Scotch College

James Morrison lays them in the aisles

James Morrison with the Scotch College Show Band

Are there any limits to the talents of Australia’s own James Morrison?

That was the lingering question on the minds of the large group of Scotch boys and Scotch Family members who attended the ‘Amazing Grace’ concert in Ian Roach Hall.

James is widely recognised internationally as one of the finest jazz trombonists in the world. His concert treated an enthralled audience to a world class performance on trumpet, piano, trombone, tuba and digital trumpet that left them cheering for more. The ‘Amazing Grace’ concert was a part of Scotch College Mission Week, and was a fundraiser for the school’s Kapumfi project.

The concert opened with the Scotch College Show Band, which had worked tirelessly to prepare for the concert and sounded great. They clearly enjoyed the opportunity to share the stage with such a great performer. James then joined the band to present three tunes in tandem, providing a tremendous platform for a wonderful concert. The audience was entertained by beautiful ballads, swinging standards and James’s great wit and joy of telling a good story.

James Morrison performs

Earlier in the day, James conducted a master class in the Ian Roach Hall for 350 Scotch musicians, where he performed with the Show Band and answered numerous questions from an inquisitive audience. A great favourite for the boys was his digital trumpet, with which he was able to play a great range of electronically produced sounds much to the amusement of all. When asked if he could make it actually sound like a real trumpet he immediately quipped: ‘Why, yes … when I drop it!’

Both the concert and master class left all those who attended excited and inspired, knowing that they had spent the time listening to a truly wonderful performer.

Roger Schmidli
Head of Brass