The Pasadena Roof Orchestra @ The Fire Station, Sunderland - April 14

The Empire Theatre was doing good business with patrons queuing in the rain (The Lion King the big draw), the Dun Cow was doing a roaring trade and, not to be outdone, Sunderland's Fire Station and adjoining Engine Room pub were more than busy thanks to a first visit by the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. The PRO is on a three date flying visit 'up north' - Sunderland, Pitlochry and Alnwick. This Friday evening first leg couldn't have gone better, the band on top form, the audience loving every minute of two fast-paced sets.

Frontman Duncan Galloway acted the part of the song and dance man as the A-list PRO ensemble had a ball. Superb musicianship, both ensemble and solo, delighted the crowd from the opening South Rampart Street Parade through to the traditional set closer, Home in Pasadena (the PRO taking its name from Harry Warren's number). As Tom Langham picked up his banjo, PRO bandmates walked off stage with fingers in their ears - yes, the visual gag worked a treat. Left all alone in the spotlight, Langham described Harry Reser as the Jimi Hendrix of his day (a century ago). As his bandmates (fingers in ears) sheltered in the bar, Langham set about making the case for the banjo by playing Pickin's. You've guessed it...tumultuous applause.                

Throughout the evening various members of the PRO took their turn in the spotlight, from young gun trombonist Rory Ingham to Robert Fowler, tenor sax, to Oliver Wilby's second set features on tenor, to ace drummer Dominic Sales' all round brilliance. Polka Dot Rag (a soprano sax feature for Dai Pritchard), a hot Jubilee Stomp and Alexander's Ragtime Band (Dave Berry, sousaphone), the Pasadena Roof Orchestra all but brought the house down (the 'Roof' remaining intact, just). Galloway enquired of the audience: Would you like some more? A thunderous foot-stomping reply said it all. Encore, then home. For some it was 'encore then the Dun Cow'. It had been a fabulous evening. The Fire Station is the jewel in the crown of Sunderland's 'Cultural Quarter'. Russell         

Duncan Galloway (vocals); Dave Ford (trumpet); Malcolm Baxter (trumpet); Robert Fowler (alto sax, baritone sax, clarinet); Oliver Wilby (tenor sax, clarinet); Dai Pritchard (alto sax, clarinet); Rory Ingham (trombone); Tom 'Spats' Langham (banjo, guitar); Simon Townley (piano, vocals); Dave Berry (double bass, sousaphone); Dominic Sales (drums)