BBC Big Band – Birmingham Rep ★★★★
Anything Goes in the BBC Big Band’s tribute to two pioneers of the Great American Songbook
George Gershwin and Cole Porter are names synonymous with some of the early twentieth century’s most iconic tunes (I Got Rhythm, Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love), and I’ve Got You Under My Skin to name three). Gershwin was a composer of jazz, popular and classical music (including the opera Porgy and Bess, written just two years before his untimely death at 38). Porter found success writing music which would dominate both the Broadway stage and Hollywood screen, and be immortalised by such luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Peggy Lee. Choice selections from the rich back catalogue of the two composers make up the programme for the BBC Big Band’s concert, paying homage to these musical giants.
The history of the band can be traced back almost a hundred years, when the BBC Dance Orchestra was formed in 1928. The 1950s saw a modernisation to the structure of the group and the BBC Showband, with a greater leaning toward jazz and strings, was born. It was in 1964 that the term “BBC Big Band” was first coined, being the brass, reed and rhythm section of the BBC Radio Orchestra and the go-to team for jazz recordings. The current Musical Director, Barry Forgie, has conducted the band on a regular basis since 1977.
Forgie, a sprightly octogenarian, provides insights into the works of Gershwin and Porter in between the songs (several of which feature his own arrangements). His wealth of knowledge and good humour make him an ideal host, and it is clear that his passion for the music has not diminished in any way.
There are seventeen musicians on stage in this production and each is given their moment to shine individually, alongside the collective power of the full ensemble. The standard of musicianship is high, and the programme varied – swinging showtunes sit alongside dreamy ballads, and nothing feels out of place. All members make important contributions to the overall sound, but special mentions go to Elliott Henshaw, whose jazz drumming is nothing short of breath-taking at times, and Andy Wood, who delivers a fine feature trombone solo.
The band are joined on some of the numbers by world-class vocalists Matt Ford and Emer McParland. Ford exudes easy charm and class – he could be mistaken for an extra member of the Rat Pack, fresh from performing at the Sands Hotel Las Vegas, were it not for his grounded Midlands accent when talking. His singing voice has great warmth and depth of tone – a highlight of the sets is an incredible note at the end of Night and Day which is sustained for an impressively long time. McParland delivers performances every bit as sparkling as her costumes, whether the playful intonations of Nice Work If You Can Get It or the magnificently enchanting Embraceable You. She captures the elegance of the era beautifully with her phrasing and purity of voice.
If you crave some old-fashioned glamour and an escape from the everyday stresses of life, a couple of hours in the company of this band is a very pleasant way to spend an evening. Who could ask for anything more?
S’Wonderful ★★★★ 4 stars
Author Profile
