Syd Lawrence Orchestra: Big Band Brass @ The Fire Station, Sunderland - Feb. 15

(© M. Lamb)

The popularity of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra is undiminished. The band's first visit to Sunderland's magnificent Fire Station venue attracted a large crowd. Two full one hour sets under the metaphorical baton of Chris Dean produced the goods with a programme offering something for everyone. The suited-and-booted orchestra filed onto stage to a warm Wearside welcome. From the down beat the sound balance was exceptionally good and the stage lighting ensured no one was left out of the spotlight.

The SLO line-up read like a who's who of the big band world. Between them they've been there, done that. From La Scala to the John Wilson Orchestra to stints on the QE2 to the BBC Big Band and BBC Concert Orchestra, Tony Bennett, Carnegie Hall, countless radio and television engagements, Royal Variety Performances (plural), Hollywood film soundtracks galore, yes, there's no doubting the collective pedigree. 

Opening with Stompin' at the Savoy set the standard with all sections firing, the rhythm section - pianist Trevor Brown, bassist Tom Mark and long-serving powerhouse drummer Dave Tandy - one to die for. Section leaders and soloists hit the spot. A weak link? There wasn't one. The veteran members of the band were joined for the first time by twenty two year old trumpeter Adam Neild. What a thrill it must have been for the young man standing in the section alongside Tony Dixon, Richard Freeman and hotshot Chris Snead! Sing, Sing, Sing maintained the momentum before MD Chris Dean took it down a notch, just a notch, with the introduction of vocalist Jo Marshall singing Get Me to the Church on Time. Ms Marshall remained on stage to sing Shirley Bassey's hit This is My Life. Confident, secure, the ideal vocalist to front the SLO. 

The programme was nothing if not varied: The Girl from Ipanema, String of Pearls (inevitably), Chris Dean singing Tender is the Night, confiding Tony Bennett is one of his musical heroes, and another Glenn Miller winner, Pennsylvania 6-5000, audience sing-a-long all but compulsory. The second set opened with an extended James Bond medley (the trumpet section blowing for fun). More Major G. Miller - American Patrol, Little Brown Jug, then a 'left turn!' to Quincy Jones' Soul Bossa Nova featuring Emily Burkhardt (of Manager's Big Band fame) on baritone sax. 

MD Dean is no mean singer, once again demonstrating the fact with a fine take on Matt Monro's big hit Portrait of My Love. The Fire Station's audience loved every minute of the two hours and more that the Syd Lawrence Orchestra was on stage. Jo Marshall returned to sing a mellow More Than You Know, Major Miller parachuted in once more bearing gifts...Tuxedo Junction and, with the audience gently swaying, Moonlight Serenade. To close a most enjoyable evening the SLO went out Stan Kenton style. Can you hear those trumpets? They were absolutely bang on with a terrific take on The Peanut Vendor. MD Chris Dean asked the audience if the SLO should come back to Sunderland. A unanimous chorus of: Yes! suggests it could be same time next year.
Russell                               

     

Syd Lawrence Orchestra: Chris Dean (MD, trombone, vocals); Tony Dixon, Adam Neild, Richard Freeman, Chris Snead (trumpet); Steve Blyth (tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute), Emily Burkhardt (alto sax, baritone sax, clarinet); Damon Oliver (tenor sax, clarinet, flute); Adrian Wilkinson (alto sax, clarinet, flute);; Tom Dunnett, Andy Watson (trombone); Trevor Brown (piano); Tom Mark (double bass); Dave Tandy (drums); Jo Marshall (vocals)