National Youth Jazz Collective and special guest Dave Holland play Houses of Parliament

After a week long residency at The Royal Academy of Music in London legendary bass player Dave Holland joined young musicians from the National Youth Jazz Collective (NYJC) for a concert at Portcullis House in the Houses Of Parliament on Wednesday, January 21st.

Dave Holland is a New York based British born jazz bassist who moved to The USA to play and record with Miles Davis in the late 1960s. He has carved out a formidable career with many albums as a leader as well as classic recordings for Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, the late Kenny Wheeler and many more. 

NYJC was founded in 2006 and comprises young musicians embarking on jazz courses at British conservatoires under the artistic direction of Issie Barratt. NYJC Chairman is Richard Wheatly who is also Chair of Jazz FM.

The musicianship at the concert was outstanding and totally belied their student status as they played an opening set of sharp, rhythmic arrangements with solos including the BBC’s 2014 Young Jazz Musician of the Year Alexander Bone. Dave Holland, NYJC President, joined on double bass and they closed with a rousing performance of Horace Silver’s ’Nica’s Dream’.

The Youth Jazz Event was organised by the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) and supported my music organisation PPL.

Michael Connarty MP, Co-Chair of APPJAG and Vice President of NYJC, said: “MPs and Peers in the All Party Group are delighted to host another event in the House of Commons and we are extremely proud to be recognising and honouring the amazing wealth of musical talent and commitment that exists throughout the United Kingdom. NYJC played fantastically; it’s always a privilege to hear them live.”