Big Band a jol, but offers little for
discerning music lover. (Review by John Harley)
After last year's sell out debut of Send The Fire, Durban welcomes back its
very own Big Band with their follow-up show Fire
And Ice: Big Band! Once again Martin Sigamoney has put together a 10 piece
ensemble, which includes an impressive brass section. The line-up is Sigamoney (vocals/sax);
Mark Royeppen (keyboard); Wesley Hippolyte (guitar); Mario Monteregge and
Khulekani Bhengu (trombone); Bruce Baker (drums) and Llewellyn Chetty (bass).
With Marion Loudon as vocalist, audiences
can expect to hear tunes from a variety of genres, with several local and popular
favourites thrown into the mix. Also expect hits from All Jarreau, lou Ralls,
Shirley Bassey, Stevie Wonder and Mango Groove, to name only a few. This
group of musicians comes from all walks of life and includes trombone player Mario
Monteregge; now well into his 70's!
Call me a purist, but mention the words BIG
Band, and I conjure up a very different style of music to what was on offer in Fire and Ice: Big Band - a title which
also had me somewhat struggling to make ends meet? I just could not make the
connection between the title and the rather random selection of local and
somewhat dated tunes played by the band ~ how did Fire and Ice figure into it all as a concept?
Having reviewed several musical shows in
Durban lately, I do believe it's about time the music scene in Durban took a
giant leap forward, and moved beyond the same
old, same old formula that has become so uninspiring and predictable. Here
was a stage occupied by undoubtedly a host of fine, experienced and talented
musicians; in a show advertised as a “Big Band” experience - which it was most
definitely NOT! It was purely a ten-man band producing a big sound and
rendering a repertoire of tunes that certainly revealed very little of the
immense individual talent; or any level of risk and innovation!
Did the audience enjoy themselves? Did they
rise to the occasion and make attempts at dancing? Did they want more?
Undoubtedly!
If, therefore, you want to enjoy an evening
of local is lekker and have a light
hearted, fun evening~ this show is definitely for you! If, on the other hand,
you are a discerning jazz and big band swing fanatic~ stay clear!
How sad, therefore, that the very last
number of the production at last gives us a taste of what we really came to
see~ some genuine big band swing!
I also found the balance between the band
and the vocalists to be a huge problem, with the band most often drowning out
the vocalists completely. Marion Loudon has a delightful voice but she really
had to fight to be heard; as did Martin Sigamoney. Using some of the musicians
as vocalists was not a very successful experiment in my book - they just did not
have the vocal technique or skill to capture their audience.
Great highlights for me were Marion Loudon
moving amongst the audience for a delightful solo - minus band drowning her
out; Martin Sigamoney mingling with the audience with a riveting sax solo that
had my hairs standing up~ and, alas, the very last and only authentic big band number.
It would be amiss of me not to mention the
irritation of the follow spot, which washed over a significant section of the
audience and was a clear distraction. Personally, I would get rid of it or
place it on platforms, allowing the light to spill downwards, over the heads of
the audience - which is standard theatre practice.
In conclusion, I would suggest that you
attend the show with a completely open mind, having no scintillating musical
expectations or innovative designs. Just sit back, sip your drink and enjoy a
favourite golden oldies musical romp!
Fire and
Ice: Big Band has
one more performance tomorrow (October 14) at 15h00. Tickets R80. BYO picnics and
snacks. There is a cash bar, but no credit card facility. Bookings on 076 786
1127 or email bookings@stirlingtheatre.co.za Stirling Theatre is situated at the Italian
Club in Durban North at 82 Fairway. – John Harley
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