Jazz Ambience
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Jazz Ambience[1] are a group of jazz musicians based around Cambridge in the UK.
Formed in 1992 by saxophonist Bruce Cameron and pianist Ben Pringle, the band has 4 core members.
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[edit] Personnel
The four core members of Jazz Ambience are:
Ben Pringle - keyboards
Bruce Cameron - saxophones and vocals
Simon H Fell[2] - bass
Stuart Braybrooke[3] - drums and percussion
The band provides a versatile range of configurations from duo to quintet. When in the quintet formation the additional instrument is usually a guitar (provided by acclaimed jazz guitarist and session musicion Colin Medlock). Jazz Ambience have on occasion also performed as a sextet with R&B vocalist Natalie Williams, and octet with additional trumpet and saxophone.
[edit] History
From the very beginning the band performed a diverse range of jazz music raging from the 1930's swing to contemporary popular music all in a jazz style. The unique Jazz Ambience sound was supported by the eclectic mix of the musicians musical interests and capabilities. Cameron had started his musical career as a flamenco guitarist studying under the auspices of Paco Pena and only in his 30's did he consider the saxophone. Pringle had played piano and keyboards from a young age and in his 20's was carving himself a musical career writing and recording material for TV shows such as Chennal 4's Time Team. Fell is best known as a composer/performer in the fields of improvised music, contemporary composition and experimental jazz, where his reputation has grown consistently; he is described by the Penguin Guide To Jazz[4] as "a very fine instrumentalist (with) a fine technique and a great flow of ideas.". Braybrooke's background has included performing on drums with numerous jazz bands, on bass with rock bands including The Mistreated[5], and most recently avant-garde work with Fell on Su Lyn's 2005 album "Clay Angels"[[6]].
The band has become one of the most successful commercial jazz bands in the Cambridge area with regular performances at Center Parcs in Elvedon, hundreds of weddings in the region, and celebrity party's such as Jamie Oliver's New Years Party in 2005/6.
[edit] Music
Jazz Ambience play material often referred to as "Real Book Standards" although the set often includes contemporary popular and other genres of music performed in a jazz style. A typical performance may include:
Honeysuckle Rose
It don't mean a thing
Don't get around much anymore
Ain't misbehavin`
In the mood
Pennysylvania 65000
String of pearls
Blue Bossa
Favela
Desafinado
Girl from Ipanema
Tenor Madness
C Jam Blues
Paper moon
Lullaby of birdland
Alice in wonderland
Ob la di
Moon River
Whiter shade of pale
Bare necessities
Body `n soul
Lover man
Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Graprevine
[edit] Reviews
Appealing to a wide audience has always been one of Jazz Ambience's greatest capabilities and this is supported by the kind of comments left in guestbooks and forums after a gig:
"We were looking for a unique Jazz Band, on the internet, to come and play at our Wedding (24th November 2007) in Beccles, Suffolk. Having stumbled across JazzAM's website, reading every page and listening to the sound clips, we knew instantly that they were the group for us. We had a quartet and they were FANTASTIC :-) From start to finish people were dancing to a superb repetoire (they stick by their word, a jazz band you can dance to). JazzAM completed a fantastic day for us. If you are thinking of hiring a Jazz Band for your function then JazzAM are it !!!! Forget the rest, book the best - JazzAM. Many, many thanks." Andy & Clare Osborne
"Hi, A massive thank you from myself and my new husband for such a good start to our wedding reception. Everybodies toes were tapping!" Veron
"My husband and I would just like to say a massive thank you for the brilliant music you provided at our wedding. Everyone commented on how good you were, and you managed to please all tastes (not easy), so thank you."
"Outstanding performance at the wedding of Allen & Lisa in Newmarket. I think you demonstrated just how important it really is to choose the right band- they are pivotal to a wonderful day. Well done!!!!"
"Hi Guys, Wanted to say a massive THANK YOU to you all for playing at our wedding on Thursday. Sorry we didn't manage to talk to you, the day went so quickly and before we knew it it was time for us to go. All of our guests enjoyed the evening and many complimented us on our choice of music! We will certainly recommend you. Thanks again,"
