Reviews

Usher Hall, Edinburgh - December 2009

The Glenn Miller Orchestra has been touring as a ghost orchestra ever since the world renowned jazz musician's disappearance during World War II. On this occasion, Ray McVay fills the role of band leader as the ensemble marches into Edinburgh.

The band of near 20 musicians including trombone, trumpet, saxophone and rhythm sections, along with the Moonlight Serenaders vocal quintet, were each given at least one solo moment which provided each member a well deserved chance to shine, but also nicely sidestepped the problem of having to introduce the band without the whole affair descending into a roll call. 

Jan Messeder provided the perfect anchor on vocals, delivering a relaxed and warm rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas along with the Moonlight Serenaders, and confidently stepping up following big booming Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin crowd-pleasers to captivate the audience with her fresh and charming version of The White Cliffs of Dover, which would have satisfied Vera Lynn herself.

While director Ray McVay offered an affable and friendly stage presence throughout, sharing interesting snippets of history behind songs and also remaining reverently focused on doing Glenn Miller proud, Colin Anthony and Messeder were undoubtedly the personalities driving the show. The former belting out a version of Come Fly With Me with all the attitude and confident charisma you'd expect from Sinatra in his heyday.

But perhaps the highlight of the evening came midway through American Patrol as drummer Bobby Cleall delivered a blistering two-minute drum solo which, even without his musical accomplishment, would have left an impression if only for the level of stamina required.

The trumpet and saxophone sections took it in turn to frantically compete with each other on the instantly recognisable Pennsylvania 6-5000, and provided a light-hearted moment as the sparse and weary Usher Hall audience missed their cue and prompted half the band to head for the exits in mock disgust.

Covering everything from Christmas carols to traditional Scots songs, McVay deserves credit for retaining the high standards throughout. Although never let down by any of the soloists, he expertly kept a tight reign on the band and played a role in retaining the collective poise and balance achieved in the early part of the show. And, as if to demonstrate the orchestra's versatility, a surprise appearance from sexy girl band Irresistible provided an almost surreal twist to the evening. Far from the standard orchestral fare, the buxom chested, sequin clad stars of Britain's Got Talent provided a refreshing burst of energy and no doubt left a few wondering just who had stolen the limelight as the trio rounded off their short but glamorous contribution with In The Mood, another Glenn Miller classic.

This was a night that, perhaps unexpectedly, had something for everyone.

Colin Blyth, The Scotsman