(Review
by Kath J.)
On
the last Thursday of the month, you can be pretty certain to find me at the
open rehearsal of The Strictly Smokin’ Big Band, and although some may think I
am biased, due to my best beloved playing 1st Tenor, I endeavour for my reviews to be honest and accurate.
This
evening’s lack of singers allowed the SSBB to show off what a contemporary and
varied instrumental pad they have and it’s superb to hear the variety of
arrangements. As usual the place was
packed out with an attentive audience, some of whom had come up from downstairs
when they heard the music start, and so by the time Paul Bream, Chair of Jazz
Northeast arrived towards the end of the
first set, there wasn’t a seat to be had.
The
Band set away with Catch As Catch Can
and the first of several “blisteringly hot” solos from Paul Gowland, now before
you think this is the bias coming out, you will note the quotation marks, and
indeed that was a quote from another Saxophonist, Mr Steve Summers, who being
such a gent was very complimentary of his colleague and indeed is an expert in
these matters, as you will see from my own comments later in the review. Next up was I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’ from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, and the saxophone section were really on a
roll. Have you Met Miss Jones saw solos from the band leader Mr Michael
Lamb and from the mellow tenor of Jamie Toms.
The next tune was described as, ‘a bit of an experiment’ by Michael Lamb
and to my mind the experiment was a resounding success, with a solo from Paul
Gowland it was Sonny Rollins’ Bag’s Groove.
Do Nothing ‘til You Hear From Me saw Stevie
Summers take up the baton of the ‘blisteringly hot’ sax solo and then came
another experiment in the form of
Lance’s all-time favourite, Summertime,
and wow can Michael Lamb blow that horn… superlative solo! Nutville
exhibited two more of this talented gathering, featuring Graham Bell and Guy
Swinton in addition to solos from Michael Lamb and Paul Gowland. I really loved the rarely-played North Shore Evening with beautifully
executed piano sections from Graham Bell and a delightful solo by Paul
Gowland. Next we found ourselves in a Caravan, and stupendous solos from
Bradley Johnson, Pete Tanton and dare I say it again… Paul Gowland. The first set came to a close with Mercy Mercy Mercy including solo highlights from Steve
Summers, Graham Bell and Bradley Johnson.
Half
time gave us the opportunity to buy the brand new CD from Bradley Johnson and
James Birkett – Together; and yes I
did add this one to my collection. In addition, it gave Paul and I something
new to listen to on the way home… excellent addition to our Jazz CD collection!
Set
two saw the band’s leader on top form again in Ole Man River and one of those more contemporary numbers, Song for AEG featured Jamie Toms
again. A swap of instrument for Steve
Summers who picked up his Soprano Sax to solo in Us. Sax Alley came next with soprano sax Steve and tenors Paul and
Jamie; this is another favourite of mine… just love those Saxes. The more contemporary current tunes certainly
caught the appreciation of Mr Bream and later he said that for him the number Mr Dudley, which saw a further change of
instrument for the versatile Steve Summers on Clarinet and Pete Tanton on Trumpet, was the business, and
for him, this number, along with Song for
AEG were the highlight of the performance.
Penultimately we saw Keith Robinson play a spectacular solo during Ya Snooze Ya Lose, and as this was a Big
Band it was fitting that with the help of solos from Steve Summers and Pete
Tanton, we were left, In The Mood.
Kath.
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