Big Band Concert Raises Big Money

A unique concert of Gospel Music in the Big Band style was presented by the National Big Band of Wales on 3rd March this year. The 18 piece NBBW was specially formed for this event and combined professional musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales with some of Wales’s best freelance jazz musicians. The event also featured vocals from ex Swingle Singer Deryn Edwards (Now in the West End hit show Mamma Mia ) and items from the NOT NOW Jazz Quintet.

The theme for the evening was gospel music and the capacity audience at the Salvation Army in Canton was treated to many great gospel and hymn tune classics such as Rock of Ages, Blaenwern, Cwm Rhondda, Just a Closer Walk and Joshua, in styles ranging from rock-gospel, to swing to Latin.

The event was devised, organised and conducted by Byron Jenkins, Manager of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and member of Cardiff Canton Salvation Army. £1,140 was raised for the Noah’s Ark Appeal through ticket money and additional donations.