Conversations in Jazz: Live in Watford

The weekend of music presented by Watford Jazz Junction gave audiences a perspective on the world of jazz - from beginners to international professionals. Following the Gala Night with Emma Smith at Watford Palace Theatre, a bumper Sunday afternoon of music and chat delighted the audience at St John’s Church.

The WJJ Jazz Train choir

The afternoon began with a children’s choir from local schools who have all taken part in the Watford Jazz Junction’s Jazz Train workshops. The tutors on this inspirational initiative include Ilario Ferrari together with Orphy Robinson MBE, who are both major supporters of the work of WJJ. Giving these children - from the very young to those approaching secondary school age - the opportunity to perform together in front of an audience in such a beautiful setting demonstrates just how important music education is to WJJ and the wider community.

There was a brief, entertaining interlude provided by Micol Fusar (piano), one of the emerging talents being supported by WJJ.

David Gordon and Christian Garrick

Next up was the duo of Christian Garrick (violin) and David Gordon (piano and melodica) playing a selection of original and standard tunes, including the somewhat rare Celia by Bud Powell. It was my first opportunity to hear them perform and then there were insights into their work together when they joined in conversation with Ruth Fisher from Jazz FM and Lead Programmer for WJJ.

Ilario and Mari

Ruth acted as host for the afternoon and she next introduced another duo - this one featuring Mari Songs (voice) and Ilario Ferrari (piano, guitar and voice). Mari had performed on Friday at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the celebration of David Attenborough's 100th birthday. For the WJJ show, she joined with Ilario on a collection of inspired original tunes, as well as some soul, funk and jazz covers - their version of Stevie Wonder’s As demonstrated their skill, as well as the perfect melding of their two voices.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the performance of Your Journey, composed specially by Ilario and including Mari, David Gordon and bassist Shri Sriram, who was preparing for his own set a little later.

Another conversation allowed the audience to get to know Ilario and Mari, sharing the genesis of this new duo project: Ruth once more asked searching and insightful questions.

Shri Sriram

For me, the highlight of a brilliant afternoon was the jaw dropping close, as Shri Sriram brought his custom bass guitar back on stage with an array of electronics. Shri played tunes from his 2025 album Singing Bass and demonstrated his immense, award-winning skill on both his custom-built bass guitar and some beautiful flutes: the bass was self-built and the bansuri flutes are hand-made from reeds by specialists.

Shri’s set was the perfect conclusion to an eclectic afternoon, with his influences from jazz, western and Indian classical music with elements of folk and electronica weaved together. His final tune - Peace - could not have been a better choice.

Ruth’s final conversation with Shri evolved into his practical response to an audience question where he demonstrated some of the electronic elements and explained the evolution of his bass guitar and flutes.

WJJ is all about collaboration between experts, bringing excellent music to the community, exemplified by the expert in charge of the afternoon’s sound was Miles Ashton, more often found behind the sound desk at Ronnie Scott’s. The wider team includes Chris Newstead and the afore-mentioned Orphy Robinson and Ruth Fisher. 

Watch out for news of future events from Watford Jazz Junction