The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, these days under the leadership of trombonist Chris Dean, is actually a Big Band, and a true Big Band at that - ie: one that plays the music and celebrates the era of the Big Band, (1930s - 1950s), unlike the contemporary ensembles whose composers and compositions are as far removed from the traditional as Philip Glass is from Mozart!
This evening, the Stoller Hall in Manchester played host to this world famous band, and even when 2 of the band's members had to be replaced - actually on the day of the performance - due to positive COVID tests, it was still impossible to tell and the sound they created was as wondeful as ever. A female trombonist and the bass player (names unknown) stood in for their fellow instrumentalists with accomplished ease.
The band, under the leadership of Chris Dean, took us through several Big Band standards as well as a whole host of Christmas music arranged mostly by the band's pianist and condutor, Trevor Brown. Whilst some of the time Dean himself played solo trombone and other times lent his vocal tones to a song or two.
A guest vocalist was also part of this evening's concert; and I believe his name was Atila Huseyin, a jazz singer specialising in the songs of Sinatra. Here he covered several of Sinatra's more popular hits, also duetting with Dean on a couple of occasions.
In a concert of 28 set pieces, there were bound to be a couple I wasn't so fond of, and equally, a few which simply made the evening for me! Two such pieces from the latter category were Harry James's 'Concerto For Trumpet', featuring band member Chris playing the solo with incredible dexterity and clarity.. a real showstopper of a piece; and the tune, "7:20 In The Books" in which another band member, this time Max Mills, the percussionist, got to show off his kit and his skill in a huge and impressive solo riff.
There was only one problem with the whole evening; and that was the sound levels. The quiet and reflective sections were pitched perfectly, however, anything that was marked in the score as mf or louder, I was simply reduced to putting my fingers in my ears and hoping it would soon end! An elderly couple seated in front of me also commented on the unnecessary volume of the concert. The whole needed turning down several decibels for me and obviously others to truly enjoy it.
Otherwise, a wonderful tribute to a lost era with a whole lot of festive music to boot, by a world-class Big Band and the traditional sound.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 18.12.21
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