Fine food, great atmosphere and fantastic 'Big Band' music - what more could one ask for!
Reviewed at the Buckingham Arms Hotel on 22 February 2019
Presented by Dennis Russell
What a pleasant way to spend an evening, dinner and some fine big band music. The food at the Buckingham Arms was good but the music was even better. Billed as the Tunisian Nights Little Big Band these guys are helping to keep swing alive.
From Have You Met Miss Jones through to their title number Ain’t That a Kick in the Head they kept us entertained. With the leader Dennis Russell on vocals they presented hits from Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Louis Armstrong with the music of Cole Porter, Nat King Cole, Gershwin and Duke Ellington.
On piano the group had Jill Langford with Phil Simes on drums and Greg Perkins on bass. The wind section did very well with Jayden Doe on trumpet and the sax work of Nicole Reed (Alto & Baritone) and Mark Turner (Tenor). Reed also played flute and Turner clarinet. Ben Edwards proved his worth on guitar with a sizzling rendition of Smooth.
Russell did well on the vocals, although he has more trouble with the slower numbers and needs more rehearsal for My Way; he kept the audience diverted between numbers. It is a ‘little’ band, but they have a big sound – well worth a listen!
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Venue: Dining Room, Buckingham Arms Hotel
Season: 22-23 Feb & 8-9 Mar
Duration: 180 min
Tickets: $76
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