The Saltburn Big Band @ Dorman’s Jazz Club, Middlesbrough - Oct. 12

This recently formed band comprising of eighteen musicians, a guest vocalist (Bridget Metcalfe) and led by Kevin Eland gave a splendid performance to an appreciative audience and, in the process, firmly establishing themselves as a first class big band.

The full big band sound of Louis Ferrar's composition Domino gave the night a great start, followed by South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way) and  the Sammy Nestico arrangement of Good News.

Bridget then came to the stage showing us what a top class singer she is with From This Moment On and Neil Hefti's Girl Talk that included fine work from the trumpet section and an excellent guitar solo by Paul Donnelly.

After playing I've Heard That Song Before, The Shadow of Your Smile featured Dave Brock's beautiful trombone sound.

By way of contrast, Herbie Hancock's Cantaloupe Island had the band really swinging with nice solos from Kevin Eland (trumpet) and Donna Hewitt (tenor sax).

Bridget returned to the stage to sing that moving Ray Noble classic The Very  Thought of You before launching into a fast swinging version of the Lerner and Loewe composition Almost Like Being in Love.

Sammy Nestico's Hayburner  was followed by Strayhorn's Satin Doll to finish the first set.

Starting the second set with two more Sammy Nestico arrangements, The Queen Bee and Chuckles gave plenty of scope for nice solos from Dave Archbold (piano), Kevin Eland (trumpet) and Donna Hewitt (tenor sax).

The theme tune from the TV sitcom The Odd Couple was then sung by Bridget as was Let's Fall in Love which also featured Paul on guitar and finished with an impressive bass flourish from John Daniel.

Cute gave Chris Murphy (drums) Darren Moore (congas) and John Daniel (bass) the opportunity to shine with great rhythmic skills.

After Li’l Darlin came a tribute to Gene Jarred with his arrangement of Dizzy’s Tour de Force which included, appropriately enough, a fine trumpet solo from Kevin. Two more excellent vocals from Bridget a swinging Cole Porter's Just One of Those Things and Witchcraft, both with great band backing.

Shiny Stockings featured Dave Archbold's fine piano work before Autumn Leaves was beautifully played showing the skills of the different sections.

Bridget sang what was meant to be her final number, the lovely ballad Teach me Tonight. It was meant to be the final number but an encore was demanded so an up tempo well named That's All finally brought the night to a close.

This was only the second concert the band had played but with Kevin as MD, Django as MC and raconteur, Bridget's vocals, all the excellent and enthusiastic musicians, this made for a great night enjoyed by both the audience and, I’m sure, the band. Thanks as usual go to the staff of Dorman’s Club for their help and support with the jazz club. Ron Hampton

Kevin Eland (MD), Adrian Beadnell, Karen Jones, Colin ? (trumpets); Simon Jones, Barbara Fagin, Ray Dales, Andy Devine, Donna Hewitt (saxes);  Keith Jeffery, Tom Cloughton, Django Zazou, Dave Brock (trombones); Darren Moore (percussion); Chris Murphy (drums);  Paul Donnelly (guitar); Dave Archbold (piano); John Daniel (bass) + Bridget Metcalfe (vocals)