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This concert featuring music from the fantasy world of Broadway and Hollywood proved a perfect antidote to the frenzied day following the EU referendum.
The 13-piece band, under conductor Barry Forgie, were in great form as they stormed through some 24 numbers from musical theatre and the cinema.
Forgie also provided background information as to the composer and artists associated with each piece.
Stage shows, from such musical giants as Gershwin, Porter, Kern and Rogers, were the source material for the first half. In The Still Of The Night began at a slow pace before erupting into a powerhouse of sound, while Bill received full-blooded treatment at the outset from two trumpet players.
Amongst Emer McPartland’s excellent vocals was a knock-out version of Maybe Next Time – a slow build-up to an emotionally-charged climax.
The band created musical mayhem with Flying Home, where vibes and reeds fought a duel with each other. Other highlights being Slaughter On Tenth Avenue and an up-tempo Secret Love, this modern arrangement had the trumpeter demonstrating some nifty fingering on the valves.
Buddy Rich’s arrangement from West Side Story closed the show with its impressive drum solo.
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