On 27 November, Jazz in the Box partnered with Liberation Live for an evening that felt like it had slipped straight out of a downtown New York jazz club. With dim lights, rich brass, a smoky ambience, and the energy of a late-night NYC set brought to life right here at Sussex. The setup was striking from the moment you walked in: audience members seated in a loose circle around the performers, close enough to catch every expression, every nod, every shared glance between musicians. It created a rare level of intimacy, an invitation rather than a performance, a space where the boundary between band and audience softened into something collaborative.
Though not an official band, the five musicians – Thomas Bransom (saxophone), Joe Snelling (bass), Vincent Malloch (guitar), Felix Rocque (drums), and Tyzer McAllister (keyboard) – played with a chemistry and assurance that felt remarkably established. Brought together by Felix, this ensemble of some of Sussex’s finest up-and-coming jazz musicians delivered a nine-song set marked by groove, reflection, spontaneity, and charm, shaping an atmosphere that was as relaxed as it was artistically assured.
The evening opened with a La La Land-esque number, warm and cinematic, immediately setting the tone for what would become a beautifully immersive night. Throughout the performance, there were pockets of conversation, musicians chatting casually with the crowd, offering small insights into their choices or simply responding to the room’s energy.
One of the strongest pieces of the night was the debut song “Bolivia,” performed with a sensitivity and precision that quieted the entire room. Pianist Tyzer McAllister shone here in particular, delivering a beautifully nuanced performance, expressive without excess, technically impressive without sacrificing emotional depth. It was a moment that showcased not only individual skill but true musical intuition.
Vocally, Ackinsoul was a standout throughout the evening. Their voice carried a dreamy ease: soulful, fluid, and deeply expressive. With an effortlessly captivating stage presence, they guided the room through each piece with a soft confidence. Whether leaning into a mellow groove or lifting into something more expansive, their performance gave the night its narrative thread, tying the set together with warmth and emotional clarity.
“West Coast Blues” offered another highlight, presenting a groovy, cohesive moment for the full ensemble. The arrangement left room for each musician to shine, brief solos, subtle improvisations, and those small, expressive gestures that reveal trust within a group. Everyone had a moment, and everyone used it well.
What made the evening exceptional wasn’t just the musicianship but the atmosphere, the sense of shared experience. Jazz in the Box didn’t simply recreate the aesthetics of a jazz club; they built the feeling of one. A room where conversation and music coexist, where listeners lean in, and where performers aren’t elevated on a pedestal but held in a circle of attention.
As a society, Jazz in the Box has firmly proven itself to be one to watch. They may not be a fixed band, but their ability to curate an evening with clarity, vision, and genuine musical connection is impressive. This collaboration with Liberation Live showcased not only their talent but their potential. If future events carry even a fraction of the intimacy and artistry of this one, Sussex’s live music scene is in very good hands.
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