The band, led by saxophonist Richie Emmerson, consisted of 17 first class musicians many of them familiar faces at the Tees Hot Club.
Living up to the expectations of the audience they presented a night of varied and
professionally arranged big band compositions which made for a highly successful
evening.
For Kenton fans the band started with the Lennie Niehaus’ arrangement of On The Street Where You Live - clearly showing their class.
Frenesi was followed by a Sammy Nestico arrangement of Lonely
Street featuring Ray Dales who, at 86, is still playing fine alto sax.
This Could be the Start of Something Big included nice solos from Bill
Watson (trumpet) Dave Archbold (keys) and excellent drumming from Paul Smith.
The first set ended with an up tempo version of The Heat is on with
excellent sax from Richie and fine ensemble work from the four trumpets.
No introduction was required for the start of the second set, a swinging Take
the A Train with great backing from Karen McCleave (bass) Paul Smith
(drums), Dave Archbold (keys) and a fine trombone solo from Dave Brocklesby. A nice contrast to A Train was Benny
Golson's Whisper Not followed by Kenton's King Fish.
Bill
Watson featured on flugel with the beautiful ballad Monday's Child. Count Basie's up tempo Flight of the Foo Birds had the band
really swinging. Louis Bellson's Brush Taps with a skilful drum intro from Paul
was followed by a Sammy Nestico arrangement of Day In Day Out.
Gordon
Goodwin's theme tune from Beauty and the Beast was supposedly
the final number but with the night going so well a swinging Love For
Sale was played as an encore finally bringing the night to a close.
The
first big band guest night of the year was a great success thanks to the
professionalism of the band members and leader saxophonist/raconteur Richie Emmerson.
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