(Preview by Russell)
In Durham tomorrow night (Wednesday) one of the nation's enduring institutions will entertain big band fans at the Gala Theatre. From its roots in the twenties with Jack Payne at the helm, the BBC Dance Orchestra evolved over nine decades into the BBC Big Band. The Gala concert is billed Swing Legends which affords MD Barry Forgie the luxury of choosing numbers from the band's vast library.
The BBC Big Band features musicians drawn from a pool of A-listers*. Who turns up on the night will be determined by commitments elsewhere but, one thing is for certain, the sections will be brimming with talent, some of whom will be familiar star soloists in their own right.
The orchestra's connections with world renowned composers, arrangers, conductors and performers is beyond impressive - dozens of household names have conducted the band including Bob Florence, Stan Tracey and Gerald Wilson, the charts range from the Basie, Ellington and Goodman bands, the great Sammy Nestico/Nelson Riddle arrangements, to more contemporary material. Tony Bennett is a friend of the BBC Big Band, as is Kurt Elling. Yes, without question, the BBC Big Band's Swing Legends show is a guaranteed winner! It's a 7:30pm start, to book your seats call 03000 266 600.
* At the recent Strictly Smokin' Big Band concert at Sage Gateshead the band's guest star Mike Lovatt revealed he will be in the BBC Big Band's trumpet section at the Gala. That's one superstar, there will be others!
Russell
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