The first of this year's "Guest Big Band" nights featured the Darlington Big Band, normally led by Richie Emmerson who, unfortunately, was unable to be there. However, with Bill Watson doing the announcing and Kevin Eland leading the band we were in the very capable hands of the two trumpet players.
The band, comprising 18 first class musicians several of whom are regular guests on the Tees Hot Club nights, gave the packed audience a truly special night of very professionally arranged big band music.
The ability of the band to play with great passion and dynamics was clearly shown from the start with the Kenton arrangement of On The Street Where You Live. Sammy Nestico's 88 Basie St. followed with a nice intro and solo from Dave Archbold (keys).
It's Not My Fault, Bluff Point, My One and Only Love, showed how well they all played together. Lover Come Back to me was really swinging with fine sax solos from Ray Dales and Dan Johnson. Ray Dales was also featured on the Theme From Taxi Driver. Then one of my favourites, Oliver Nelson's Stolen Moments with a lovely trumpet solo by Bill Watson.
After Stardust with, once again, a very nice intro came Pressure Cooker which had Karen Maughan (bass) and Paul Campbell (drums) showing their skills and bringing the first set to a close.
Starting the second set the beautiful Laura was followed by the ever popular Doc Severinsen band's version of Just Friends.
Jimmy Van Heusen's ballad, Here's That Rainy Day, and Kevin Eland's fine trumpet soloing, the mood changed for the Kenton band's version of Stompin' at the Savoy including a nice Charlie Christian inspired guitar solo from Ed Maughan.
A beautiful version of What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? had Dan Johnson playing a very moving solo.
The Rotten Kid, with fine solo work from Terry O'Hern (trombone) and a nice alto sax duet from Allan Marshall/Ray Dales, brought the night to a close with an excellent arrangement of Whisper Not and fine tenor solos from both Dan Johnson and James Swainston.
I must first apologise for not knowing the names of all the band members or of any I have misspelt.
Thanks go to all the musicians in the band especially to Bill and Kevin standing in for Richie, making this a memorable night of well arranged big band music that delighted the audience, also thanks to Dorman's for their support in running the jazz night. Ron H
No comments :
Post a Comment