Customs House Big Band with Ruth Lambert @ Customs House, South Shields.

Peter Morgan (MD/bs tmb), Ruth Lambert (vcl), Gordon Marshall, Ken de Vere, Paul Riley-Gledhill, Michael Lamb (tpts). Gareth Weaver, Chris Gurgit-Smith, Mike Fletcher, (tmbs). Jill Brett (alt/flt), Elaine Willis (alt), Alan Marshall, Kim Webb (ten), Chris Kaberry (bar). Bill Britain (pno), Tom Patterson (bs gtr), Roy Willis (gtr), David Francis (dms).

This was another good concert by the ever popular Customs House Big Band who, yet again, pulled a good crowd to their home base.

The theme was show songs and we were treated to a selection of superb big band versions of some of the most well-loved tunes that began life on 'The Great White Way'.

Peter Morgan, leader and raconteur, directed the band, played ensemble bass trombone and gave much information on the background of each number.

The band itself had a couple of changes. Jim McBriarty has departed (there are just so many bands a guy can play with!) He was replaced by Kim Webb on second tenor. Kim, incidentally is the daughter of well known local jazz singer Mia Webb.

Jack the bass has gone to pastures south to be replaced by Tom the bass guitar.

Alan Marshall did the tenor solos justice with his coolish sound whilst Jill Brett not only has the lead alto pad down pat but also rattled off some good solos. Gareth Weaver took most of the trom solos although all three let rip on How High The Moon.

Mike Lamb shouldered the brunt of the trumpet solos with Paul Riley-Gledhill doing his bit on Summertime.

Bill Britain featured on Softly as in a Morning Sunrise as well as arranging September Song at a nice bouncy tempo unlike the original which I always find slightly turgid.

Alongside Bill, 'Uncle' Roy Willis and Tom Patterson provided the pulse with David Francis putting the boot in.

Too many great numbers to mention them all but, for me, perhaps the most interesting was Fascinating Rhythm which had some fascinating tempo/time changes.

MD Peter even managed to give Bebop Spoken Here a mention!

Nice one.

Lance.

PS: If you're wondering why I haven't mentioned super singer Ruth Lambert it is because our Woman's Editor Ann is preparing her own take on the vocal/fashion side of it - watch this space!

Photos.

Also a reminder - catch the band and Ruth for free at the open rehearsal/concert at the New Crown, South Shields, on Tuesday Oct 5 at 7:30pm.