The Horn Factory – 31 January 2020

“The

18 fine musicians on the extended Fleece Jazz stage gave us a mighty gig. I love the sound of a horn chorus, but to have 14 of them in chorus was really something else: loved it. The arrangements all ensured that the power of the ensemble was available for almost all of the numbers. Some of the arrangements were brave, and perfectly executed.

The band was:

Saxes:
Gilly Burgoyne Alto/Soprano/Flute, Lynsey Welham Alto, Jonathan Farnhill Lead Tenor, Mark Usher Tenor, Suzie Runnacles Baritone
Trumpets:
Richard Steward, Ian Buzer trumpet/flugel, Steve Stone, Roger Morfey, John Burch
Trombones:
Paul Little, Andy Shipp, Steve Ball, Dave Turnage Bass Trombone
Rhythm:
Bob Airzee Drums/compere, Mike Tatt Bass, Tomi Farkas Guitar, Ian Jewitt Piano.

Jeff Jarvis’s “Riptide” started off pretty well as they meant to carry on. A full blast entry, in this up tempo song, with a fine solo, this one by Gilly Burgoyne on alto. She had another beauty on Oliver Nelson’s “I Hope In Time A Change Will Come”. Don’t we all?

There were ballads. “Blue” (I think by Bill Mack) was a lovely example of ballad playing by a big band, with Ian Buzer‘s excellent flugel solo.

All of the solos, from sax, trumpet, trombone, piano, guitar and one from Bob Airze on drums were great to hear, and the band is tight and accurate. You can’t ask for more. They gave us an excellent gig.

On Friday, Jo Harrop will be singing songs by Peggy Lee and others, with a fine backing from Vasilis Xenopoulos on sax, Alex Webb on piano, Neville Malcolm on bass and Pete Adam Hill on drums.
“This girl was born to sing jazz … a class act” – Pizza Express
“Her voice is amazing, think Islay whiskey, or tannin rich red wine – deep” – Lance, Bebop Spoken Here

Take care,
Dave

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