Jazz Preview; Celebrating 40 years of Yorkshire's big band
YORKSHIRE's oldest big band celebrates its 40th anniversary on Sunday with a party at the Bradford hotel where it plays every week.
The GT Big Band has performed at the Dubrovnik for nine years.
Previously its venue was the Bankfield in Bingley for 20 years and before then various public houses in Bradford, Brighouse and Leeds.
More than 100 musicians have played with the band over the years and
there are 600 arrangements in its repertoire, ranging from Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Buddy Rich to Rob McConnell, Bob Florence and Gordon Goodwin.
Only one founder member remains – Duncan Shaw on lead alto – but the initial enthusiasm which led the late Gordon Tetley to form the band is unwavering in a 17-strong line-up of five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass, drums and guitar, plus two singers.
"It's a specialised interest, but there is still a following for big band music," said trumpeter Eric Smith, musical director for the
past eight years.
"We have a loyal nucleus of supporters and our weekly sessions are well attended."
Dave Newton's All Star Sextet at Wakefield Sports Club tonight justifies its billing with saxophonists Dave O'Higgins and Derek Nash and trumpeter Steve Waterman joining Andy Cleyndert on bass, Steve Brown on drums and the splendid Newton on piano.
A one-off band bristling with talent was selected by Wakefield Jazz supporter John Sims, who shared the expense of presenting what should be an invigorating evening.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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