30 Jan 2009

BLACK DYKE BAND

PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA

SHREWSBURY ABBEY

Retro music stands, immaculate dinner jackets and flamboyant buttonholes set the scene for an evening of music from the 20's and 30's. The ever- popular Pasadena Roof Orchestra entertained a large, enthusiastic audience in a desperately cold Shrewsbury Abbey, a cold which failed to dampen the spirits of listeners and players alike.

The band, a tightly knit with compere Duncan Galloway, played music by Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Ellington and many numbers associated with Bing Crosby, Jimmy Lunceford to name a few. From the opening notes it was clear that the musicianship is of the very highest order. Di Pritchard played alto and soprano saxes and clarinet, Rob Fowler played baritone and alto saxes plus clarinet and Oliver Wilby also played clarinet and tenor sax. One of the delights of the programme was the way the band recreated the authentic sound of their repertoire. The saxes produced the warm, mellow sound of the early bands, while the trumpets of Ben Cummings and Dave Ford enjoyed hitting the high notes. Trombone virtuoso Steve Shaw played some glorious solos as well as joining Duncan Galloway and pianist Simon Townley in a vocal trio. They really can scat sing! Graham Roberts somehow kept a deadpan expression whilst playing his banjo, Dave Berry excelled on bass and tube and John Watson provided the perfect rhythm on his ancient drum kit.

"The very thought of you" gave the three clarinet players a chance to demonstrate superb section playing whilst the great Al Bowly was recalled by Duncan Galloway's singing "Love is the sweetest thing". This was a delightful evening, enjoyed by a near-capacity audience.

Andrew Petch

Last Updated : 01/03/2009