The Big Swing with The Bruce/Ilett Big Band

Posted on: 2014-03-08

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Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival 2014


 

Flowers, coloured skirts, bowlers and suspenders. In the opening day of the International Jazz and Blues Festival in Bristol, the city came back to the 1930’s and 40’s with the enchanting exhibition of the Big Band headed by Denny Ilett and Jonny Bruce.

The Colston Hall has been transformed into a 1940s style ballroom, featuring 17 of the South West’s best musicians, managed by two great leaders.

The main hall has been conquered by dozen of skilled as well as beginner dancers who went wild with the classic swing era’s melodies, in particular that of one of the greatest trumpeter of all time, Harry James. Thanks to the “tiger ragging” sound of Johnny Bruce’s trumpet and an amazing winds section – a particular mention goes to the skills and the funny attitude of the trombonists, Ian Bateman, Terry Kelly, Liam Treasure and Justin Pavey – this arduous goal has been reached.    

There has been place also to homage some of the most beloved bandleaders of that era, such as Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman (the master of Harry James), and even the Voice, Frank Sinatra, who was employed as a vocalist by the Harry James orchestra in 1939. Speaking about this, the vocal chords of Denny Illet deserve a peculiar mention. When the guitarist started to sing I’ve got you under my skin, the famous masterpiece written in 1936 by Cole Porter, a considerable part of the audience thought for a moment Frank Sinatra had come back to life! Illet’s qualities shine through his stage presence which is the result of 150+ concerts per year and partnering with artists like Pee Wee Ellis, Lilian Boutte, Will Gregory (from Goldfrapp) and Charles Hazelwood of the BBC Concert Orchestra. Alongside Jonny Bruce, a freelance trumpet and flugelhorn player, they have been reviewed as a throwback to the pre-Miles styles of playing.

The musicians performed songs like the 1932’s April in Paris and Let me off uptown, made famous by Anita O’Day and Gene Krupa, and re-interpreted yesterday by the vocalist Katya Gorrie and Jonny Bruce himself.

At the end of the show the audience wanting to keep on dancing and listening to jazz were in for an extra treat. In the foyer there was an overwhelming jam session run by the talented young saxophonist Craig Crofton with Pee Wee Ellis as a special guest! Another 5/5 performance at The Colston Hall in Bristol.

Reviewed by Ilenia Appicciafuoco for 365Bristol



Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.