Gordon Marshall, Ken De Vere, Paul Riley-Gledhill, Michael Lamb (tpts). Peter Morgan (md/bs.tmb), Keiron Parnaby, Dave Brocklesby, Mike Fletcher, (tmb). Jill Brett, Elaine Willis (alt), Graeme Wilson, Leah Tether (ten), Chris Atkinson (bar), Bill Britain (pno), Roy Willis (gtr), Jack Lowe (bs), David Francis (dms), Ruth Lambert (vcl).
With England taking on the might of Algeria in the World Cup it perhaps wasn't surprising that there were a few empty seats dotted around the Saville Exchange. Nevertheless, in hindsight, the scoreline might read Big Band Fans 10 Soccer Fans 0 when it comes to weighing up the entertainment factor.
The Customs House Big Band themselves fielded a few subs but they were no ordinary subs.
Graeme Wilson and Leah Tether on tenors, more than did the business.
In fact Graeme, the sole male in the sax section, had an extended solo cum coda on Blue Bossa as well as a few shorter ones on other numbers that let North Shields know, what we already knew, just how good and versatile a player he is.
Leah had some nice moments too taking the opening solo on Basie's Straight Ahead. Jill Brett, on lead alto, blew several good solos and it has to be said she sounded great. Lovely silky tone particularly on her spotlighted piece of Ellingtonia.
Jack Lowe, leaving the band and the area after this gig, took centre stage for his bass feature - Bernie's Tune - and didn't disappoint - we wish him well. Trumpet solos were, in the main, by Michael Lamb who always delivers the goods.
Which brings me to Ruth. The girl was in good voice - is she ever anything else? - and we were treated to exquisite versions of Fever, Someone to Watch Over Me, My Heart Belongs to Daddy, Mambo Italiano, Come Fly With Me, Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend, Summertime, Alright Okay You Win and The Man I Love.
Band numbers that impressed included Flight of the Foo Birds, Love for Sale, plenty Gordon Goodwin charts and a nice version of Easy to Love by pianist Britain.
Throughout, the rhythm section played with Basie-like precision.
A good gig, my only crit was that the soloists needed miking when playing over the top of the ensemble.
A cracking night.
Lance.
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