The local music scene is alive and kicking in Marshchapel.  Grimsby born professional saxophonist Richard Pardy, along with the renowned Leo Solomon Trio, brought us an evening of jazz to remember.  Christening the new stage in St Mary’s Church, Marshchapel they treated us to an eclectic mix of Richard’s favourite numbers from different eras.

 Getting the concert off to a great start with the jazz standard ‘Autumn Leaves’ we were then transported to Herbie Hancock’s ‘Cantaloupe Island’ with its funky beat. George and Ira Gershwin’s beautiful, easy-going, atmospheric and timeless masterpiece ‘Foggy Day’ was quickly followed by the Bossa Nova number ‘The Girl From Ipanema’ which gave a platform for each musician to thrill us with their improvisation on the theme.

 It was hard to believe that Richard had not rehearsed with the trio, Leo on electric piano, Peter Barnaby on bass and Norman Beane on percussion.  The glorious sound they made resonated around the church.

 The second half brought with it Duke Ellington’s ‘Satin Doll’ and my favourite, Glenn Miller’s ‘Moonlight Serenade’, the lush tones of the tenor saxophone’s lower register carving out this well known melody.  All too soon it was time for the last number ‘Wave’ by one of Richard’s favourite composers Antonio Carlos Jobim.  This was played with great panache by all and left us wanting more.

 For many of the audience this had been their introduction to jazz and by the comments after the concert will not be their last.  As well as providing fantastic entertainment, the concert also raised more than £1500 for Marshchapel Arts to help towards installing water and toilet facilities in the lovely 15^th Century Church. If you were unlucky enough to miss this jazz experience do not worry as there will be a repeat performance when Richard and the Trio get together again on April 21^st 2012 at Grimsby Central Hall.

K. Snape            

Email: marshchapelarts@yahoo.co.uk