Kenny Wheeler's 80th Birthday Big Band last night at Sothampton University. Ken was looking a bit frail (he walks aided with a stick now) but after a bit of time to warm up he was his usual fluent self. His arrangements (all new), played by what must be the very best big band lineup this country can put together, just get better and better. In fact, it was even better than the 75th Birthday show, which I also attended - no mean feat. The section work by the sax lineup of Evan Parker, Stan Sultzman, Ray Warleigh, Duncan Lamont and Julian Arguelles was outstanding, with some lovely solo work by all. For me though, the powerful trumpet/flugel section (which included Henry Lowther and Derek Watkins - both on the original 'Windmill Tilter') was the standout. Just awesome.
And as for the combination of John Taylor, Chris Laurence, John Paricelli and Martin France backing them up - lovely !
Anyone attending the band's gigs at Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle over the next few days is in for a rare treat.