Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ GCT - Dec. 18

Michael Lamb (MD), Pete Tanton, Billy Bradshaw, Dick Stacey (trumpets); Jamie Toms, Dave Kerridge, Keith Robinson, Steve Summers, Sue Ferris (reeds); Mark Ferris, Keiran Parnaby, Chris Kurgi-Smith, John Flood (trombones); Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar); Graham Don (piano, keyboards); Michael Whent (bass guitar); Guy Swinton (drums); Alice Grace (vocals)

A second sold-out session by SSBB at GCT more than compensated for last year's disappointment although, in fairness, the livestreams did serve to whet my appetite until the real thing came along which, in actual fact it did courtesy of Alice.

As Russell has already reviewed the Friday night show and, as last night was a repeat performance, I can but concur with his enthusiastic comments. So rather than say the same thing, albeit less eloquently, I'll content myself with filling in some of the spaces.    

Neil C mentioned Snowfall which was of course the theme song of the great Claude Thornhill Orchestra one of the more forward looking dance bands of the 1940s' and it was good to know it is still being played. Thornhill played piano so it was only natural that Graham Don was the featured soloist - Thornhill would have been pleased.

Fran Warren was the singer with Thornhill's band whilst Alice Grace handles the vocals with the SSBB. The sizzling songster's vocals are listed as (v) below. Needless to say our girl was in great voice although at times the sheer volume of the ensemble tended to be overpowering. Unless I missed something I didn't grasp the significance of the dialectic title given to I've Got my Love to Keep me Warm (Ah Got Me Lurve to Keep Me Waam!). Ms Grace didn't sound as if she'd been raised in Byker, Burradon or Blyth - still sounded good though!

Instrumentally, one of the many highlights was the sax battle between the two tenors on We Three Kings. Another was the guitar feature on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Then there was er well er well just everybody - soloists and sectioneers all played their part to perfection!

It was indeed, well for two nights at least, the most wonderful time of the year.

Lance

Max; I Love Being Here with You (v); Snowfall; Until the Real Thing Comes Along (v); Jingle Bells; Silent Night; The Nutcracker Suite; We Three Kings; Let it Snow; Santa Baby (v); Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen;  (v); I'll Be Home for Christmas (v); Most Wonderful Time of the Year (v); Last Christmas (v).