3 November 2017
Few people can boast having seen a true virtuoso live. Even fewer can say that they've seen two. But almost nobody can boast having been able to perform with as many as Abingdon School Big Band did on Friday 3 November at the more-than-memorable charity concert, held in support of The Abingdon Bridge, a charity that supports local young people who face challenging circumstances.
The Abingdon School Big Band opened the first half of the show, featuring Tom Richards OA, playing the famous ‘Pink Panther’ solo on the tenor saxophone. After a brief interval, the second half was led by Joe Stilgoe, the guest pianist, vocalist, comedian and everything in between, who has a truly rare stage presence. After performing a number of original and traditional jazz numbers, he was joined on stage by Abingdon’s own Simon Currie (saxophone) and Andy Townsend (trumpet), as well as an OA, Tom Richards, who, many years ago, was taught saxophone by Simon Currie during his time at Abingdon.
The performance was nothing short of breath-taking and the Big Band were honoured to join the musicians on stage for a finale of ‘Alright, Okay, You Win’ with a special guest appearance by the Headmaster, Mr Michael Windsor on the bass guitar. All in all, this was an excellent concert playing to a full house at the Amey Theatre.
Written by Jake de Jongh and Hayden Ramm
