Time After Time - Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ Gosforth Civic Theatre - June 27

© Russell

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)

Another exciting and ambitious project by Michael Lamb and his team of hard-hitting swingers. The history of big band jazz from the 1920s to the present day done in 90 minutes. Some football teams can't score a goal in 90 minutes. On this occasion the SSBB scored plenty.

Given the time allotted it is understandable that there were bands who missed the cut. However, their day (maybe) will come. Certainly no one could complain at what was delivered.

Early Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Carter, Claude Thornhill, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, Kenny Wheeler, Quincy Jones, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Gordon Goodwin, Charles Mingus, Mingus Big Band, Michel Camilo and others.

The format was simple, the various soloists would say a few words about the background to their featured number before letting rip. This seemed to work fine although it was remarked upon that an individual narrator, not necessarily part of the band, would have made for a more cohesive presentation.

Whatever, at the end of the day it was the music that counted and the soloists all excelled with, sorry guys, but the one that edged it for me was Sue Ferris' baritone blast on the original Mingus band's version of Moanin' but, on another day, it could have been any one of the other musicians. 

© Russell

Alice was not only in good voice but her wardrobe was also au fait with the period. For Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend her gown was colour-coordinated with Marilyn's on the screenshot behind her.

Impossible to list all the highlights but newcomer Tom Rushton's Maynard Ferguson impression was quite something. Kurgi-Smith's 'Tricky' Sam take on Black and Tan Fantasy oozed authenticity, some rare banjo picking by Pawel on the same number, Jamie Toms, Matt Forster, Keith Robinson, Graham Don all drew the applause as did Dave McKeague's work out on Buddy Rich's Groovin' Hard.

A thought too for Michael Whent, tucked away in a corner but without his presence it wouldn't have swung the way it did.

And, of course, Michael Lamb without whom ... Lance

Black and Tan Fantasy; Topsy; Frim Fram Sauce (v); Yardbird Suite; Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (v); And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine (v + band backing vocal); Hard Sock Dance; Big Dipper; Blues For Poland; You Stepped Out of a Dream (v); Why Not?; Groovin' Hard; For P.A.; Moanin'; I've Got the World on a String (v); Theme From the Incredibles; On the Street Where You Live (v); Time After Time (v).