Tuesday 8 October 2013

Blown away


Soundforce Big Band swung their stuff in fine style at Christ Church on Sunday night, with a programme largely although not exclusively from the classic repertoire of the golden era of swing.  From the first notes of Strike up the Band to a brilliant close with Jools Holland's arrangement of Tuxedo Junction, the 17-piece ensemble was directed by Keith Pocock and delivered the even blend of sound so characteristic of the style.  There were some fine solos too, among which Carolynn's clarinet interventions were notable, although a greater willingness from some of the soloists to really stand out would bring their performances more to life.



No shyness problem with the singers, with Lea delivering her diva best on several numbers and Mick doing it his way with a fair impression of Sinatra on others.  MC for the evening was Trevor, who laid on the cheese pretty thick at times.  That's just a matter of taste, of course, but it was unfortunate that he seemed to take it into his head that the audience was entirely from the U3A, which must have bewildered those who had no idea what he was talking about (for the record, we presented this concert in association with the U3A but by no means exclusively for their members!).  

A special mention should go to Richard on the sound desk.  When I saw the quantity of kit he hauled into the church I was seriously worried that the audience would need earplugs.  In fact he used the microphones very subtly to bring up the solos and ensure a good balance, rather than to amplify the overall sound.  Top marks!

More photos on the second tab above.

Soundforce will be back in Marlow at the end of November: if you missed them at Christ Church you could catch them at the Crowne Plaza.  See www.soundforcebigband.org.uk for more details.

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