Having heard and enjoyed the Count Basie Orchestra at Southampton’s former Gaumont theatre (now the Mayflower) back in the 1950s, I approached this performance with a certain amount of trepidation. Usually I don’t have much time for tribute bands – after all, why not just play a recording of the real thing?

But listening to a big band is a very special experience that no amount of Hi-Fi can ever quite replicate. I can remember peering over the balcony at the Gaumont and feeling that one could almost float on the waves of sound.

I needn’t have worried. Peter Williams, who formed the All Stars Big Band five years ago as a subset of Swing Unlimited, has forged an orchestra that delivers the true Basie sound. It was a rich and varied programme of classic jazz numbers, including much loved perennials such as Strike up the Band, One O’clock Jump and many others.

It’s invidious to pick out individuals, but I was very impressed by vocalist Claire Watts - sadly making her last appearance with the band. She has a clear, confident voice and rendered Ella Fitzgerald numbers with style, even venturing a bit of scat-singing - something that few singers can deliver with confidence.

Also there was Sarah Bolter on tenor sax, whose assertive style and delivery reminded me of the late great Kathy Stobart.

All in all a great occasion in a clubby atmosphere and a good way to spend an evening. Basie would have approved.