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# Review: Midlands Youth Orchestra at Cathedral Hotel
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/review-midlands-youth-orchestra-at-cathedral-hotel/
- Published: 2024-06-09T05:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-06-08T10:18:33.000Z
- Description: The acclaimed Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra opened the 2024 Lichfield Jazz and Blues Festival when they played at the Cathedral Hotel.
- Author: Ben Macnair
- Tags: Reviews, What's On, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:53

The acclaimed Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra opened the 2024 Lichfield Jazz and Blues Festival when they played at the Cathedral Hotel.

With a line-up featuring some of the finest local young musicians, the ensemble led by conductor John Ruddick played a set that varied from blues, funk and jazz to heartfelt ballads that allowed for some inventive soloing.

With a strong rhythm section on drums, bass and keyboards, they played music that varied from In a Mellow Tone to a trumpet-led Body and Soul.

Without a Song was an expansive treatment, while the trombone solo during A Time For Love was both melodically interesting and technically well developed.

The more upbeat A Few Good Men allowed for the saxophones to come to the fore.

A closing medley of Henry Mancini tunes included Baby Elephant Walk, the familiar Peter Gunn and Pink Panther themes, and a solo piano feature during Moon River.

During the second half Magic Flea and the ballad I Can’t Believe You Are In Love With Me were both played, while a musical highlight was provided by Liam Brennan’s saxophone during Autumn in New York.

An interesting take on Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, taken at a brisk pace and a slightly altered harmony, closed the second half before Glenn Miller’s In The Mood lifted the pace and featured some fine ensemble and solo playing.