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| The Blamey Street Big Band at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre |
Conducted by
Ian McLean – Vocalist: Leisa Keen
The B,
Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre. 2nd March 2024
Reviewed by
BILL STEPHENS.
What do some
of Canberra’s most accomplished musicians do when they’re not pleasuring
audiences around town in symphony orchestras, musical pit bands, jazz and rock
bands?
Well every
Wednesday evening they gather as the Blamey Street Big Band to expend a considerable
amount of hot air perfecting intricate band charts for the sheer pleasure of
playing big band music.
Formed in
2002, The Blamey Street Big Band is a community band which specialises in big
band music of all eras. While the members play this music simply for their own
pleasure, the band also emerges on occasion to share that pleasure at community
events.
You might
have heard it at Floriade, in the Royal Botanic Gardens, at jazz festivals in
Merimbula, Wagga or Moruya, or at the Harmonie German Club where it has
established a loyal and appreciative following.
This concert
was its first at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, where it drew a large
crowd, some of whom were regular supporters, but many others were experiencing
the Blamey Street Big Band for the first time, attracted either by the band’ reputation,
or the opportunity to experience the Beatles catalogue played in big band
style.
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| Ian McLean does Sergeant Pepper. |
Neatly
turned out in smart black uniforms emblazoned with its logo and gold epaulets,
the band was an impressive sight as it took the stage. Conductor Ian McLean
managed to upstage them all though, resplendent in his replica Beatles Sergeant
Pepper’s outfit.
McLean too
was upstaged by vocalist Leisa Keen who made her entrance in a flower-power
Carnaby Street number, setting a relaxed, festive mood for the concert.
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| Leisa Keen - Ian McLean and the Blamey Street Big Band |
In his
opening remarks McLean mentioned that the concert would feature at least one
number from every Beatles album. Not only that, it even included Andrew
Hackwill’s hot-off-the-press arrangement of a
recently discovered and released song by John Lennon “Now and Then”
among the 23 Beatles songs featured in the concert.
Obviously
the quality of the musical arrangements is a major attractor for any concert by
a big band, and Blamey Street has some rippers.
There was Ed
Wilson’s arrangement of “Hey Jude”; Chico O’Farrill’s arrangements for the
Count Basie Band of “Yesterday” and “Michelle”; and a lovely arrangement of “A
Taste of Honey” by local composer, Sally Greenaway.
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| Leisa Keen and the Blamey Street Big Band in full flight. |
Band member,
Jack Percy contributed “All you Need is Love” and even band vocalist, Leisa
Keen, contributed her own toe-tapping arrangement of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,
as well as demonstrating her ability to master any singing style required, with
her masterful performance of “Can’t Buy Me Love” as recorded by Ella Fitzgerald
with the Count Basie Band.
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| Andrew Hackwill (c) with the Blamey Street Big Band. |
However, it is the brilliantly inventive arrangements of band member, Andrew Hackwill that gives the Blamey Street Big Band its edge over similar outfits. As well as leading the saxophone section, Hackwill arranged no fewer than 14 of the 23 Beatles songs featured in the program, including a show-stopping version of “Something”, a signature song for Shirley Bassey, but on this occasion, superbly interpreted by Keen.
Hackwill’s
arrangements brilliantly exploit, challenge and showcase the talents of this 20
piece ensemble of soloists, which boast among its number, in addition to
Hackwill himself, Derrick (Noddy) Brassington (drums), Don Lee (piano), Cal
Clugston (guitar) and Peter McDonald (bass).
All of whom are
happy to devote precious leisure time to work as ensemble under the experienced
and discerning baton of Maestro McLean , for the pleasure and satisfaction of
perfecting and showcasing the brilliance of the arrangements of Hackwill and
other masters of the genre.
It was this obvious
professionalism which made this concert such a memorable experience.
Images by Stephen McGrory
