It was toe-tapping and finger-clicking all round as the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra transported everyone back to the heyday of swing. Faultlessly performed, the syncopated brass and thrum of the double-bass found its way deep inside to claim every atom of attention.
We were spoiled with all the old favourites, especially Glen Miller’s famous works, including ‘String of Pearls’ and the well-received ‘Pennsylvania 6-5000’. Drummer Paul Smith performed a mind-blowing solo in ‘Hawaiian War Chant’ which can only be described as incredible, complete with sliding saxophones, screaming trumpets and choreographed trombones. The whole audience was tapping along to the likes of ‘Little Brown Jug’.
Making us fall in love all over again was John O’Connar whose crooning, velvet tones set off some of Sinatra’s classics including ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ and ‘Come Fly With Me’. Playing out chords to die for and wind solos which oozed cool, there is nothing I can write but praise for this fantastic orchestra. Determined to blow us all away (quite literally), the brass and wind sections casually strolled around the audience while each getting their own moment in the spotlight for some incredible improvisation, bringing back the real essence of swing in resounding force. An emotional Vera Lynn medley set the crowd singing to wonderful tunes such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’, bringing the night towards an appropriate close of ‘My Way’. This was a night of swing at its absolute best and was a joy to be part of.
