Album review: Strictly Smokin' Big Band - Time After Time

Michael Lamb (MD/trumpet); Dick Stacey, Billy Bradshaw, Tom Rushton (trumpets); Mark Ferris, Kieran Parnaby, Chris Kurgi-Smith, John Flood (trombones); Steve Summers, Keith Robinson, Jamie Toms, Matthew Forster, Sue Ferris (reeds); Graham Don (piano); Pawel Jedrzejewski (guitar, banjo); Michael Whent (bass guitar); David McKeague (drums); Alice Grace (vocals)

For those who attended last week's concert by SSBB at Gosforth Civic Theatre this is an excellent way to remember the gig. For those who were present at the actual recording session that took place in the Bridge Hotel it becomes a must have - you will be able to hear yourself clapping. If on the other hand you were unable to attend either then it becomes as essential as your daily pint(s), your morning demitasse of  Joe or your cuppa of Earl Grey (delete as appropriate).

Black & Tan Fantasy represents the 1920s in this  historical representation of the development of the big band. Ellington's immortal opus, played here by a scaled down SSBB has solos by Tom Rushton (trumpet), Keith Robinson (alto sax); Graham Don (piano) and Chris 'Tricky Sam' Kurji-Smith (trombone).

Topsy and the 1930s' Basie classic that has punchy solos from Billy Bradshaw (trumpet); Sue Ferris (baritone sax) and Matt  Forster on tenor.

Frim Fram Sauce and we're into the 1940s - doesn't time fly when you're enjoying yourself? Although most people associate this light-hearted romp with singer Nat 'King' Cole's Trio this fantastic arrangement was inspired by Benny Carter's version with solos by Jamie Toms (tenor sax) and Michael Lamb (trumpet). Alice Grace handles the vocal in her inimitable style. 

And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine. Kenton and Anita O'Day bring us into the 1950s with Alice hanging around for the vocal. The band too provide support with backing vocal and synchronised hand-clapping. The audience did their bit at the end.

Big Dipper, composed by Thad Jones and featured by the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra in the 1960s has solos by Don, Lamb and Forster proving there was more to music in that decade than the Beatles.

You Stepped Out of a Dream. The 1970s - which dream did Maynard Ferguson step out of? Tom Rushton is given the daunting task of replicating the great man's pyrotechnics and, with some help from Stuart McLean-Fowler's transcription delivers the goods. Once again Alice gilds the lily.

Groovin' Hard from the pad of the 1980s' Buddy Rich Band. No pressure then for Dave McKeague? Of course there was! However, the great man didn't turn in his grave or if he did it was to give himself space to applaud an excellent solo - did it need more than one take? Trade secrets. Jamie Toms also had his say.

Time After Time a brand new arrangement specially commissioned for Alice and the band from the digital pen of the American composer/arranger and leader of various American service bands, Eric Richards. Solos from Don, Lamb, Parnaby (trombone) and another workout for McKeague. Alice reminds me of Diana Krall on the out chorus.

To reiterate, whether you were at the recording, the concert or your grandmother's funeral this is one essential purchase. Lance