This is British musicians at their best. Look at the line up in the London Big Band alone, and it might surprise many as to what they have done in past. Here are just a few examples: Laurie Johnson, we all know him for great TV Themes like "The Avengers", among many others. He has this gift of arranging both his own compositions and those of others so as to feature all instruments of the orchestra, which gives listeners of all ages a true appreciation of professional musicians. Jack Parnell, a true genius. Who would know that he was Musical Director for most Muppet Show productions, as well as being one of the great band leaders and conductors of 50's, 60's and 70's for many TV shows and artists such as Tom Jones, Petula Clark, Englebert Humperdinck, even a Paul Mc Cartney special, many Palladium performances, backing just about any international star you can think of.
Drummer Ralph Salmins, a modern day Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Ronnie Verrell..all rolled into one. Superb drummer and also a thorough gentleman as well. The late Ronnie Verrell would be looking down at Ralph proudly watching him slamming the skins.
Then you have guys like the late Kenny Baker on trumpet, the late Lennie Bush on double bass, you would think that God kept them here for one last concert,,before taking them to join drummer Ronnie Verrell at his concert hall in the sky.
The way Laurie Johson has arranged the music is nothing short of pure genius. With Jack Parnell mainly conducting as well as Laurie Johnson the whole concert is flawless. The singer Alexia, (not to be confused with the other Alexia from pop circles), is another treat. And she is not bad on the eyes either.
But the marriage of the big band and orchestra is, to use an old cliché, a marriage made in heaven. All these fantastic musicians, too many to mention here individually, playing a diverse range of music with faultless professionalism, but not taking it too seriously either. It's a fun mix of symphony and jazz orchestra playing together conducted by two true musical geniuses.
Drummer Ralph Salmins, a modern day Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Ronnie Verrell..all rolled into one. Superb drummer and also a thorough gentleman as well. The late Ronnie Verrell would be looking down at Ralph proudly watching him slamming the skins.
Then you have guys like the late Kenny Baker on trumpet, the late Lennie Bush on double bass, you would think that God kept them here for one last concert,,before taking them to join drummer Ronnie Verrell at his concert hall in the sky.
The way Laurie Johson has arranged the music is nothing short of pure genius. With Jack Parnell mainly conducting as well as Laurie Johnson the whole concert is flawless. The singer Alexia, (not to be confused with the other Alexia from pop circles), is another treat. And she is not bad on the eyes either.
But the marriage of the big band and orchestra is, to use an old cliché, a marriage made in heaven. All these fantastic musicians, too many to mention here individually, playing a diverse range of music with faultless professionalism, but not taking it too seriously either. It's a fun mix of symphony and jazz orchestra playing together conducted by two true musical geniuses.
