One of the most pleasurable things about attending a jazz gig such as this is the lack of standing on ceremony that exists ,and informality was certainly the watchword in this highly enjoyable performance by the cream of the country's young jazzers.

From the moment that band leader Mark Armstrong and his 21 piece orchestra (comprising the standard big band format, plus flute and french horn adding some symphonic colour) events had a distinctly relaxed feel about them.

Armstrong was the charismatic and idiosyncratic focal point of the evening ,though he by no means stole the limelight, as he directed events via a few finger snaps here, the odd gesture there ,stopping for the odd word with individuals as he shaped each number. He even picked up his trumpet to contribute some rousing solos.

The biggest tribute that one can pay to our best youth ensembles is that one quickly forgets that they are so young. This was certainly true here. It wasn't just the youthful zest and enthusiasm that one comes to expect, nor even the phenomenal techniques on display, but it was, above all, the control and musicianship on show that impressed. This was nowhere more apparent than in a beautifully restrained version of Gershwin's 'Embraceable You'.

No-one was excused solo duties here with saxophonists Ben Treacher ( alto) and Riley Stone-Lonergan (tenor) two of the many who will surely make their mark on this country's jazz scene.

The most famous of the band's alumni was Amy Winehouse ; here the band's vocalist was the impressive Jessica Radcliffe. Her laidback stage presence and fluid tones exuded confidence, most notably in Johnny Mercer's 'That old black magic'.

An evening full of highlights ended with a memorable swing arrangement of 'A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square' and in Thad Jones' arrangement of 'Groove Merchant'.