Event Date: August 22, 2009
Event Venue: The Stables

Our 5th PRO show in the last 15 years and it's still one of our favourite shows. The line-up of virtuoso's has a couple of changes (the first female? - a saxophonist) but we still recognise most faces, and you'll never forget Simon Townsend the pianist who could do a credible turn as a stand-up comedian (now a BBC radio presenter). The touch of light comedy was appreciated by all between the beautifully arranged classics swing and hot dance numbers from the 20/30s - Well known songs like Putting on Ritz, Tiger Rag, Anything goes, Love is the sweetest thing, Cotton Club, and their signature tune of course - Home in Pasadena. Supreme vocalist was Duncan Galloway. We're in the younger age bracket of audience of early 50s but have a very wide range of musical tastes leaning more to 60-90s music but this band is highly recommended as they carry you away to a different era. Check their website for CD, videos and full repertoire listings.
The Stables is an ideal venue and beautiful sound, we'll be back there soon for Roxy Music and Bee Gees, Coco Montoya and some rock!

Event Date: October 27, 2009
Event Venue: The Stables

Dame Cleo Laine was in the audience for this concert (we are extremely thankful she and Johnny Dankworth have built this wonderful theatre). Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable night of virtuoso performances from this quartet (over 2 hours). Whilst I'm not a connoisseur of jazz, just intrigued by the advert - and having heard some Grappelli many years ago (with Yehudi Menuin) - I could appreciate that this was a masterclass in pushing this jazz improv style. Interpretations included Bach Fugue, Handel's Air and Gershwin; along with Grappelli classics, and some wonderful original material - playing conversations with amongst these four. All beautifully performed. Great usage of electric violin foot pedals: fuzz boxes and wah wah. Christian announced he was inspired at the age of 5 way back in 1978 by a concert by Stephan Grappelli at this very venue - I'm sure the master would have been delighted to have heard this show! Highly recommended

Event Date: September 4, 2009
Event Venue: The Stables

I urge you all to catch this show. See my review at Bristol Prom about 3-4 years ago. Play all the band and solo hits plus album tracks in show over 2 hours - so truly fans of the music as well. Brilliant band and the singer is just incredible - a soundalike (getting the Ferry intomnations and timbre of voice spot on) and he's a lookalike too. The sound at Stables was awesome and did justice to replicate their music which must be so difficult. The sax player is superb and vital to this unique sound - used 5 saxes (and was it a electric clarinet?). But all are incredibly talented. We spoke to band afterwards - nice guys (and gal). Hope to see you back here again??

To add to our other review - Bands who regularly feature here (but not seen yet) - Paul Carrack, Eddi Reader (Always does 2 nights), Beverley Craven, Walter Trout, Wisbone Ash, Dr Hook singer, Searchers, Ralph McTell, Kate Rusby etc.  Also seen Focus recently who were brilliant.
Also Big bands such as Chris Barber & Syd Lawrence plus lots of Jazz / blues and world music acts which we don't know.
Tributes we've seen to add to our first list are: Homeward Bound (Paul Simon), Legend = Bob Marley, Fleetwood Bac, Floyd  - All seen and all brilliant). Not seen yet are Nearly Dan, Viva Santana, Limehouse Lizzy and many more. Plus loads of comedians off Mock the Week etc. Catch them here before they move up to only do the huge arenas and you're so far back you can't see their faces and expressions!

Venue also promote music workshops, summer outdoor jazz on lawn and have a comedy club. It really is a wonderful venue with great sight lines from all seats. Also a small CD shop to browse in and a nightly raffle! Please support to keep music alive. Get on mailing list now, and book early!! You can take booze into the show too! Often can meet stars afterwards in lobby.

Update on Stable venue - A first class experience. Much improved service at bar and in the huge car park. Where else do you find 12 eager to help parking attendants? and helpful smiling "stable mates" to guide you as you enter the foyer. Always there to help anyone, very useful for those with a disability. Sound quality is excellent and shows often a sell-out, Great views from anywhere (sides seats are excellent too), tiered, modern, clean, try it! You can takes drinks in - in glass!! - It's just outside MK at Wavendon just off M1 so we have no roundabouts to challenge us!
Just seen a fantastic batch of shows in 2009, taking new friends and family for their first experience of venue (and acts): Ukulele Orch GB, Mandolinquents, Bloke and 2 girls, Kings of Queen (they will rock you), the best Queen tribute (vocal range and timbre is Freddie!), Focus, Homeward Bound (Paul Simon + S&G). All brilliant. Looking forward to seeing Roxy Music tribute (4 Sep) and Pasadena Rood Orch again as both are excellent. Thanks.