This impromptu short videoclip was taken at an informal Year 7 Music & Drama evening at Plymouth College, where Tom is a student. While it's a little bit dark - perhaps deliberately to recreate the ambiance of a jazz club somewhere - Tom's performance of one of his Grade 2 ABRSM Jazz Pieces, On-Off Boogie, especially his improvisation, not only captures the atmosphere to perfection, but also seems to be a big hit with his classmates! Tom, in fact, had already passed a number of classical piano grades when he first started his lessons with Philip, but it seemed clear that this wasn't really where Tom's heart was. A quick 'conversion' to jazz definitely did the trick, Tom passed his first jazz grade with a high Distinction, and lessons seem fun once more!
Philip R Buttall
Musician & Music Writer