Strictly Smokin’ Big Band @ The Millstone. August 28

(Review by Russell).

This being the holiday season most of the sections in the Strictly Smokin’ Big Band were bolstered by deps. The band’s last Thursday in the month date at the Millstone goes from strength to strength – no matter who answers Michael Lamb’s call, all do a sterling job.

A late summer upturn in the weather made for something approaching a summer evening; the upstairs room in the Millstone on Haddricks Mill Road resembled a boiler shop. Beer, wine, bottled water, all slaked a thirst. The first set started slightly late due to a straggling dep who shall remain nameless. Once Paul Grainger was set-up and ready to go (oops!), a cracking take on Lester Leaps In featured the first of many tenor solos from Jamie Toms. JT took full advantage of the absent Paul Gowland, the second tenor chair being occupied by dep Kim Webb. Blues Machine heard solos from Keith Robinson (alto) and trombone section stalwart Mark Ferris with the reeds’ ensemble work a highlight.

The rhythm section – the SSBB’s regular drummer (and MC) Guy Swinton with new boy Graham Don (keyboards), Paul Grainger (double bass) and depping A-list guitarist Mick Wright evoking the magical sound of Freddie Green – made for a constant highlight.

With all seats taken in the Millstone’s boiler shop, the band hammered out short, punchy numbers ranging from Tom Kubis to Sammy Nestico’s Basie Straight Ahead (the latter a showcase for the full strength trumpet section). Band MD Lamb threw in a brisk solo and drew deserved applause. Vocalist Lindsay Hannon summed-up the evening telling us that it was Too Darn Hot. You bet!

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, That Old Black Magic, A Tisket A Tasket, the Strictly Smokin’ didn’t mess around. Solos were plentiful (Pete Tanton, trumpet, Steve Summers, alto and flute) and the determinedly non-soloing Mick Wright ensured the success of this cracking, must-get-to-monthly session.

Much of the material will be heard again next week on a gig in Carlisle. If you’re over that way, look them up.                         

Russell.

Strictly Smokin’ Big Band: Jamie Toms (tenor), Kim Webb (tenor), Keith Robinson (alto & flute), Steve Summers (alto), Nicola Weaver (baritone); Michael Lamb, Pete Tanton, Gordon Marshall, Tom Hill (trumpets); Mark Ferris, Keiran Parnaby,  Matthew Fletcher, John Flood (trombones); Graham Don (keyboards), Mick Wright (guitar), Paul Grainger (double bass) & Guy Swinton (drums) & Lindsay Hannon (vocals)