It was a miserable, grey day in Oxford yesterday (Saturday 6th Dec) so what better to brighten it up with an evening of “Christmas Swing” with The Velvet Tones Big Band, in the beautiful venue of St. Giles Church, just outside the city centre.
The Velvet Tones are an Oxford-based big band originally formed in the 1970s. While there may no longer be any of the original band members playing, there are still a few members who have 30 years’ experience with the band, which is not to be sniffed at. The camaraderie of this tight-knit group is clear not only in the joyous music they produce together, but in the banter and repartee amongst the musicians and singers.
The band is made up of what is apparently a classic Count Basie line-up (I am afraid that I’m ignorant to such things but did a little band website stalking to gen up): five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, and a four-piece rhythm section of keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums. With the two tremendous singers, Richard Francis and Clare Abbott, performing solos and duets throughout as well as their engaging Master (and Mistress) of Ceremony duties, and Musical Director Dave Peers merrily conducting and riffing with the band (as well as performing himself), it’s safe to say The Velvet Tones warmed up the dreary December evening with their special talents.
With classic tunes from Glenn Miller (the evening kicked off with a lively rendition of Tuxedo Junction followed smoothly by the misty-eyed Moonlight Serenade) and Count Basie (Hay Burner and Lil Darlin’) interspersed with a sprinkle of Dean Martin (Ain’t That a Kick in the Head, On The Street Where You Live), and Judy Garland (a spine-tingling The Man That Got Away, from Abbott), there was a little something for everyone. The whoops and cheers echoing through the church at the end of each performance were clear confirmation that the sold out crowd were glad they’d battled the elements to witness such talent and love of music.
But what about the Christmas aspect of this evening of swing, one might ask? A few songs into the show Francis and Abbott joked about how they’d only had a couple of weeks’ notice that this was to be a Christmas-themed event, so there was a bit of a scramble during rehearsals to add a festive touch to proceedings. Had they not mentioned this slight miscommunication, it would definitely not have been obvious; there was a smattering of Christmas bangers to warm the chestnuts, with Santa Baby, White Christmas (including a fabulous solo from Nick Brewer on trombone) and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. And that’s not to mention Dave Peers, the Musical Director himself, performing a stunning solo in the beautiful Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas on the flugelhorn.
The venue of St. Giles’ Church also deserves a huge shout-out. The acoustics were incredible and despite the chill in the air, the welcome was very warm and friendly, with a great team of helpers providing interval drinks and snacks and even a little tabletop sale at the back of the church. Kudos to this welcome, the church has apparently raised a cool £26,000 with such events over the last year, which, in the current economic climate, shows a distinct amount of loyalty to the venue. Long may it continue.
I could carry on for pages about the talents found within The Velvet Tones Big Band and feel I have missed many important moments that had me bopping in my seat, smiling like a fool or just joining in with the singalong moments, but I will end with one last mention. Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart is a classic that some might say should not be messed around with. I would argue those people need to witness the big band version of the 80s rock ballad, arranged by the inimitable Dave Peers and sung by Clare Abbott. What a moment.