Away From Home: JazzUp! Club85, Hitchin

Hitchin’s JazzUp! gig  series held at the iconic Club85, has always championed the younger members of our musical community, especially with the extended residency of the Joe English trio as support for some more established players. The September 2024 session featured Leeds-based Away From Home, formed by Hitchin’s very own Benji Arnold.

Isaac Keech, also a former Hitchin resident, on keys

It’s refreshing when bands pay homage to standards, while showcasing their own compositions and that’s what Away From Home does so well. Some beautiful tips of the hat like Wayne Shorter’s ‘Footprints’ and the rarely-heard ‘We See’ by Thelonious Monk were handled well by these engaging musicians.

Jamie Gallacher, tenor sax

It’s always a pity when jazz clubs are not packed out and I suspect that audiences sometime stay away from the unknown, which is a great shame. It is only with nights like this from JazzUp! that we can discover the next generation of musicians.

Sean Blake, double bass

Some of these original compositions from Away From Home show a maturity and considered creativity, particularly ‘A Walk in the Woods’, ‘Close Corners’, the humorous ‘Amos Saves the Day’ and the ballad/funk outing ‘Fresh Air’.

Billy Goulding, drums

Away From Home are Benji Arnold (trombone), Jamie Gallacher (tenor sax), Isaac Keech (piano), Sean Blake (bass) and Billy Goulding (drums). Watch out for them collectively and individually.

Review: Hilary Seabrook

Photos: John Morrow