Legend Eric's gift to Jazz Orchestra
Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra's rhythm section just got spectacularly bigger!
It's all courtesy of music legend Eric Delaney, who has donated an extraordinary drum kit to the acclaimed big band.
As well as all the usual percussive paraphernalia you would expect, the special kit includes two bass drums (a pedal per foot) and a set of orchestral timpani.
This bottom-heavy assortment of drums helped create Mr Delaney's unique musical sound.
The 85-year-old has had a close working relationship with the band for 25 years and will perform with it again at a sell-out gig at the RMI club in Horwich on Friday, May 22.
The official handover of Eric's kit took place this week as the band rehearsed with him at Hawkley Hall High School.
Conductor Ian Darrington said it was a real honour that the maestro had chosen them for the special gift.
WYJO drummers Rachael Keefe and Tom Higham, along with old boy Guy Walsh, were all watching keenly as Mr Delaney demonstrated the instruments to the full at the practice.
Ian said: "Eric has been a great friend to the orchestra over the years. This is the icing on the cake.
"It is a remarkable set of drums, not least because of the timps and two bass drums. Rachael does have experience of playing timps but they were all watching and listening very attentively.
"We would not usually use timps – they are more associated with classical orchestras – but we will now be working them into our routines."
Ian said he remembers hearing Eric Delaney on record, enjoying his use of kettle drums by deploying brushes rather than beaters, and also using the pitch pedals mid-note.
While the Horwich concert is already fully booked, folk will have a chance to hear WYJO twice during the Wigan International Jazz Festival this summer.
They are giving an Illustrated History of the Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra concert on Thursday, July 16 in the JJB Stadium's South Stand Suite and also performing free in the town centre on July 11 between 11am and 3pm.
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 24 May 2012
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