Arriving at Glasgow Queen Street shortly before two on a Sunday afternoon, ahead of a three o'clock departure via Edinburgh to Newcastle, the opportunity to catch some live jazz wasn't about to go begging. The Maltman pub in Glasgow city centre (two minutes' walk from the railway station) is home to a weekly big band session. The Maltman Big Band pitches up on a Sunday, two o'clock prompt, to play a selection of classic charts ranging from Basie to Buddy Rich to a book of Adrian Drover arrangements.
A late arriving trumpeter and an even later arriving baritone saxophonist didn't delay the advertised start. The Opener, courtesy of Duke Ellington, for starters. Trumpet and bari duly arrived, unpacked their instruments, and, mid-tune, slotted into the sections almost unnoticed. From time to time during the first set the sixteen piece outfit was joined by not one but two vocalists. Good ensemble work with feature soloists - including sometime SNJO trombonist Ronnie MacNiven (pictured) and pianist Colin McPhee - from all sections made for an enjoyable first encounter with Glasgow's Maltman Big Band. It was time to catch the LNER Train. Russell
First set included: The Opener; Sweet Georgia Brown; Blue Skies; People Will Say We're in Love; Big Swing Face; On The Street Where You Live.
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