(Review by Russell)
Things tend to run to time at Scarborough. At quarter past two, to time, MC Alan Barnes introduced the powerhouse SK2 Jazz Orchestra. Drummer Dave Tyas, Yorkshire born and bred, takes his band on the road whenever he can and an invitation to perform at the Spa was readily accepted. An all-Kenton programme (the clue is in the band name ‘SK2’) enthralled an audience which, near as damn it, filled the hall. Some of those present were, no doubt, at one or more of Kenton’s British concert dates back in ’56.
Dave Tyas knows his Kenton. This festival set dipped into the extensive library available to interpreters of the music. Kenton’s staff arrangers – including Gerry Mulligan and Bill Holman – were duly noted by Tyas. A chronological presentation played little, or no part, in the bandleader’s thinking; What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? (Gair Carson on alto), trumpeter Tom Sharp hitting the heights on Decoupage (comp/arr Hank Levy), and Yesterdays (from the Contemporary Concepts album, arr Bill Holman) a tenor saxophone feature for the impressive Rick Halliwell.
The SK2 revisited West Side Story – I Feel Pretty and Maria – with the spotlight on Ellie Smith (trombone). The Cuban Fire! suite heard telling contributions from Rod Mason (on this gig playing baritone), and Mike Burns (trumpet). Veteran altoist Munch Manship got the nod on several occasions to show what he could do and, to conclude the set, drummer Dave Tyas, soaked in sweat from a dynamic display, thanked the orchestra, Mike Gordon and all concerned, and went out on Intermission Riff.
Russell.
Dave Tyas (MD, drums), trumpets: Tom Sharp, Mark Gillbanks, Steve Valentine, Mike Burns; trombones: Chris Fidler, Ellie Smith, Gareth Hodge, Josh Cirtina; reeds: Munch Manship (alto saxophone), Gair Carson (alto & baritone saxophones), Rick Halliwell (tenor saxophone), Joanne Kerrigan (tenor saxophone), Rod Mason (baritone saxophone); piano: Sean Miller; double bass: Richards Keats
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