Live Review: Ska and Jazz Jamnesty

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Photos: David Hoffmann

A terrific evening at The Graduate saw each of three up and coming bands, in aid of Amnesty International, deliver what could certainly be described one of their best gigs yet.

After sold-out events last year, Jamnesty returned to York for a night of Ska and Jazz music from local live bands. Montego Bay proved just why they were crowned champions of Captive North’s Battle of the Bands in October with a truly absorbing display, while Dandy and De Lions and New Roots both awed their audiences.

Colours flooded The Graduate’s basement, while the multitudinous florescent lights shone vividly through the dreamy, adumbral spectators swaying to some gentle notes. But it didn’t take long for the venue to liven up, with New Roots hitting the floor in style.

Tim Newberry on keyboard impressed and lead guitarist Harry Lister excelled after a sweetly muted piano-led intro turned into a loud and vigorous tune. New Roots’ excellent performance meant it would be difficult for Dandy and De Lions to follow – but they proved a real hit; with much skanking ensuing from opening tune Panopticon. The band have a unique charm built firmly on the chemistry between sexy saxophonist Will Ingram and his saxophone. De Lions’ tunes were met with roars from an appreciative audience, with nobody failing to recognise the verve and skill behind their, in the mane, slick performance.

Montego Bay, who have been hailed as “funkier than Prince’s 80’s perm” by the BBC, followed shortly afterwards. The seven-piece jazzy ska band immediately got the audience on side; the brass section showed unlimited soul and their long-haired trombonist proved incredibly entertaining. On lead guitar, Simon Bolley wasn’t far off when he alikened his band to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with hints of funk and punk rock oozing through.

Before rocking the Graduate with I Don’t Mind, singer Robin Pickford told Vision: “We’ve been together about four years now, and 2013 is looking like it could be big for us. We’re local lads – from York St John and around the city – and we just want to keep doing what we enjoy.”

So on a cold winters night, hearts were warmed and spectators were more than satisfied as each of the three bands played at their best. Organiser Rachel Statham was “delighted” with the turnout and professionalism of the evening, with the NUS only recently granting permission for these events to raise money for UYAI. You can visit Montego Bay’s Facebook page for more information and you can also keep up to date with Dandy and De Lions.