Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ Hoochie Coochie Sept 21.

Michael Lamb (MD), Pete Tanton, Gordon Marshall, Dick Stacey (tpts); Keiran Parnaby, John Flood, John Day, Dave Barnes (tmb); Steve Summers, Keith Robinson (alt); Jamie Toms, Paul Gowland (ten);Laurie Rangecroft  (bar); Graham Don (pno); Pawel Jedrejewski (gtr); Michael Whent (bs); Guy Swinton (dms); James Hedley/Lindsay Hannon (vcls). 
(Review by Lance)/photo courtesy of Ken Drew)
There should be a warning on the music stands of the Strictly Smokin' Big Band  - like there are on a packet of Silk Cut - Smoking can damage your health. Take it from me that, listening to this band, the danger level is even higher! Lower your blood pressure? - no sir it will send it rocketing through the ceiling! So be warned!
However, if your constitution can cope, go for it. And if it can't? Then what a way to go!
We coped, I think, the band was at its storming best, the room was crowded and a ball was had. No need to single out the soloists, you know who they are and they didn't disappoint.

Lindsay and James were on the money and I was delighted by their How Do You Like Your Eggs in the Morning?

Memories of Vic Damone and Jane Powell in Rich Young and Pretty...aaah! 

Folk danced - doesn't that just add to the atmosphere? Music and dance, beats furrowed brows every time!

This band just goes from strength to strength - always a joy to hear but, the room was so crowded that maybe they need a bigger venue? Nah, the ambience is here and Warren has given them the space to blow so let's support them, and Warren, by at least buying a drink. After all, it costs nowt to get in!

Lance.

PS:: Just a few more observations - The Way You Look Tonight (by James) - the line "Keep that breathless charm" OMG Jerome Kern never wrote four more beautifully descriptive words.

Jive At Five - it was on the first ever LP I owned (Basie).

Is Four Brothers in the pad? and I know someone who'd love to hear Steve or Keith blowing on Jeeps Blues!

Lance.