Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ Gosforth Civic Theatre - Dec. 17

There's little I can add to Russell's review of the previous night's concert, not least because I've misplaced my set list/notes! However, I can but concur that the band were again on top form - when are they not?

Graham Don's vocal and Pav's guitar feature certainly socked it to 'em whilst Alice, even with a sore throat, hit the spot. Jamie Toms' breathed new life into Georgia on my Mind, just one of several super solos by top tenor Toms. Altos Robinson and Summers also impressed, the latter occasionally twiddling the keys on his curved soprano to great effect. Sue booted the baritone and Matt Forster, made the most of his exposure on, I think, one of the seasonal selections. All brilliant individually but, as a section, simply sensational.

The 'bones too were excellent whilst the trumpets will be first call next time Joshua has a gig in Jericho.

Bass guitarist Whent had a solo that ticked the boxes, Graham Don's piano-playing is always a delight and now he also has vocalist on his c.v. Swinton drives the band with the power needed to keep all 16 swinging and the defrosted blonde sitting next to me posed the question as to why he never appears with any other bands which I too wondered about. Still after the SSBB anything else would be an anti-climax and if you doubt me, check  the band out at Hoochie Coochie next Friday (Dec. 23, 8:30pm). Lance

Michael Lamb (MD), Pete Tanton, Gordon Marshall, Dick Stacey (trumpets); Mark Ferris, Kieran Parnaby, Chris Kurgi-Smith, John Flood (trombones); Jamie Toms, Matt Forster, Steve Summers, Keith Robinson, Sue Ferris (reeds); Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar); Graham Don (piano, vocals); Michael Whent (bass guitar); Guy Swinton (drums); Alice Grace (vocals).