Durham University Big Band @ Dunelm House. June 17

(Review by Russell).

It’s our end of year big blow out announced Dan Garel. The Riverside Café in Dunelm House on New Elvet occupies an enviable site perched high above the Wear. A 1960’s piece of architecture that, if it isn’t already, should be a listed building. Making full use of its location alongside the ‘60s’ concrete span of Kingsgate Bridge, Durham Students’ Union is functional, spacious, sprawling over several levels, offering Durham’s ‘Bright Young Things’ somewhere to chill out before, during (just kidding!) and after lectures.

Classicists, mathematicians, scientists turned out in large numbers to listen to their big band student friends, of whom many are classicists, mathematicians, scientists etc. The fact that they play big band jazz to a remarkably high standard is just one of those darn irritating things to a talentless individual such as your reviewer.

The gig started on time. A set of few standards and many challenging, newer pieces, the likes of which would stretch a professional outfit, the Durham University Big Band sure did play well. The audience listened – no mean achievement given that this was a Friday night out, beer drinking crowd – as the band roared through the material. Compositions and arrangements by the likes of Julian Argüelles, Stan Sutzmann and Kenny Wheeler were handled with ease. Altoist Dan Garel led from the front. To his left, the two tenors, Messrs Matt McKernan and John Somerton, assured performers both. Up top and behind a youthful looking trumpet section. These lads could play alright! To Garel’s right, Matt Jacobs, piano, and the rhythm section boys driven along by drummer Tristan Bacon. The band is fortunate to have Bacon. When he’s gone to pastures new, DUBB will do well to find an adequate replacement.

And the vocalists, Laura and Oscar. All of Me, and more, were ‘just a kick in the head’ to Oscar. And then there was Laura. A J Dilla/Radiohead Millennial, Laura Paul is a star. A career in the sciences no doubt awaits Ms Paul. Does the young woman realise just how good a vocalist she is? The band – DUBB, as it’s known – said goodnight with a rabble-rousing Mingus blow out.

End of term, Durham will say farewell to several members of the band. If the 2016-2017 edition is as good as the current line-up, we’re in for treat. 

Russell.

Dan Garel (alto & soprano), Felicity Evans (alto), Matt McKernan (tenor), John Somerton (tenor), ? (baritone); ? (trumpet & flugelhorn), ? (trumpet & flugelhorn), ? (trumpet), Sam Clark (trumpet); ? (trombone), ? (trombone), ? (trombone), ? (trombone); Matthew Jacobs (piano), ? (guitar), ? (bass), Tristan Bacon (drums); Laura Paul (vocals), Oscar Koronka (vocals)