Glasgow School’s Big Band – Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow. Wednesday 25^th March 2009

It was with some excitement that I made my way to see “Glasgow School’s Big Band” at the Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow. Being a fan of the genre and having seen numerous Big Bands, I was curious to see and hear what this was all about.  

Under the leadership of John Smillie, the band launched into Duke Ellington’s “Ain’t Got That Swing”, this was followed by a solo by the very confident Nikki Lee Snodgrass on vocals singing “Be Cool”. Interspersed with some light humour from Band leader John, I was very surprised to learn that this Big Band had only been together for 7 months, with one practice per week over this period, which from the way they played came as a huge surprise. These talented young adults from a wide range of schools across Glasgow played with conviction and determination.

“Sentimental Journey” was followed by “ Georgia On My Mind” “Get Back” by the Beatles, “Mack The Knife”, and “Birdland”. John Smillie then introduced Ryan Quigley for two self composed solo numbers “Love Lost” and “Good Taste Tells You”. Both these numbers featured Ryan on blistering solo’s showcasing why he has become one of the most in demand trumpet players in Scotland, performing with Bob Geldof, Ronan Keating, The Hothouse Flowers, Stacy Kent, The R.S.N.O. and many more.

The final number in the 45 minute set was the Louis Prima classic “Swing, Swing, Swing”. The whole band contributed to an excellent version of this and it became quite evident that these guys and girls could indeed Swing!

The second half of the performance settled in nicely with “ Take The “A” Train” followed by a humorous approach to “ The Theme From The Pink Panther”. This number featured soloist Beth Black wearing a Pink Panther costume and playing the main parts of the piece with great gusto. The audience loved this comedic approach which did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the number.

A final comedy slant was introduced when band leader John asked Beth how she was going to get out of that daft costume and back to her place within the band?

Answer, the band launched into David Rose’s “The Stripper”, a very clever, if somewhat cheesy link to enable the soloist to retake her place.

Another smooth vocal performance by Nikki Lee Snodgrass on “It’s Only A Paper Moon” preceeded a “Glen Miller Section” featuring “A String Of Pearls” a vocal rendition of “Moonlight Serenade” featuring a solo singing spot by Kirsty McCafferty finishing with a rousing version of “In The Mood”.

“Harlem Nocturne” featuring another solo by Ryan Quigley took the quality of playing up to a new level before launching into a fantastic Adrian Drover arrangement of “I Belong To Glesca”.

The unusual choice of the rockabilly band Stray Cats “Stray Cat Strut” was an unusual but very pleasant part of the set and was well received by the audience. Closing the evening’s performance was the classic “ New York, New York”.

Two encores followed, “Zoot Suit” and by public demand a second version of “Sing, Sing, Sing”

The Glasgow Schools Big Band, were tutored by Stewart Horn and Lorraine Melone and conducted by John Smillie. This band are a great bunch of talented young adults who are fantastic ambassadors for Glasgow, Their Schools, and Parents, and have a great future ahead of them representing Glasgow and Scotland through their music. I hope that funding by The Scottish Arts Council and other generous sponsors continues so that they can grow and develop.

Reviewed by Stuart McNiff