THE Ted Heath Band plays its final concert in London tonight, and at Derby Ward Labour Club on Friday night, Tommy Whittle (tenor) gave ample evidence -- if any was needed -- of exactly how much that great unit will be missed.
Whittle, who has been with the Heath Band since the 1950s, gave a series of blistering solos which had a packed audience on its feet. He seems to get better with age, if such a cliche can be applied to someone of this man's colossal talent.
So, too, does his musical mate for the evening Roy Williams (trombone), who, like Whittle, is universally regarded as a giant of jazz, recognised in Europe and America for his huge contribution to the genre.
Whittle and Williams are no strangers to Bolton -- Roy is a native of Farnworth -- and they were visibly touched by the warmth of their welcome and the enthusiastic response to their musical offerings. A truly memorable performance.
The Steve Moore trio, as ever, provided a rock solid foundation for the pattern weaving of the feature star soloist and Jeriatric Jazz, as usual, swung like the Bronx Express on a night when a bunch of veteran jazzers just rolled back the years.
Amen to that! Fred Shawcross
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article