2003

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Playing in the beer garden at The Old School Inn, Epworth in July

Kate Brumby takes the mike for 'Over the Rainbow'

Axholme Herald 25 July 2003

Big band musicians swing into action

The Old School Inn in Epworth provided a perfect venue for a spectacular evening of big band music, performed by the swing band, Room 21. People of the Isle of Axholme who enjoy this type of music, gathered to hear Room 21 perform a varied and entertaining programme of old favourites. They were not disappointed. Appearing as part of South Axholme Community School's Arts in the Community Programme, Room 21 had rehearsed through the summer term, guided by their enthusiastic conductor, Andrew Jakob.

The band brings together musicians from a wide area who enjoy playing swing band music in a relaxed atmosphere. In just 10 rehearsals, the band had put together an impressive programme of pieces - a testament to their hard work and ability. It was a balmy summer evening with brilliant sunshine, enabling Room 21 to play outside at the Old School Inn, while the audience listened to the music. Musically, there was something for everyone. The band opened with Horace Silver's The Preacher and Goerge Gershwin's Summertime. Then Kate Brumby was the first vocal soloist of the evening in Over the Rainbow from the film, The Wizard of Oz. Gerald Kenny's I Made It Through The Rain was well received and was followed by a lively run through Rock Around the Clock. Jonathan Scully sang convincingly in Fly Me to The Moon and the band closed their first session with the classic Harold Arlen number, That Old Black Magic. Refreshed after a break, the band began the second session with the driving rhythms of Josef Zawinul's Mercy, Mercy, Mercy. They were more relaxed in the ever-popular Satin Doll. Keeping it in the family, father of Jonathan, Barry Scully, who sang with the band in a similar event last year, made an impromptu appearance as vocal soloist in Stray Cat Strut. Then Room 21 turned to the music of the Beatles, playing And I Love Her, following this with Billy Joel's My Life. As the evning light began to fade, the band gave a second playing of the piece that they had opened with, The Preacher, bringing to a close a thoroughly entertaining and satisfying musical event.