Reviews

Outrageously on song from Out of the Blue 

Alastair Noakes on Tuesday Night Live May 2025

Is it really a cliché to say that at times the gods do perfectly align themselves for the good?

Sadly, the world is not in a ‘good’ place at present. More reason then to find a place where we can escape if we can, at least, for just a few hours. On Tuesday 27th May we could, for there was something magical in the air as the band struck up at Heswall Hall. There will be many in the audience who will have said to themselves as they moseyed on home that night:

 ‘I WAS THERE, and I was so, so glad I came’.

I mention this as there was a moment in proceedings where I stopped and my attention was drawn, not to the band as would be the norm, but to the audience. The spell cast upon them was plain to see, written in their very persona, on each and every face of everyone there. They were adorned with unique, but subtle, contented smiles, some obvious, some less so. A few showed their emotions in a more blatant, obvious way by just dancing, as they moved contentedly back and forth to the constant swing of the beat. For others their enjoyment was more subtle but clearly engrained deep within, shown through the sneaky but joyous tap of the left or the right foot in time to the infectious rhythm.  And as for those rhythms, the melodies, the beat …. well it just went on, and on, well into the night, played out by a band whose tight togetherness improved with every number, from samba to rumba, and joined, nay topped, by not just one but three tip top vocalists.  We were so spoiled.

First up was Iain Tyrell, a man whose career has been so expansive that he has performed with member of the American Jazz Hall of Fame; recommendation indeed. Following classics including: ‘You make me feel so young’, and ‘For once in my life’, you had to admire his take on Spandau Ballet’s ‘True’ for it was rightly his own version, no copy but delivered simply and sensitively.   

His vocal expertise was soon followed by Tim Maxwell Clarke, a seasoned, singer and actor with over 35 years in West End Musicals who was to offer a smorgasbord of silky melodies from classics handsomely delivered and polished to perfection.  Tim's rendition of Cant Take My Eyes Off You, a hit made famous by the great Frankie Valli but tonight sung with a vocal zing that pulled at our very heart strings. 

All this, and yet the night was ultimately stolen by the outstanding Rachel Howles, whose sweet, captivating tone was perfectly suited to the world of big band jazz. There were times where she literally held the audience in the palm of her hand. For those of us who like seafood, it conjured up the sensation of the perfect oyster caressing the palate, or for others if you prefer, the taste of a sumptuous smooth chocolate mousse that slowly melts in your mouth. The senses, the sounds, the emotions she evoked were warm, enveloping one moment, yet scatty, powerful and commanding the next. The title of her Bond number – Nobody does it better said it all – simply nobody could. 

Finally, at the end when the audience were literally on a high rarely experienced in this hall, she grabbed us with 2 disco numbers that conveyed us back to the dance floors of yore, but rather than ruining it with our own vocals as we used to do when we danced the nights away, we were entertained by her unique powerful spontaneity amid the light that scattered from the disco ball high above us.    

Music can move us. It can conjure up emotions and take us to places that few experiences can. On Tuesday night ‘Out of the Blue’, with their fabulous soloists were able to do so in a truly unique way and for a few hours at least we were transported to a place where the musical gods were magically and perfectly aligned.   

Next up for more sensational Jazz at Heswall Hall, ‘Out of the Blue’ will be performing, as usual on the last Tuesday of every month on Tues 24th June – 7pm for 8pm, but if you really want to spoil yourself, just don’t miss  Clare Teal, one of the country’s leading Jazz soloists who will be singing with the band on Sat 28th June – doors open 6.30pm.  A star not to be missed.

OUT OF THE BLUE JAZZ ORCHESTRA PROVE IT ONCE AGAIN 

Alastair Noakes on Matt Ford, Heswall Hall October 2024

It is certainly quite conceivable that a group of talented musicians, both young and old can compel an audience to turn out on a dark autumn evening to listen to their sweet melodic tones.  It happens on a daily basis all around the world, every night of the year, but what is unusual, is that so many come on a regular basis every month, to listen to a style of music which is, lets face it, not so on trend any more.

We’re not talking Taylor Swift playing to sell out audiences in giant venues in the big smoke, nor garage, hip hop or rap in night clubs compared by cool DJ’s. We are talking rhythmic big band jazz and blues in small town Heswall. This is ‘no rapping’ happening, but infectious toe tapping musical swing that has hooked growing audiences for over 5 years now. In doing so, The Out of the Blue Jazz Orchestra led by their infectious band leader Becky Bell Thomas have attracted some of the world’s top musicians.  

Matt Ford has entertained thousands in his sell out performances around the globe and he’s now topped the bill at the Royal Albert Hall at their annual music fest – The Proms on 4 separate occasions. Yet in October 2024 he chose to sing with Wirral’s leading up and coming big band. What’s more he was so impressed he’ll be back to entertain us again next year.  

Similarly, Alan Barnes has dazzled bigger and bolder audiences with his exceptional skills on clarinet and saxophone for many, many years, but like Matt he too chose to be backed by Wirral’s own big band. Next month on 26th Nov we have Charlie Ashby one of the country’s leading percussionists who will be showing off the wealth of rhythm and sounds he can produce from his vast collection of instruments the origins of which will completely baffle the mind.  If you are able to name each and every one you will be deemed a true instrument aficionado.  Why do the audiences keep coming? Because Out of the Blue Jazz Orchestra are good. Indeed they are very good and the message is getting out there.  

Over the next calendar year we will see many more expert soloists who will share the stage with Out of the Blue Jazz Orchestra. Expectation is building. Put those dates in your diary – remember the last Tuesday in every month at Heswall Hall. Tickets for next month – Tues 26th Nov are selling out fast. Book your seat through www.heswallhall.co.uk now. Don’t miss out.

'The band was great,  tight, rhythmic,  loved it..good soloists too! Bravo!'

David, Liverpool 

Wow ! Great groove and staggering that authentic big band sound can be assembled in this way.

Michael, Liverpool