Timeless allure of jazz compositions portrayed tapestry of emotions

WELL, I think this is similar to what Beethoven once said. On a cold winter evening in January, I had the pleasure of witnessing the Alyn Shipton Quartet bring their unique blend of energy and talent to St Leonard’s Church in Watlington.

The performance marked a highly anticipated opening to what promised to be a great series of jazz concerts scheduled for this year.

It was clear that the quartet’s set list had been carefully curated to provide an interesting exploration of various jazz styles. The evening began with Better Go, a soulful mid-tempo tune that immediately demonstrated Alyn’s expressive bass playing alongside the ensemble’s cohesive rhythm. This was followed by a heartfelt rendition of No Greater Love, which revealed the musicians’ ability to convey emotional depth. The classic Way Down Yonder was infused with an infectious swing rhythm that had the audience swaying in their seats.

The group then transitioned gracefully to Time On My Hands, a poignant ballad where Alyn’s quartet conjured evocative imagery. This melancholic number showcased the quartet's remarkable ability to balance intensity and gentleness, resulting in a beautiful performance.

Throughout the evening, the ensemble navigated varied tempos and moods with ease, tackling both timeless standards such as Jive at Five, Wrap Your Troubles, and Tickle Toe along with lesser-known gems such as This Can’t Be Love, Yesterdays, and Change Partners.

One success was their lively rendition of Sunny Side of the Street, where each musician brought their own individual touch to create something exhilarating and dynamic.

The composition Did You Call Her Today? displayed a sophisticated merging of melody and improvisation, where each member demonstrated impressive solo skills against a rich harmonic backdrop.

By the end of this memorable evening, the Alyn Shipton Quartet left a resounding impression through their dedication, musicianship, and genuine love for their craft.

Their performance showed the timeless allure of jazz music, illustrating the genre’s extraordinary ability to captivate and enthral audiences through a rich tapestry of emotions and authentic musical expression.

Anthony Weightman