Swing 2015

Jim Henderson writes for the Voice:

Brodick Hall was packed to capacity on Saturday September 19th, an eager audience waiting to hear the famous jazz group that changes its name with each successive year. More tables and chairs had to be set up, and by the time the group launched into its first number, there were about 130 people present.

All members of the group were on return visits to the Island, having appeared with other bands or line-ups. Roy Percy on double bass, Stephen Coutts on lead guitar, John Russell on acoustic guitar are all well known to Arran audiences, and Seonaid Aitken, fabulous as both violinist and singer, was last on the island in Whiting Bay hall, with Rose Room and Jimmy Moon.

The music ranged through many styles, from Romany Gypsy through French, Italian and American traditional jazz. Most of the numbers were well known and loved, and the enthusiastic audience was eager to applaud solo breaks. Stephen Coutts, a student of Django Reinhart, turned in some brilliantly assured solos, backed by John Russell, a fine exponent of acoustic rhythm guitar. Roy’s bass solos were described as ‘electrifying’ and Seonaid sang and played with her usual superb assurance. A night to remember.