DESCRIPTION:
Recorded at JazzSteps Nottingham www.jazzsteps.co.uk on 7th November 2013, this is a section of the Nottingham Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) called NYJO Combo entertaining the JazzSteps audience in the intervals of a gig featuring Arnie Somogyi's SCENES IN THE CITY, playing the music of Charles Mingus. NYJO comprises young, talented musicians from Nottinghamshire, UK www.nottsnyjo.co.uk who perform regularly at gigs as part of the ethos of the band.

JazzSteps in Nottingham is active in promoting jazz education. It provides opportunities for young players to get involved in jazz, such as giving free tickets to watch professional jazz gigs, facilitating chances to perform to audiences of jazz enthusiasts and running mentoring schemes for those wishing to pursue music as a career. Alumni of JazzSteps mentoring (and NYJO) include Mark Lewandowski (bass), Will Glaser (drums), Sam Glaser (alto) & Joe Egan (guitar). JazzSteps is keen to encourage younger jazz audiences and participation from players and their teachers and enjoys links with local organisations including NYJO, the Music Hubs in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Confetti, Nottinghamshire Libraries and more.

During 2013-14, JazzSteps is a key part of an exciting funded scheme for jazz education in the East Midlands region called the Miles Ahead Jazz Education Programme - http://emjazz.co.uk/jazz-steps-makes-... Professional jazz musicians are working with young people of different musical abilities and across a range of schools and age groups in Nottingham City and County. Artists include Julian Joseph, Zoe Rahman and Tony Kofi and workshops and in-school musical activities are planned. For NYJO, Tony Kofi has provided an original composition and is helping them rehearse this to perform as part of their repertoire. In this video, NYJO Combo has tutor Ben Lee on keyboards. Ben is a professional musician (trumpet), educator and arranger. NYJO is honoured and lucky to have Nottingham born legendary saxophonist Tony Kofi as our patron - www.tonykofimusic.com . He provides inspiration and mentoring contributions to NYJO - and has played several times with NYJO at JazzSteps with NYJO Combo - see other YouTube videos.

NYJO bands have changing line-ups from year to year, as students progress and eventually leave, for example to study music in further education.