IT’S been almost 70 years since the sounds of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington were one of the soundtracks to life in Bournville. Thanks to the Jazz Ramblers however, the music of Speakeasies and skyscrapers returned once again to the heart of Bournville, as Jazz on the Green 2012 burst into chorus.

The event was a very family affair, with all ages of the population in attendance but predictably most of the crowd were people of mature years. Deck chairs were sat side by side as elderly couples tapped their feet in unison to the smooth melodies which rolled out of the brass section.

As a few more glasses of wine were sunk, many left their deck chairs behind and danced where space was available. It seems that even with age, one never loses their touch on the dance floor.

As the evening grew colder, the Jazz Ramblers turned up the heat playing old classics much to the amusement of the crowd. The band, which formed over 20 years ago, was fantastic, portraying great showmanship whilst stretching the legs of the old and opening the ears of young.

One of the members of the crowd commented on the performance stating “Jazz is not usually my cup of tea but I have to admit my right foot has been tapping away since the start of the set”.

As the show drew to an end and picnic blankets and deck chairs began to be packed away, the Jazz Ramblers played their most popular numbers. When the music stopped, the Jazz Ramblers were deservedly met with rapturous applause. As the crowd and the band bid their goodbyes, thoughts began to turn to next year’s Jazz on the Green. An improved performance by the sun would certainly not go amiss next year.