The Bold Big Band @ Cluny 2 - Dec. 13

(© Russell)

Pippa Morgan, Max Storey, Crissi Booth, Lucy McCartan, Brian Wicks (reeds); Alex Utting, Bertie Marks, Fiona Duxbury, Conor Emery (trombones); Billy Bradshaw, Sam Armstrong, Abi Brierly, Andrew Marshall (trumpets); Ben Davies (guitar); Alex Ngeyu (keyboards); Ifede Osiyemi (bass); Dan Arenstein (drums); Conor Polley (vocals) + Jacob Lightfoot (alto sax)

The Bold Big Band has come a long way in a relatively short time. First heard pre-pandemic at the now closed Dun Cow pub in the Jesmond suburb of Newcastle, bandleader Brian Wicks is moulding the student/alumni outfit into a force to be reckoned with. Perhaps following the example of one or two local bandleaders of some renown, it was abundantly clear the band's baritone anchor wasn't about to leave anything to chance. Advertised as an eight o'clock start, Wicks' eighteen piece outfit was ready to go, bang on time.

(© Patti)

Deck the Halls (it's the time of year) opened the show with tenor saxophonist Crissi Booth first to her feet. A solid start, make that an impressive start, Cluny 2's audience a whoopin' and a hollerin'. From here on in Wicks delivered a series of terrible jokes ('terrible' in the very best seasonal tradition!), all of which elicited groans from audience and band alike. Norwegian Wood a la Buddy Rich (Alex Utting and Pippa Morgan soloing) brought a confession, Wicks hadn't been aware it was a Beatles number! Don't worry, Brian, it's a generational thing...Vocalist Conor Polley, nerves of steel, pinned 'em to the back wall singing Eye of the Tiger. Impressive. Ain't That a Kick in the Head? sang Polley. Again, impressive. A rip-roaring Why Not? concluded a fine first set.   

Moondance is seemingly in the pad of many a big band and it's in the Bold Big Band's book. Polley sang it, then on to some Gordon Goodwin. T.O.P Adjacent is a real tear up as performed by the Big Phat Band. The Bold Big Band went for it and scored big time (soloists Bertie Marks, trombone, Crissi Booth, tenor, Ben Davies, guitar, and a tremendous rhythm section). Pianist Alex Ngeyu and Crissi Booth featured on a swinging Basie - Straight Ahead. More straight ahead material with String of Pearls (Pippa Morgan featured), Still Alive shone the spotlight on trumpeter Abi Brierly, one of several fine contributions from a powerhouse section comprising hot shots Sam Armstrong, Billy Bradshaw and Andrew Marshall.  

Carol of Bells (it's the time of year) then, to close, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer featuring once more the hugely impressive Sam Armstrong. The Bold Big Band is a tight, swinging, not to mention entertaining outfit. Keep an eye on the listings, next time be sure to go and hear the Bold Big Band. Russell     

Set list: Deck the Halls; Norwegian Wood; Minuano (Six Eight); White Christmas; But Beautiful; Eye of the Tiger; Ain't That a Kick in the Head?; Why Not; Moondance; T.O.P. Adjacent; Jingle Jangle Jungle; Basie - Straight Ahead; String of Pearls; Still Alive; Carol of the Bells; Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.