Big Band Blitz - review (From Epsom Guardian)

Big Band Blitz - review

4:31pm Friday 20th November 2009

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Big Band Blitz, York House

I was in two minds on whether to attend this year’s annual Twickenham 1940s event, since I have been on at least three occasions before. Well, I am glad that I did.

Having eventually got through the rugby crowd traffic (England / Australia International was playing at Twickenham) I arrived at Clarendon Hall, York House. There were 1940s vehicles parked outside, and a US MP at the door to greet me.

On entering the Hall, I felt I was going back in time. The Hall was filled to capacity with guests in 1940s dress. On stage was the Jon Bennett Big Band, doing an excellent job playing the music of Glenn Miller and other big band numbers of the period. Among the host of special guest performers singing 1940s songs were TV and West End star Nigel Planer, former Yardbird John Idan, former Atomic Rooster vocalist Pete French, actor Jack Pinder, and Ali McKenzie of The Birds, accompanied by Derrick Griffiths on guitar. Lord Alan Watson of Richmond gave an address, and also introduced guest American female drummer Joanna Ruocco for the Benny Goodman classic Sing Sing, Sing. Comedian, Viv the Spiv, did a funny stand up, and also tried his best to sell black market goods to the guests, including the Mayor of Richmond, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster, and the Deputy Leader of the Lib Dem, Vincent Cable, MP.

An extra bonus for the guests was the presence of BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ who were filming the event for their mid week show. The night ended at 11.00pm to the strains of We’ll Meet Again, led by singer Jan Griffiths, and a final ‘Good Night’ from event organiser Warren Walters. The guests slowly left the 1940s and headed out into the Twickenham night air, back again to 2009. This Big Band Blitz was a night to remember.

Larry Richmond

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