(Kirsten Sayers, Duncan
Wooldridge, Bruce Baker, Andreas Kappen, Shelly McLean & Cathy Peacock)
Jazz dream team presents outstanding show. (Review by Keith
Millar)
There can better way to spend a sweltering Sunday afternoon
than by chilling out at the convivial Rhumbelow Theatre in Umbilo, while enjoying
a long cool beverage or two and listening to some fantastic music played by
Durban’s dazzling jazz ensemble, Platform
Jazz.
The band’s new show, Swingtime,
is a wonderful trip down memory lane to the 1930’ and 1940’s, and features
some of the greatest swing and big band music from that era. It is a
sophisticated and classy production which showcases some superb musicianship
from a group of very experienced and gifted musicians.
The Band kicks off with their signature tune, the ubiquitous
12th Street Rag, and then
launches into a veritable treasure chest of musical gems. Included are Benny
Goodman’s How High The Moon and Sing, Sing Sing, Duke Ellington’s Caravan and It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got that Swing, George Gershwin’s
Embraceable You, and from the genius,
Glen Miller, In The Mood, A String Of Pearls and Pennsylvania 6500.
The audience is also treated to music which were originally
performed by the likes of Frank Sinatra - I’ve
Got you Under My Skin, Sammy Davis Junior, Mr Bo Jangles and Louis Armstrong, Hello Dolly amongst others.
Joining Platform Jazz was ever-popular Durban songbird
Shelly McLean. Her contribution to this excellent show included Blue Moon, Georgia on My Mind, Hey Mambo and
My Baby Just Cares for Me. She was at
her smoky and sultry best singing Platform Jazz’s version of Meghan Trainor’s
2014 smash hit All About the Bass.
The leader of Platform Jazz, trumpeter Cathy Peacock,
introduces, and chats about the music during the course of the show. She uses
interesting biographical and historical snippets which she delivers with an
easy charm which creates a good rapport with the audience.
Also part of the show are three surprisingly good quality
video clips featuring all-girl groups from the swing era.
Platform Jazz has two new members for this show. They are
the very impressive Jeff Judge on sax and Kirsten Sayers on clarinet. The rest
of the band are unchanged and feature Cathy Peacock on trumpet, Duncan
Wooldridge on trombone, Andreas Kappen on double bass, Melvin Peters on piano,
and Bruce Baker on drums. Altogether, they are something of a dream team.
Swingtime is an
outstanding show. Featuring some of the greatest music of all-time and
performed by a tight and talented group of musicians. Their energetic and
jubilant performance should not be missed by jazz lovers or, in fact, by anyone
who enjoys good music and a bit of nostalgia. But book early as this show is
proving to be very popular.
As the song says – It
Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.
Shows take place from January 30 to February 1 with
performances on January 30 and 31at 20h00 and at 14h00 and 18h30 on February 1.
The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner.
Tickets R120 (R100 pensioners and tables of eight or more).
Take along food picnic baskets and braais will be available. There is limited
secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol
may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Durban is situated in Cunningham
Avenue off Bartle Road in Umbilo.
Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499
8636, email roland@stansell.za.net
or visit www.rhumbelow.za.net – Keith Millar
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