Customs House Big Band - Open Rehearsal @ New Crown South Shields. May 3.

The band were preparing for their forthcoming concert at Spennymoor Settlement on May 14 where they are presenting a programme of Basie, Gershwin and Cole Porter, the Cole Porter not a coal porter (Ronnie Scott gag book circa 1964). They sorted out Gorgeous George & The Count Is Back, two orignals by Jim Martin, I Got Rhythm with some beautiful trombone by Chris Gurji-Smith and Bill Brittain gave his all in The Kid From Redbank.

The concert set was started with Hay Burner, Ruth Lambert sang Embraceable You, Sammy Nestico's Warm Breeze followed with solos by Bill on piano, Chris on trombone, Alan Marshall, tenor and Michael Lamb trumpet. A band version of the seldom heard ballad Long Ago and Far Away was followed by Ruth's Summertime, then the band with Nestico's Fun Time before Ruth and the band closed with I've Got You Under My Skin. I don't know how they do it but the band has that wonderful laid back Basie feel these days (it must be talent and practice). The good Burghers (is that how you spell it?) of Spennymoor are in for a treat.
Miles