A triple choice: Hexham, Germany or South Shields. Russell was at Hexham for SSBB, Germany was the setting for the biggest Scottish massacre since Glencoe so, it being a sunny summer's night in South Shields - it may be a thousand years before that happens again - I opted for the CHBB on their home ground.
A goodly crowd occupied the stalls and were soon in the mood when I Found a New Baby got things moving. Fine solos from Robinson and Bentham. Bentham soloed again on Spain and Days of Wine and Roses before the entrance to much applause of Ruth. Just Friends with trumpet from Robinson and the Doris Day classic Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps told us that our girl was, as ever, in good voice.
Bentham was again in the spotlight on You Make me Feel so Young and (extensively) on Stardust. I wasn't complaining he's a good player.
Ruth rejoined for The Summer Wind (more Bentham) and Fever with the obligatory finger-snapping by band and audience. I pleaded the Fifth.
Blue Bossa had blasts from Johnston, Bentham and Marshall who, with his first solo of the night, set the room on fire. Groovln' With Bradley featured, who else but Bradley Johnston, and included an equally impressive blast from Robinson. The set concluded with Steppin' Out.
I stepped back in for the second set which began with Libertango, Monday's Child (Robinson on flugel) and Fun Time, Ruth Returned wearing a sparkly red gown to sing This Can't be Love and Over the Rainbow. I think the verse of the latter song is far superior to the chorus and I was pleased that Ruth included it.
Concerto For Cootie featured Marshall and Metheny's Every Summer Night, needless to say, was perfect for Johnston. During Every Summer Night I thought I saw Robinson blowing a four valved piccolo trumpet. However, a few bars later he wasn't! Maybe the heat was getting to me.
Ruth made her final appearance with Don't Know Why and Mack the Knife and was rewarded with a standing ovation from some girls down front.
Souvenir put piano and bass in the spotlight, Broadway had a trumpet chase and a drum solo whilst the closer, Charlie the Whale, featured the big hitters: Robinson, Bentham and Marshall. Having said that all were big hitters playing their role to perfection including MD Morgan who introduced each number with much humour and at length - often at great length. A most enjoyable evening and even though they played two sets of sixty minutes it was still light when I left. Look out for them next June or wherever you see the name Customs House Big Band. Lance
1 comment :
Sounds like a great big band night in sunny South Shields ....... and talking of massacres of the Scots, the most recent one is Culloden, the battle and the aftermath - a hundred years after Glencoe. Our Sweet William flower is called Stinking Billy, after William, Duke of Cumberland!
Post a Comment