Reviews

The violin as a jazz instrument is mainly associated with the gypsy jazz popularized by Stephane Grapelli in the 1930's. Sunday saw Ben Holder show the audience at Newport Jazz Club that not only is the violin superbly suited to this genre but it is equally at home in other genres.

In a high energy performance that opened with Gershwin's "Oh, lady be good" before he took the audience on a roller coaster ride through the classic songbooks with twists which included his rocking version of the Beatles tune "Can't buy me love" and a closing encore of "Route 66". Along the way he paid homage to Stephan Grapelli with "Minor Swing" and "Nuages", squeezed in a self-penned number "You" and in an unusual departure left the stage and took the band into the audience for some close and intimate jazz in the style of clubs of yore.

Performing in a trio setting he was accompanied by Jez Cook on guitar and Paul Jefferies on double bass. A highly exhilarating performance and hopefully Ben will be back before too long.

The next concert will be on 5 January 2020 when the club welcomes Nette Robinson and Tony Woods. The concert starts at 3.00pm at the Apollo Theatre, Pyle Street, Newport and tickets are available from Gerry Cullis on 730601 or Bill Wills on 523879.