By: Roy Stevens - Mon, Oct 10, 2011

John Ruddick’s sterling reputation for his work in jazz education is much admired by his many fans throughout the Midlands and beyond. His successes as the Musical Director of the Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra are of particular significance as the numerous awards have confirmed its status as one of the best big bands in the UK.

It was therefore a treat to experience John playing his trumpet in a small group format when he visited the Chapel at No.1, Shakespeare Street with his quintet. To put the icing on the cake he surprised us with a last minute replacement when Chris Bowden on alto-sax took the stand to replace Andy Derrick on the front line.

There is nothing complicated about John’s approach to jazz - melodic, straight-ahead, no nonsense swinging jazz driven along by a hard-driving rhythm section with Jo Ruddick on piano, Zoltan Dekany on bass and John Gibson on drums. Apart from one original work by John the programme consisted of popular ballad/jazz standards from the likes of Cole Porter and Herbie Hancock, solo work from all five protagonists was of the highest standard and replacement Chris Bowden slotted in as though he had been in the band all his life.

Jazz plays a major role at the Stratford Music Festival next week with John Ruddick bringing the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra to the Levi Fox Hall on Friday, 21st October. Special guest at this concert will be Jacqui Dankworth, a truly classy jazz singer. The Chapel at No1, Shakespeare Street will feature the Dylan Howe Quartet on Sunday, 16th October and on Wednesday, 19th October the Gilad Atzmon Orient House Ensemble makes an appearance. Both Dylan Howe and Gilad Atzmon are ex members of the legendary Blockheads so expect some of the quirky and exciting influences to permeate their respective bands. For more info visit www.stratfordjazz.org.uk

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