NOW 35 years-old, with some of its founder members still performing and better than ever, blending superbly newer colleagues.
The Borders Big Band delivered another fine tribute to Big Band swing music in the Eastgate Theatre last week.
The 16-piece line-up produced a fine, often spine-tingling, sound, delighting the large and appreciative audience.
Musical Director and keyboard maestro Chris Achenbach again provided an entertaining and informative evening, introducing arrangements by the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Henry Mancini, Neil Hefty and of course Glenn Miller, and ensuring due credit to his colleagues for their fine combinations and presentation.
Every number was really a highlight, from the marvellous opening 'Moonlight in Vermont', through Bassist Jimmy Taylor's vocals 'Beyond the sea' and ' Moondance' (Currently also revived by Michael Buble).
Trombonist Gordon Melrose's 'Too little time', compelling ensemble versions of 'I'll take romance (with it's striking rhythm variations), 'Love for sale', 'All of me', 'American patrol', 'Little Brown jug' and gems like recently returned Eric Morris's drum solo.
Not forgetting 14 year-old Harry Marshall's trumpet solo and Sam Ward's solo clarinet virtuosity.
This was truly another magical musical occasion for the Eastgate, the next BBB performance can't come quick enough.
- JMN
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