Stephen Triffitt (vocal) + 3 saxes; 2 trumpets; 1 trombone; piano; bass; drums and Suzi Woods (guest vocalist)
(Review by Lance).
Level One of Sage One was 99% full. The faithful had turned out to pay tribute to the late legend as seen through the eyes and voice of the generally acknowledged next best thing.
Stephen Triffitt.
He looks like Old Blue Eyes, moves like him and, most importantly, sounds like him. At times it was uncanny such was the resemblance.
It wasn't the hippest of audiences, even though I'd warrant that a fair percentage of them had had hip replacements in recent years, and many of the Sinatra style quips went over their heads. Nevertheless, one and all seemed to enjoy the music with the big winners being New York New York and Strangers in the Night, oh yes and, natch. My Way.
A choice selection of gassers included Come Fly with me; I've Got the World on a String; Pennies From Heaven; Please be Kind; The Summer Wind; Tender Trap; Witchcraft; Way You Look Tonight; Night and Day and New York New York.
This brought the first set to a close - time for a Jack Daniels.
A few familiar faces but ones I recognised from John Wilson concerts at Sage Gateshead or Jason Isaacs gigs at Hoochie Coochie rather than out and out jazz venues.
Maybe Triffitt realised this too as no attempt was made to namecheck the band. MD may have been Nigel Hitchcock and I think the tenor player was called Mark (Marco? Marcus?) it didn't matter, there weren't many solos. The toughest chair was the lonely trombone player interpreting those 5 trombone Nelson Riddle charts.
Surprisingly, no one recognised the famous intro to I've Got You Under my Skin or, if they did, they kept quiet about it. Needless to say the unidentified slideman did the Milt Bernhart solo proud.
The second set gave us Get me to the Church on Time; I've Got you Under my Skin; Strangers in the Night and a guest appearance by the rather lovely Suzi Woods ("My dad's from Seaham Harbour" she announced which drew a muted response). Fever; It Had Better be Tonight and, the real reason for her presence, a duet with Triffitt on Something Stupid. An impressive singer, well worth checking out.
Saloon song time. One For my Baby and Don't Worry 'Bout me.
Ring-A-Ding-Ding songs. Fly me to the Moon; Without a Song; I Won't Dance; You Make me Feel so Young; My Kinda Town and My Way.
It was a standing ovation. Even those who'd barely been able to walk in to the hall were on their feet applauding.
The last time such a miracle occurred was over 2000 years ago!
Lance.
Stephen Price on keys, Damian Bell on Trumpet, Stephen Triffitt as the man himself!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Lance
Nigel Hailwood was the MD (not Nigel Hitchcock) and Mike Hope was on tenor. A lovely review of the night though.
ReplyDelete