For the first time the band played in the main concert hall and this proved to be very successful with a large and enthusiastic audience.
The opener, In the Mood, showed how tight the band is and that we were in for a great night of music. S‘Wonderful followed with fine solos from Mark Toomey and Gary Hadfield. Ray Noble’s The Very Thought of You was beautifully sung by Jan Spencelayh before the band launched into Take the A Train. The style changed again with that nice ballad Emily, and Jan singing That Old Black Magic.
Many more numbers followed including Down Basie Street, Light Vibrations, Jan singing My Heart Belongs to Daddy, Cheek to Cheek and Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue with fine solos from Sue Ferris and Bill Watson.
After playing Lil' Darlin’, Jeannine and Jumpin' at the Woodside, the rhythm section set the pace for The Jazz Police - a great swinging number by Gordon Goodwin to finish the first session.
A rousing big band version of Sweet Georgia Brown with a
nice trombone solo from Chris Hibbard was followed by a
particular favourite of mine What A Difference A Day Made featuring Jan.
Days of Wine and Roses and Witchcraft were played and then two further vocals from Jan Lullaby of Birdland and Fever. Bringing the evening almost to a close with Clam Chowder and Sammy Nestico's arrangement of Jersey Bounce which had fine soloing from Kevin Eland the show finished with Sue Ferris on flute in Children Of Sanchez.
This was an excellent and memorable night of big band music at its best
played to an enthusiastic audience. Many thanks go to the great musicians in
the band (sorry I didn't manage to name all of them) and to Peter (standing in
for Mick Donnelly) for his leadership and amusing comments.
Thanks also go to Phil Reay for looking after the sound and most importantly to
Dormans Club for their support with the Jazz Club. Ron H
Kevin Eland, Bill Watson, Colin Moore, Alan Catherall (trumpets); Ernie O'Hern, Chris Hibbard, Tommy Cloughton, Peter Morgan (trombones); Mark Toomey, Dan Johnson, Sue Ferris, Barbara Fagan, Gillian Nelson (saxes); Garry Hadfield (piano); Mick Shoulder (bass); John Bradford (drums); Ian Bosworth (guitar); Jan Spencelayh (vocals)
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