The Lambton Big Band @ The Black Swan - Dec 9

Descending the stairs on a cold winter’s night it was good to feel the warmth from the Black Swan bar. From Newcastle Arts Centre’s freezing courtyard to a positively tropical basement venue, the debut performance by the recently formed Lambton Big Band was almost upon us. The band had worked hard to promote the gig and reaped the rewards with an audience nudging well into three figures.

Band MD Callum Mellis made himself available greeting the arrival of family, friends and a host of supporters bringing with them seasonal goodwill. Suited and booted, the Lambton Big Band hit the ground running with a varied set list; In the Mood to a Stevie Wonder medley – Isn’t She Lovely to Sir Duke – to a first appearance from the band’s singer Therese singing Feeling Good. The ensemble work impressive, with Therese no doubt flying high on adrenaline. A collective clicking of fingers signalled Moondance. Therese would later return to the stage.

Mellis played good flugelhorn during an inevitable Christmas medley – White Christmas to a tinsel-covered Jingle Bells with Alex Thompson giving it a blast on baritone. The Lambton Big Band was well and truly up and running. Cameras clicked and cameras flashed, ensuring this debut concert by the Lambton Big Band would be comprehensively documented!

Second set, more of the same. Good! Light-Walk then a feature for trombonist Laura Davison with an impressive take on Somewhere Over the Rainbow. As ’tis the season, more merry-making with the return of Therese to sing Santa Baby (what? no Santa hat, boo!), The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting and all that), then it was time for Callum Mellis to introduce the band’s surprise male vocalist. Guitarist Brent March stepped out of the rhythm section to join Therese in a fun duo closing a most successful evening to deafening applause singing Baby, It’s Cold Outside. 

Russell                

Billy Bradshaw, Callum Mellis (MD), Harry Brooks, Elizabeth Blanchard (trumpets); Laura Davison, Tom McDonald, Ed Robson, Andrew Hedges (trombones); Jennie Stretton, Laura Richardson (altos); Jacob Lightfoot, Hannah Grant (tenors); Alex Thompson (baritone); Brent March (guitar/vocal); Rhys Chambers (piano); Matthew Roberts (drums); Stephen Hall bass); Therese Nicole (vocals).