Kevin Eland, Bill Watson, Karen Jones, Colin Moore (trumpets); Carolyn Norris, Alastair Wood, Neville Hartley, Keith Jeffrey (trombones); Richie Emmerson (MD tenor sax); Alan Thompson, Barbara Fagan (alto sax); Andy Devine(tenor sax); Daniella Drew (baritone sax); Dave Archbold (piano); Edd Maughan (guitar); Karen McLeave (bass); Stephen Fletcher (drums).
Hosting this bandt is always a pleasure and a night to look forward to consisting, as it does, of 17 first class musicians led by tenor saxophonist Richie Emmerson.
The experience and enthusiasm of the band was on show from the very start with the Sammy Nestico arrangement of Gershwin's Strike Up The Band, a great big band sound with a fine sax solo from Richie. Basie's Fun Time followed with some nice piano work from Dave.
Lionel Richie's ballad Truly featured Carolyn Norris playing moving and beautiful trombone with sympathetic support from the band. By way of a complete contrast an exciting full band Victor Lopez arrangement of Chick Corea's Spain was played that included a great flowing guitar solo from Edd Maughan, fine piano work from Dave Archbold coupled with Karen McLeave's driving bass.
Brush Taps gave Stephen Fletcher the opportunity to show his fine drumming skills.
For Stan Kenton fans Kingfish was nicely played with a fine tenor solo from Richie and trumpet from Bill Watson. Bill Watson was also featured in Henry Mancini's Brass On Ivory. A further Henry Mancini number, Charade, included a fine alto sax solo from Alan Thompson.
John La Barbera's arrangement of Bluff Point was well played with nice tenor work from Richie before the first set was brought to a close with the Alan Downey arrangement of Night Flight.
Starting the second set with a piano intro from Dave the band was really swinging on Sammy Nestico's arrangement of Basie's Ya Gotta Try including great sax from Richie and Stephen's drum finale.
The lovely Frank Loesser ballad I've Never Been In Love Before featured the trombone section and Bill Watson's fine muted trumpet solo.
The classic A Foggy Day featured Alan playing a fine alto solo before he was then showcased in the Pat Metheny number Always And Forever arranged by Bob Curnow.
Paul Clark's It's Not My Fault with excellent alto and trumpet solos from Alan and Bill was then followed by a Tom Kubis arrangement of When You're Smiling. From the Stan Kenton band Hank Levy's Pegasus again had solos from Alan and Bill.
Dave Archbold was featured on the Frank Mantooth arrangement of Young And Foolish that also included a nice trumpet solo from Kevin Eland.
The evening closed in style with the Pete Myers arrangement of Cole Porter's classic, Love For Sale with solos from Alan, Bill, Richie and the band in full swing mode which made for a great finish.
An excellent night of well chosen big band arrangements played by these talented and enthusiastic musicians led by Richie Emmerson playing to an appreciative audience.
Thanks as usual to the staff of Dorman's Club Ron Hampton
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