Ah, Jazz. That much-maligned art form. Even in a place as desperately sophisticated and self-indulgent as Cambridge, the word is bandied around with caution, like an eccentric Aunt who you love dearly and visit often, but would prefer to keep away from scrutinizing peers. In this age of ubiquitous musical moulds (verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, fade to repeat), even the most ardent fan is forced to ask himself: can Jazz still excite the modern ear, or has the listener just become too lazy?

If anyone can convert the musical novice, it’s the Cambridge Universirty Jazz Orchestra (CUJO). Cambridge’s very own big band, the 18-person ensemble exploded into West Concert Hall last Friday, replacing the inevitable end-of-week melancholia with a somewhat embarrassing urge to “get up offa that thing, and shake till you feel better” (as quoth James Brown).

I must admit, when I heard that they were performing with a Jazz flautist, my delinquent student mind wandered to thoughts of Ron Burgundy from Anchorman, and although Gareth Lockrane may not have possessed the same animal magnetism, he was undoubtedly a presence in his own right. I was particularly impressed that he didn’t feel the need to exert his status on the event: whilst taking a healthy number of solos, he in no way overshadowed his hosts, allowing them to showcase their own technical prowess both individually and as a collective unit.

Whilst all performances were excellent, special praise must go to Liam Dunachie (piano), Guy Forbat (drums) and Ali Penman (alto sax), not to mention the sultry stylings of guitarist Nick Goodwin (if you’re reading this, I’m smitten, call me. Bring the guitar…). There were florid riffs and steamy solos, but as far as I’m concerned nothing compared to the moments of orchestral unity, where a wall of pure harmonic sound left the audience reeling. The evening could perhaps have benefited from a few more of these moments, as solos can lose momentum if over-used, but the balance was just about on mark.

In short, I agree whole-heartedly with the fifty-something Cambridge local, who assured me that CUJO was “better than many professional jazz orchestras” he’d seen, and next time the subject comes up in conversation I shan’t be ashamed. I’ll adjust my ironic beret, take a sip of black coffee and exclaim “Long live the trombone!” Don’t judge me.