Big Band Metheny live streaming from Ronnie's - Mar. 21

(Screenshot by Ken Drew)

Dominic Bentham's big band playing the music of Pat Metheny at Ronnie Scott's. Many of Bob Curnow's arrangements would feature during the evening. Little more than five minutes in 800 were online. A quiet opening, layering sound upon sound, James from Offramp the first familiar number of the set, the 'bones developing the melody. 

Song for Bilbao, as heard on last night's Michael Brecker session from Kansas Smitty's, swiftly followed by a feature for Matt Winch's flugelhorn on the ballad Always and Forever, it became clear this Metheny (and Lyle Mays) concert programme was a labour of love for Bentham and the entire band. Bentham suggested Metheny's music was 'quite cinematic', adding the band would play a sweep of tunes without further commentary, soloists included Aaron Liddard (alto sax), Michael Underwood (tenor sax), Sid Gauld (trumpet), Tommy Andrews (soprano sax), Chris Lowe (trombone) and percussionists Nigel Appleton and Rob Millett. 

(Collage by Ken Drew)

Afternoon, arranged by Bob Curnow, bore a remarkable similarity in melody to Bacharach and David's (They Long to Be) Close to You. Bandleader Bentham related the story of an enquiry from a couple hoping to book the band for their wedding reception. Well, it takes all sorts! To close a concert of some 75 minutes, baritone saxophonist Erica Clarke led off on Last Train Home. For Metheny devotees it is likely this live stream gig was a lockdown highlight, one thing's for sure, 900 plus online were in seventh heaven.        

Russell 

Matt Winch, Andy Gibson, Giles Straw, Sid Gauld, Ed Benstead (trumpets); Martin Gladdish, Chris Lowe, Dave Liddell, Dave Horden (trombones); Tommy Andrews, Aaron Liddard, Andrew Linham, Michael Underwood, Erica Clarke (saxophones); Hilary Cameron (piano); Dominic Bentham (bass); Nigel Appleton (drums); Rob Millett (percussion)