(Review by Russell)
The seventh edition of Durham University Big Band's annual Christmas bash followed a familiar pattern - 1) Durham Students' Union Riverside Bar and Cafe was packed to the rafters with demob happy students drinking a 'Big Band Cocktail' (£3.50.), 2) DUBB (that's the big band) resplendent in an assortment of Xmas jumpers, similarly delighted with the arrival of end of term, 3) a set list of swinging big band charts and seasonal favourites.
Speaking of seasonal favourites...Santa Claus is Comin' to Town opened the show with one of DUBB's vocalists - Rob Singleton - eager to exercise the tonsils. Ailing band MD, trumpeter Honor Hornsby (chest infection) confined herself to playing section lead and technical troubleshooter leaving MC duties to trombonist Tommy Wise. Bemsha Swing featured solo contributions from former Early Bird pianist Ben Lawrence (a real asset to DUBB 2019-20), alto saxophonist Alex Howard-Vyse and trumpeter Jesse Turnock.
Drinks were being consumed - some spilled, it was that kind of occasion! - at a rate of knots as the band's other singer, Ms Evie Hill, sang Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow. Vocalists warmed up, Singleton led the partying crowd into a Winter Wonderland (arr Callum Au, the same arrangement favoured by the Strictly Smokin' Big Band) with smart section work by the five reeds. Hill returned to sing J Dilla's Fall in Love (more from Howard-Vyse, alto) before the band closed an enjoyable first set with something a little more conventional - Just Friends (solos from Lawrence, the impressive Chris Chung, trombone, and Matt Bartlett, tenor sax).
Gordon Goodwin's arrangement of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen resumed matters. Chung (trombone) and James Petley (tenor sax) dug into Radiohead's 15 Step as did pianist Lawrence - good stuff! MD Honor Hornsby blew flugel on Always and Forever - a fine effort under the circumstances (our soloist not feeling 100% and performing to a room full of potentially distracting partying students). Robert Glasper's Ah Yeah arranged by 2019 graduate Zach Fox found favour with Durham's Bright Young Things then it was almost time to pack up and head to the bar but not before Singleton and Hill sang one more number - Frank Loesser's Baby, It's Cold Outside, yes, it was party time alright!
One more, Bob Curnow's arrangement of the phenomenally successful Riverdance put drummer Michael Young in the spotlight and 'Mikey' duly produced an impressive display. Wait! You can't go to the bar yet! An encore was called for and won. Buddy Rich, Love for Sale from Big Swing Face, an excellent choice to end Michaelmas term and, as Tommy Wise informed us, DUBB wished a fond farewell to the band's excellent guitarist Tom Burgess who is moving on to pastures new. Alright, let's hit the bar!
Honor Hornsby, Catherine Flanders, Dominic Purefoy, Jesse Turnock (trumpets); Alex Howard-Vyse (alto sax), Caroline Derrett (alto sax), Matt Bartlett (tenor sax), James Petley (tenor sax), Alex Wardill (baritone sax); Tommy Wise, Chris Chung, Peter Fewster, Dylan Morris (trombones); Tom Burgess (guitar); Ben Lawrence (piano); Isaac Merchant (bass guitar); Michael Young (drums); Rob Singleton (vocals), Evie Hill (vocals)
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