All that jazz

That music has a universal language was aptly demonstrated at the Garden Court in Hotel Blue Diamond on November 11, when the 17-member group of the Perth Jazz Orchestra played to a jam packed audience. The beautiful blue lighting on the trees and the light breeze proved irresistible as the jazz buffs swayed to the music and the younger set danced in the aisle.

These bunch of sprightly looking musicians, each one, a veteran in his own field, exuding charm and mesmerising music through their ensemble of trumpets, clarinets, saxophones and the double bass. It was a medley of numbers beginning with Just friends followed by Come be my side, Jumping in the woods, Woodchopper8217;s ball amongst others. Mark Underwood, who compered the show, is also a vocalist and trumpeter, and sang three beautiful numbers 8211; It had to be you, Recipe for making love and Jo ja.

However, the audience did not let them off so easily. They had to perform as many as five encores, which they did. The performance was followed by an exotic dinner spread, hosted by Hotel Blue Diamond. The Perth Jazz Orchestra is on a tour to India as a part of the Jazz Yatra 8217;98 in Mumbai, which starts on November 12.