Paul Riley-Gledhill, Michael Lamb, Simon Dennis, ? (tpts); Mike Fletcher, Gareth Weaver, Chris Gurgit-Smith, (tmb); Peter Morgan (ldr/bs tmb); Jill Brett (alt/flt), Jim McBriarty (alt); Alan Marshall, Leah Tether (ten), Chris Kaberry (bar); Bill Brittainn (pno), Roy Willis (gtr), John Pope (bs), Ian Wynd (dms). Ruth Lambert (vcl).
There were a number of changes since I last heard the band at South Shields' Customs House - whether they were permanent or deps I don't know. Whatever, it didn't diminish the power of the band who, particularly in the Basie section of the program, displayed dynamic awareness.
Alan Marshall played some corking tenor solos and Jill Brett blew full toned alto as well as leading the section. Jazzman Jim McBriarty depped for 'Lainey' but didn't solo.
Chris Gurgit-Smith had a really beautiful trombone sound. Rich and meaty like the Milt Bernhardt of the Kenton and Riddle orchestras he excelled on "I've Got Rhythm."
Young Simon Dennis on trumpet had some exploratory solos that contrasted nicely with the Power of Paul Riley-Gledhill and Michael Lamb who leads his own big band at Cluny 2 on Oct. 30.
The rhythm section was first class with the ubiquitous John Pope, once he'd got miked-up, his usual tower of strength. Bill Brittain had some lovely intros to the Basie ballads as well as working out on "The Kid From Redbank." Roy Willis chorded effectively whilst Ian Wynd on drums booted things along.
Peter Morgan led from the front and kept the audience amused with his introductory spiel to each piece.
Which brings me to Ruth. The girl seems to get better each time around. The Gershwin/Porter songs could have been written with Ruth in mind so effectively did she interpret the clever lyrics.
In "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" she sang the rarely heard second verse.
Saint Patrick's Day,
Although I may,
Be seen wearing green with a Paddy,
I'm always sharp when playing the harp,
'Cause my heart belongs to daddy.
Though other dames
At football games
May long for a strong undergraddy,
I never dream
Of making the team,
'Cause my heart belongs to daddy.
Super Cole Porter, Super band and Super Ruth. Oh and let's not forget mister Superstar Gershwin - Ruth's emotive version of "The Man I Love" slid nicely into the Bill Holman up tempo chart of the same tune for an effective finale.
Can't wait to catch her again at her CD launch on Oct 23 or with the band when they return to the Customs House in March next year.
Lance.
PS: And - one more time for Count Basie.
PPS: And - one more one time for Peter Morgan.
1 comment :
Hi Lance
I wish I could have been there. I've yet to resolve the matter of trying to be in two places at once!
I will be at the Saville for Ruth's CD launch gig. I too can't wait.
Russell
Post a Comment