Customs House Big Band @ the Customs House, South Shields - June 16

 (Review by Lance).

A gala occasion - 20 years old. Yes, the CHBB has been going now for two decades. It was fitting that two of the original creators of the band were in the audience. Tommy Moran and Joe Peterson, both must be very proud to note how their brainchild has grown into what it is today.

Peter Morgan led from the front introducing each number in his own inimitable manner although this time he handed over the bass trombone pad to Chris Hibbard. Peter did, however, play a couple of choruses on piano which was probably a first.

The majority of solos were taken by Mick Hill, Eddie Bellis, Alan Marshall, Jim McBriarty, John Stephenson and Bradley Johnston who provided the most emotional moment of the evening when, after Peter had paid tribute to the late Rick Taylor, Bradley added a musical tribute to his former mentor with an unaccompanied extended introduction to Body and Soul. Sheer magic and played from the heart.

Ruth Lambert has sung with the band, she says, for 15 years and looks and sounds even better now. Was this the best I've ever heard her? Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.

But with a band like this, it's unfair to single out individuals. Even the section players have to be at the top of their game to read some of these parts!

It was gratifying for the band to have such a good turnout and to be appreciated even though not all were out and out jazz/swing fans.

Amazingly, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is the first big band concert I've been to for some time where they haven't played a Sammy Nestico or a Gordon Goodwin arrangement. Not that I'm complaining I was quite happy with what I heard.

Lance.

In the Mood (arr: Doc Severinsen); A Foggy Day; Post House (arr: Louis Bellson); The Very Thought of You (Ruth); Love is Here to Stay (Ruth); Bluer Than Blue (arr: Don Sebasky); Harlem Nocturne; You Do Something to me (Ruth); The Man I Love (Ruth); Blue Bossa; When You're Smiling (Peter on piano); Love For Sale (arr: Buddy Rich); Bebop Charlie (arr: Bob Florence); Body and Soul (Bradley); Oh Lady be Good; That Old Devil Called Love (Ruth); Almost Like Being in Love (Ruth); Kid From Red Bank (John Stephenson); In a Mellow Tone; I Don't Know Why I Didn't Come (Ruth); Come Fly With me (Ruth); At the Woodchoppers Ball; Take the A Train; Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps (Ruth).

Peter Morgan (MD/piano); Bob Temple, Mick Hill, Ken DeVere, Alan Catherall (trumpets); Eddie Bellis, Dave Brock, Mike Fletcher (trombones); Chris Hibbard (bass trombone); Alan Marshall, Kim Skerritt, Jim McBriarty, Chris Kaberry. Josh Bentham (reeds); John Stephenson (piano); Bradley Johnston (guitar); Alan Smith (bass guitar); Adam Stapleford (drums).