RNCM Big Band with Bob Mintzer
RNCM Theatre, 7 July 2012
Exhilarating and invigorating, there you have two words that aptly describe this fine concert, a kind of unofficial curtain raiser for the Manchester Jazz Festival.
The band began with Harold Arlen’s ‘My Shining Hour’ then played a slue of Bob Mintzer’s own compositions, with the great man in attendance himself, conducting and joining in on saxophone. It was terrific withal, with Laurence McNaughton on piano particularly delighting the ear. Fred Lawton’s guitar work on the James Brown-inspired ‘Home Basie’ also stood out for me.
This band don’t just make music, they create and spread happiness. Pass it on.
Jildy Sauce 