Since then, of course, the band has gone from strength to strength - as have the soloists and vocalists from within the ranks - until now when they are more than just a big band, but a band that has developed and nurtured it's own core of musicians many, if not all, capable of holding down a chair in any big band anywhere.
The charts, many arranged by Michael himself, are of an ever increasing standard and, as such, more demanding of the musicians. Nevertheless, they have coped with them and, if it were possible, became even greater players themselves in the process.
One of the major features of the rise and rise of SSBB has been the various guest musicians and singers who have travelled 'up north' to play a concert with the band and, to the best of my knowledge, none has returned south with anything other than praise for SSBB.
Several of those visiting 'gunslingers' can be heard on the band's most recent album - reviewed HERE - which is being launched at the Fire Station in Sunderland next Friday. Three of the guests from this 'must have' album, Alan Barnes (reeds); Bruce Adams (trumpet) and Paul Booth (tenor/soprano sax) will be on stage with the big band.
If you know of a better way to spend an evening in Sunderland then please tell me! Lance
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