Something quirky for Big Band
While swing numbers might be stock in trade for Taupo¯’s Great Lake Big Band, band director Rowan Bolley also likes occasionally to test audiences and his musicians with some quirkier arrangements.
A number of these will be showcased when the band’s 15 competent musicians round out the midday concert series for 2018 on Friday, December 7 at St Andrew’s Anglican Church.
Established for over20 years the Great Lake Big Band will play some old and new compositions as well as a handful of fresh arrangements of Christmas songs.
Rowan thinks it’s never too early to run through a Christmas tune or two. He says the band’s Tom Kubisversions of old favourites like Deck the Halls and Jingle Bells, and the entertaining God Rest Ye Merry Trombones, are always likely to be included. A multi-layered arrangement of The Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby by Eric Richards, will also be one to listen out for, as will the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band’s Count Bubba — whose 230 or so bars race by so quickly one band member has quietly dubbed it ‘Count You Lubber’.
Vocalist Jo Paull will again join the band for several favourites like Orange Coloured Sky and I’ve Got You Under My Skin.
The hour-long concert on December 7 starts at noon. Entry for adults is $5, and children/students $2.
Everyone is welcome.
■ For further information contact organisers Elizabeth Marshall on 378 9296 or Tracey Lidington on 027 240 9228, or see the Facebook page Midday Concert for details.