The Three Mr B's, Pavilion, Bournemouth
Swinging in splendid harmony - Messrs Barber, Bilk and Ball. These three grand old jazz masters of trombone, clarinet, and trumpet, respectively, each supported by their own star-filled bands, gave their fans true money's worth with this scintillating programme of old standards polished to perfection.
In his inimitable whirlwind style, whether playing or blasting us with facts, Chris Barber set off down that Bourbon Street Parade, showing he's not confined by the trad era alone with a selection from Duke Ellington and an excellent version of modern jazz legend Miles Davis's All Blue. As for retiring - the question has merely inspired his vocal powers with: "I can't stop now - I don't know how".
Acker Bilk, by contrast, welcomes any breather he can get, humorously grumbling about ageing and forgetfulness - though, thankfully, he hasn't forgotten any of his much loved old jokes, and he can still produce that luxurious clarinet sound on numbers like Stars And Stripes, Warbash Blues, and, of course, his now 45 years old swansong - Stranger On The Shore.
Rounding off, Kenny Ball rolled out the hits as lively as ever - So Do I, Sukiyaki, I Wanna Be Like You, and above all Midnight in Moscow - just brass blazing brilliant whatever the hour.
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