RICHARD NELSON This was a triumphant first session for the Dereham Jazz Society (ex-Millwrights) at its new venue in the Aldiss Park Room of Dereham Football Club.

RICHARD NELSON

This was a triumphant first session for the Dereham Jazz Society (ex-Millwrights) at its new venue in the Aldiss Park Room of Dereham Football Club. The Eddie Seales Big Band certainly proved that the room has fine acoustic. They created a great atmosphere from the first notes of their rip-roaring opener, This Could be the Start of Something Big. With an eclectic programme, ranging from Miller to Monk to Mingus and Maynard Ferguson – including Basie, Ellington, and NYJO originals – there was something for everyone. The band's crisp, exciting delivery, loud where they should be loud (Straight, No Chaser) and gently swinging on-the-head lolling Neil Hefti charts (Li'l Darlin) won enthusiastic applause from a near capacity audience.

With this level of support and a wealth of local jazz musicians, there is every reason to hope that Eddie Seales' choice of opening number will predict the “start of something big” for the society.