Strictly Smokin' Big Band featuring Giacomo Smith @ the Glasshouse - Feb. 27

© Russell

Michael Lamb (trumpet, MD); Giacomo Smith (clarinet); Keith Robinson, Steve Summers, Jamie Toms, Matt Forster, Sue  Ferris (reeds); Dick Stacey, Billy Bradshaw, Tom Ruston (trumpets); John Flood, Mark Ferris, Kieran Parnaby, Chris Kurgi-Smith (trombones); Dean Stockdale (piano); Michael Whent (bass guitar); Pawel Jedzejewski (guitar); Dave McKeague (drums); Alice Grace (vocals)  

© Sylvia

Over the years I have been fortunate to see and hear live many of the world's greatest jazz clarinettists including: George Lewis, Edmund Hall, Peanuts Hucko, Buddy DeFranco, Bob Wilber, Kenny Davern, Jimmy Hamilton, Vic Ash, Sandy Brown, Adrian  Cox and Alan Barnes.

I think you'll agree that that is quite an impressive list so that when I say that Giacomo Smith is now a worthy addition to that collection of big hitters you'll realise the greatness we had in our midst last night.

With such a player waiting in the wings the Strictly Smokin' crew knew they had to be up for it. The aptly titled opener, Onward & Upward  told us they were. Steve  Summers soloed on soprano - his day would come.

St Louis Blues ushered in the star whose opening growl chorus was reminiscent of Pee Wee Russell. Two For no More had an impressive solo by Billy Bradshaw/

© Sylvia

Alice came on, her glittering sparkling gown blinding the audience who, understandably, thought she was singing to them when she sang People Will Say We're in Love. They were wrong - she was singing to me (if you believe in dreams!). Giacomo joined her for Until the Real Thing Comes Along the vocal and the clarinet solos and accompaniment suggested the real thing had well and truly come along.

Three and One featured the subterraneans with solos by Sue on baritone sax and a rare blast from Michael Whent on bass guitar. Blues Overture had alto from Keith, and, naturally some clarinet capers from Giacomo The set finished with Thad Said No and the audience said "Yes"!

© Sylvia

We, the BSH team present, agreed (which is a first) that band, vocalist and guest were at the top of their game and we eagerly awaited the bell for the second round of this championship bout.

After A Little Minor Booze Alice returned for a very fast Cherokee, Giacomo soared through it as did Steve Summers who was counter punching and doing a musical Ali Shuffle. Ain't Got Nothing But the Blues had nice blues piano from Dean who was depping for Graham Don, Alice sung the blues and Giacomo played them.

Bimbosity saw Steve and the champ slugging it out toe to toe. This was Dempsey  v Tunney, Ali v Frazier, Tubby v Ronnie and the winner is...?

The show closed with Under the Wire, a rollicking After You've Gone and Sing, Sing, Sing with Dave McKeague making like Krupa and GC doing BG.

Only one word needed to cover the show - TREMENDOUS! Lance