen-hughes-darning-the-dream/2%3a37466337/

You can also buy or download it directly from my website.

Polite Singers

Ever since the review of my Sept 09 gig at the Spice of Life by Sebastian Scotney (LondonJazz blog) I have been thinking about singers and their capabilities of getting an audience to shut up! "But she had a battle on, to win over the attention of a loud birthday group who had taken a table right in front of the stand" (click http://londonjazz.blogspot.com/2009/09/review-sarah-ellen-hughes.html to read the whole thing) Sebastian thought I was too nice, and should have told them to be quiet and listen. In fact, they did quiet down during one of the numbers... with a quiet piano/vocal intro, that presumably made them feel fairly self-conscious. I went to the Spice again a few weeks later... and delightfully one of the 'sitters-in' at the end was Gwyneth Herbert. She knew how to capture the audience. The song was accompanied only by Ian Shaw on the piano, and this did help to bring people's conversation down to a minimum. However, she also had a magical way of getting eye-contact with each and every person in the place - and would pause after certain words, not continuing until the person she was looking at returned the favour. Spellbinding. I have heard a report of Lianne Carroll, performing once at Ronnie's, turning to a noisy table at the front and asking them to quieten down 3 times before belting out a sharper-sounding request which sent them fleeing from the place! Cleo Laine also is someone who wouldn't stand for noise during her singing. So should I be someone who glares and belts? It's not really in me, but there must be a balance to be found between timid/nice (not particularly desirable qualities but ones that my personality dictates) and authoritative/not standing for disrespect. I did a gig the other week at Boisdale Cigar and Supper Club - in Belgravia - with the Boisdale Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. During a ballad - after the piano solo - I wanted to re-enter at the middle 8 rather than come in again at the beginning. So I leaned over and said 'can we go back to the middle 8 please.' The band were aghast at my politeness! So there we are... back to a nice singer. Perhaps this harks back to some advice I was given as a student about to make the daunting journey down from Lancaster (big fish) to London (big pond)... "It doesn't matter how good you are... people will only book you if you're a jolly nice chap!"