On Saturday 2nd of March we debuted at our first ever visit to the Sunderland Great North Big Band Jazz Festival now in its 10th year.

This popular three day event attracts big bands from across the whole country with a concert on Friday night followed by an open section on Saturday afternoon and school and youth band sections on Sunday.

Watch the official Video of Feelin the Funk here!

Resplendent in our new Wylam Brewery sponsored band polo shirts and smart new music folders we hit the audience and judges with an exciting set.

Corner Pocket, Lonely Street, Mac the Knife and Feelin’ the Funk.

The judges Paul Jones and Pete Long, both top world reputed saxophonists, were blown away by the sheer size and tight big sound of the band and gave us some very encouraging feedback. Pete Long described us as an “Incredible  magnificent concatenation of humanity” of “All shapes and sizes” Fair comment!

We were very proud to be invited back on stage as one of the top three bands to play with Paul Jones and Pete Long as guest soloists.

This was the pinnacle of our short history together as a band and a tribute to the directorship of our MD Dave Hignett and the dedication of all our band members.

As one of the three prize winners we also received a £200 cheque toward band funds.

Unfortunately some of the band had to leave before the prized guest slot performance but we managed to find some willing players to fill the spare seats.  Many thanks to all those concerned.

The end of a great day.

Be Bop Spoken here website had this to say

“First time visitors Tyne Valley Big Band, led by the indefatigable Dave Hignett, took to the stage in  numbers (massed ranks more like!). Musicians everywhere, this really was a big band! Drawn from the Tyne Valley community, this outfit were out to enjoy themselves. Basie’s Corner Pocket, Sammy Nestico’s Lonely Street, Eric Morales’ Feelin’ the Funk –  good tunes all. Familiar face Alastair Lord nailed the top C stuff in the trumpet section and Andrea De Vere blazed a trail on tenor and alto. To top it off vocalist Barbara Hignett unleashed a killer version of Mack the Knife. Was this Live at the Sands, Las Vegas or the Students’ Union, Sunderland University? No matter where, great stuff! Six bands done, four to go.”