Blowout

I love a big band especially when it's a bit modern and challenging.  This was two BBs, or at least Jazz Orchestras, from the ANU School of Music: the students and the mates.  The students started the night.  They were not just students; the band is open to ANU students and staff more broadly.  But this was not just the old swingers, as lovely as they can be.  They started with Havana, then a Samba, then a string of tunes including the Nelson Riddle arrangement of Night and day for Frank Sinatra and finishing on Dizzy Gillespie Manteca.  So a lively and latin tinged set.  Some nice solos through the group, some movements within the percussionists and drummer, and singer Evie sitting in for two swingers.  Then a break and Greg's mates and drummer son, called the Test Pilot Big Band.  Both bands were directed by  Greg Stott and Greg played guitar for his TPBB.  He introduced the band as friends he could make a call on and there were plenty of recognisable faces.  What friends!  This was an exciting and wonderfully capable, driving band.  The life and energy and confidence and chops were just thrilling.   The tunes were mostly originals by Greg early on then later, when singer Steve Amosa sat in, they were covers, R&B, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and the like.  A singalong to Donny Hathaway had us joining in and clapping and otherwise just heavy grooving to some great solos and steady driving grooves and pretty sharp written lines.  Nice.  Great music and great playing, but also just infectious fun.  Loved this gig!

Greg Stott (conductor, guitar) led the ANU Jazz Orchestra and the Test Pilots Big Band performed at Smiths.