The Buddy Greco Show - Gala Theatre Durham

A night of sheer delight. One and a half hours of unbroken entertainment by a man who can hold his head as high as any of his peers dead or alive and, given that he is now 82, there aren't too many in the latter category. However, unlike his most illustrious peer, the voice hasn't withered nor custom staled its infinite variety. Nor is there anything wrong with his piano playing. The bop licks of his youth may be less apparent, replaced by big band voiced riffs and delicate chordal explorations, but the jazz feel is inherent in every thing he plays - even that most inane of tunes "MacArthur Park".

Not that this was a one man show - far from it. Lezley Anders A.K.A. Mrs Greco sang a few numbers as well adding a touch of glamour and humour. The duet, "Making Whoopee," was particularly well done although "Begin the Beguine" in a minor key didn't, at least for me, quite come off.

The photo shows Buddy and Lezley signing albums. To Buddy's right is another singer - Attila - who Buddy introduced and who sang a couple of numbers in fine Sinatranic style. As an encore all three vocalised on "Our Love Is Here To Stay".

Bass and drums gave good support but unfortunately I didn't catch their names.

A most enjoyable evening that wasn't without incident before a note had been played. Sitting in front of us, a chap balanced his drink on a narrow rail in front of him and promptly knocked it into the lap of the woman, a stranger, sitting next to him.

Follow that Mr Greco I said and follow it he did indeed.

Hurry back.