Another public rehearsal session at
the newly refurbished Millstone with the SSBB. A varied set list starting with
Maroon 5’s Sunday Morning. The
all-American boys scored a couple of hits from their 2002 album Songs for Jane – She Will Be Loved and the aforementioned Sunday Morning. Strictly Smokin’ vocalist Alice Grace sang it with
lyrics sheet in hand. It’s shaping up to be another winning tune for the band. The
SSBB’s other vocalist – F’reez – sang, as he often does, Sunny, with a blast on alto from Keith Robinson.
At this monthly session the one
thing you’re guaranteed is variety. Catch
As Catch Can swung at a lick with Paul Gowland, tenor, breezing through his
solo spot. Later Gowland rose to play Body
and Soul duly winning applause from the regulars in the Millstone’s
upstairs function room. The band is one of disciplined sections with a
take-your-pick selection of accomplished soloists and several got a chance to
have a blow including Pete Tanton, David Barnes, and the engine room boys
Graham Don and Pawel Jedrzejewski.
One of the joys of gig-going is
being surprised – a tune, a solo, a phrase. Well, Alice Grace singing Hard Hearted Hannah was one such
surprise. Fantastic! If the wonderful Ms Grace turned up at a New Orleans /Dixieland session looking to sit
in, there’s yer tune!
The Strictly Smokin’ Big Band is
looking forward to a big gig on Sunday 15 October. Superstar Joe Stilgoe will
be working with the band at Hoochie Coochie and the word is tickets are going
fast. To be sure of your ticket visit the SSBB’s website for details: www.strictly-smokin.co.uk
Russell
Michael Lamb MD, Pete Tanton,
Gordon Marshall, Dick Stacey trumpets; David Barnes, John Flood, Laura Davison,
Kieran Parnaby trombones; Jamie Toms, Paul Gowland, Keith Robinson, Dave
Kerridge, Laurie Rangecroft saxophones; Pawel Jedrzejewski guitar; Graham Don
keyboards; Michael Whent bass; Guy Swinton drums; Alice Grace vocals; F’reez
vocals

No comments :
Post a Comment