Once again this band of 17 top class musicians led by saxophonist Richie
Emmerson gave a good sized and knowledgeable audience a night of varied and
professionally arranged big band compositions.
In true Stan Kenton style they opened with the Lennie Niehaus arrangement of On the Street Where You Live with its full big band sound, giving the night a great start. This was followed by the Count Basie number Moten Swing with a nice tenor solo from Richie and trumpet from Bill Watson.
Another Lennie Niehaus arrangement, the ballad Laura, was
beautifully played with a trumpet solo from Bill and the band playing so well
together. Oliver Nelson's The Full Nelson raised the tempo with a fine intro from the trumpet
section. Sammy Nestico’s arrangement of the ballad Truly featured
Dave Brocklesby giving him the chance to show his fine and moving trombone
skills.
I Remember Clifford was beautifully played by Bill Watson on
trumpet with perfect backing from the band. In complete contrast to the two
previous ballads an up tempo Buddy Rich number was played, The Rotten
Kid, with great drumming from Abbie Finn and solos by Dave Brocklesby
(trombone), Alan Thompson and Andy Devine (alto saxes)
From Count Basie's album Straight Ahead, the swinging Switch in Time included a nice trombone solo from Neville Hartley.
A further Count Basie number Ya Gotta Try with great tenor sax
from Richie and drumming from Abbie brought the the first set to a close.
Starting the second set with Oliver Nelson's Stolen Moments showed the great dynamics of the band with this driving minor blues and solos from Bill Watson (flugel), and Alan Thompson and Andy Devine (alto saxes). Bill Holman's arrangement of Speak Low was followed by one of the highlights of the night - the Victor Lopez arrangement of Chick Corea's Spain with a great rhythm set up by Karen McCleave (bass), Abbie Finn (drums) plus excellent solos on piano from Dave and guitar from Ed Maughan. Alan Thompson's fine alto sax playing was then featured on Pat Metheny's Always and Forever before WC Handy's classic St Louis Blues was given the big band treatment. Richie was then featured on the beautiful ballad What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
Frank Mantooth's arrangement of Undecided had some very skilful and tricky trumpet work from Bill Watson and a nice alto solo from Alan Thompson.
The final number of the night was supposed to be Trevor Vincent's lovely ballad Midnight Oil but much to the relief of the audience an encore was
forthcoming with the up tempo Sammy Nestico arrangement of Wind Machine including
Dave's nice piano intro, solos by Norman Scriven on baritone, Richie on tenor
sax and Abbie on drums made for a great ending.
This was a highly successful night of big band music with an appreciative audience.
Thanks go out to the professionalism of all the band members and leader
saxophonist/raconteur Richie Emmerson.
The usual thanks of course go to the staff of Dorman’s Club for their help and
support in running the jazz night. Ron Hampton
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