The Write Stuff - This year's participants

David Rees is a final year music student at the University of Cambridge seeking "to discover whether I have what it takes to become a part of this wonderfully vibrant and exciting community (the world of jazz writing)". David submitted a review of a recent Dennis Rollins concert: 'There is something very alluring about the way Rollins puts on a performance. He is just as happy standing at the back of the stage playing a percussion instrument, as he is standing at the front, showcasing yet another technical restriction of the trombone that he has demolished. This ethos had clearly spread to the whole ensemble, where the usual big band one-upmanship was exchanged for a communal celebration of some truly inventive and exciting music. Forget Cullum's over-styled and pointless nostalgia for the likes of Frank Sinatra, what would put jazz back on the right track are more performances like these, which aren't fixated with the past, but instead drag listeners vehemently into the present.'
Read David's Reviews - Fire Collective |Bad Plus

Fiona Abrahami has a background as a technical writer, though music has always been a 'vital ingredient' in her life, and next year hopes to return to college to study jazz at the Leeds College of Music. Fiona submitted a feature on why jazz is still relevant, ending with some advice on the four elements to listen for in jazz today: '- The personal artistry and emotional statements of the performers; - The intellectualism of its creators (musicians, composers, arrangers); - The social and political history enshrined in its traditions; - The spirit of unity and the blurring racial boundaries.'
Read Fiona's Reviews - Mina Agossi |Tomorrow's Warriors

Andrew Taylor's working life has been largely inside the church, and he is currently working on a book exploring the relationships between jazz and theology. He submitted a review was of a 'mesmerising set' by the Enrico Rava Quintet: 'From the opening number, a new piece entitled "Hitchcock on the Beach", to its end, an exquisitely rendered version of Ahmad Jamal's "Poinciana" … this band played one of the tightest sets that I've heard in a very long time, made all the more obvious by their enjoyment in one another's company. Even the occasional Glen Gould like sing-along of the bassist Rosario Bonaccorso added something to the music that you would, on reflection, have felt was missing without its accompanying trills.'
Read Andrew's Reviews - Fire Collective|Mina Agossi

Neema Mawiyoo is another music student, currently doing some independent research on jazz vocal styling. Neema reviewed Sophie Garner in concert: 'Garner matches a distinct swing style with a cool but intricate delivery, packing a punch in the simplest and shortest phrase…. I wager she could give Ella a run for her money; she certainly has the attitude. In the end what she offered was a rich tapestry, though having just had an amazing dinner, I likened the experience more to a gourmet dessert, say chocolate mouse: light, but incredibly rich… if you ever hear of her giving a live performance, go. No sense in eating shepherds pie when there's a ready roast available.'
Read Neema's Reviews - Fire Collective

Steve Pretty is looking to enter further into the world of jazz journalism, and believes that, "an understanding of electronica is as vital as a love of swing, and a consciousness of the ever-expanding musical palette is essential in developing critical faculty." Steve submitted a review of Wynton Marsalis' All Rise: 'A man who clearly relishes a challenge, he draws on an impressive range of sources, from the Copland-like brass of the eighth movement to Bernstein-influenced syncopated strings, but in so doing sacrifices a distinct voice.'
Read Steve's Reviews - Fire Collective|Bad Plus

Tim Woodall is currently music critic for the Wessex Scene, the student newspaper in Southampton, and looking to develop a 'consistently cogent' writing style. He submitted a review of an Esbjorn Svensson Trio concert: 'Svensson's demeanour as his fingers raced over the keyboard betrayed his trio's attitude to music. With pumping legs and a face painfully twitching he was engrossed, and he took the audience with him. Yet this intensity did not diminish when, at the end of the piece and after a few faltering words of English from Svensson, E.S.T began Believe Beleft Below, a ballad of beautiful simplicity. Relentless drum rhythms replaced by whispering brushes.'
Read Tim's Reviews - Fire Collective|Archie Shepp

Jon Turney is an experienced science writer, editorial director and lecturer, with over 300 pieces published in the mainstream press alone, "intrigued" to find out more about writing about music. Jon reviewed Ornette Coleman in concert: 'It is often said how hard it is to credit that this was once so radical. The danger 45 years on is that it could easily be boring. In truth, for the first couple of numbers it is. But then something clicks and the patterns forming in the mind and fingers of the man down there in the spotlight and rising up into the packed Barbican auditorium take on the urgency and immediacy which defines jazz success.'
Read Jon's Reviews - Fire Collective|Archie Shepp

Jonathan Cox graduated this summer from Leeds College of Music, and though he has never written professionally before is keen to learn and develop. He reviewed a recent Dave Holland Big Band gig: 'The performance began with Bring It On, the opening movement to Holland's Monterey Suite. It soon became clear that the recently departed members of the band were not going to be greatly missed as Mark Turner on tenor and Robin Eubanks took solos on the first number. Holland has assembled a remarkable collection of talented young musicians and improvisers whose technical virtuosity and flair is underpinned by the extraordinary time keeping relationship Holland maintains with his drummer.'
Read Jonathan's Reviews - Fire Collective|Archie Shepp