From their very first toe-tapping note, the large audience at Sunday, March 16’s Live Arts At Newland concert fell in love with the musicians from the Royal Australian Navy Band – South Australia, stationed at HMAS ENCOUNTER (Keswick).
The concert was planned to celebrate the 223rd anniversary of the chance meeting, in what is now known as Encounter Bay, of Englishman Matthew Flinders and Frenchman Nicolas Baudin back on April 8, 1802.
Within the fine architecture, ambience and acoustics of the historic Newland Church, the band members forming the Jazz Ensemble, in their dazzling white uniforms, thrilled the audience with their amazing virtuosity and skilful musicianship.
The result was an absolutely enjoyable and uplifting afternoon of visual and musical delight.
In true jazz style there was much improvisation from each of six players who made up the Jazz Ensemble – piano, bass, percussion, trumpet and tenor and alto saxophones – and the audience was always very keen to show their appreciation of the respective players skills and interpretations.
With informative and inclusive compering by Chief Petty Officer Musician Tom Bastians, the band entertained the crowd, mostly from Victor Harbor and surrounds, but also from further afar including visitors from York in England.
This was another of the fabulous monthly Live Arts At Newland provided by the Newland-Port Elliot Uniting Church and visitors are always welcome.
The next concert – at 2pm on Sunday, April 20 – will showcase the talents of the chart-topping country music group, The Sherrahs.
Their harmonies, music-choices and story-telling are always a hit with young and old.
