The Band filled the stage of The Gulbenkian Theatre, on walked the dapper Mr Dave White the Musical Director, and immediately we were tapping our toes to the sounds of the Big Band Era – and this really is a BIG Band!  Up to seventeen saxophones, nine trumpets, eight trombones, plus piano, drums and guitars go to make up the Railway Swing Band’s unique sound.

We listened almost non-stop to favourites made popular by the bands of Count Basie, Glen Miller and others, interspersed with songs such as Come Fly With Me and New York, New York performed by vocalist Steve Hawkins, while the popular female singer Didi introduced a different tempo with Cry Me a River and the beautiful Cole Porter song, You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To.

The Band and singers have a wonderful rapport with each other and soon were including the audience in their jokes and laughter.  The inclusion of two Andrews Sisters’ numbers by Didi and two female band members, plus after the interval a five-man jazz session, provided a well balanced programme.

The Railway Swing Band only performs at charity events and this was its eighth concert for the Marlowe Friends, the previous seven performances having added over £23,000 to the Friends’ fundraising efforts.  The Band also encourages talented young performers and the final number Channel One Suite with drum solo by sixteen year old Jonathan Ward demonstrated just how talented these youngsters are.

The Marlowe Friends look forward to the next concert from this popular Big Band and to being able to welcome them to the new Marlowe Theatre.

ANN POWELL - April 2011