It’s been just over a year since we first got together to perform Christmas at the Cluny, and what a night it was! Featuring a vast array of diverse pieces and incredible performances across each and every section of the band. The evening also featured a surprise return of beloved soloist Jacob Lightfoot to close out the first set!
Review
Bold Big Band has come a long way in a relatively short time. First heard pre-pandemic at the now closed Dun Cow pub in the Jesmond suburb of Newcastle, bandleader Brian Wicks is moulding the student/alumni outfit into a force to be reckoned with.
Deck the Halls (it’s the time of year) opened the show with tenor saxophonist Crissi Booth first to her feet. A solid start, make that an impressive start, Cluny 2’s audience a whoopin’ and a hollerin’.
Vocalist Conor Polley, nerves of steel, pinned ’em to the back wall singing Eye of the Tiger. Impressive. Ain’t That a Kick in the Head? sang Polley. Again, impressive. A rip-roaring Why Not? concluded a fine first set.
T.O.P Adjacent is a real tear up as performed by the Big Phat Band. Bold Big Band went for it and scored big time (soloists Bertie Marks, trombone, Crissi Booth, tenor, Ben Davies, guitar, and a tremendous rhythm section). Pianist Alex Ngeyu and Crissi Booth featured on a swinging Basie – Straight Ahead.
Still Alive shone the spotlight on trumpeter Abi Brierley, one of several fine contributions from a powerhouse section comprising hot shots Sam Armstrong, Billy Bradshaw and Andrew Marshall.
Bold Big Band is a tight, swinging, not to mention entertaining outfit. Keep an eye on the listings, next time be sure to go and hear the Bold Big Band
Lineup
Vocals: Conor Polley
Saxes: Pippa Morgan, Max Storey, Crissi Booth, Lucy McCartan, Brian Wicks
Trumpets: Billy Bradshaw, Sam Armstrong, Abi Brierley, Andrew Marshall
Trombones: Alex Utting, Bertie Marks, Fiona Duxbury, Conor Emery
Guitar: Ben Davies
Keys: Alex Ngeyu
Bass: Ifede Osiyemi
Drums: Dan Arenstein
Setlist
Deck the Halls
Norwegian Wood
Minuano (Six Eight)
White Christmas
But Beautiful
Eye of the Tiger (v)
Ain’t That a Kick in the Head (v)
Why Not?
Moondance
T.O.P Adjacent
Jingle Jangle Jungle (v)
Basie – Straight Ahead
String of Pearls
Still Alive (v)
Carol of the Bells
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer