prettyinpink

thanks, Nina

review of Lincoln show by lovelincoln September 20, 2010 The History of the Big Bands Filed under: Features — admin @ 3:37 pm LoveLincoln.co.uk was lucky enough to be in the audience for Darius Campbell’s History of the Big Bands tour which stopped off in Lincoln yesterday (Sunday 19th September) for one night only. Darius and his band of talented musicians performed in front of a packed auditorium at the Lincoln Theatre Royal. The show opened with a Marilyn Monroe-esque burlesque dancer and although her performance was rather unexpected it did add a touch of Hollywood glamour to the occasion. Several stripteases later however I started to wish she would leave her clothes on for a change. I’m sure however the male members of the audience would vehemently disagree! Unfortunately Darius kept his clothes on which I thought was rather unfair seeing as the Scottish pop star turned West End actor/singer-songwriter only seems to have got more good looking with age. His voice has also matured like a vintage malt whisky and his covers of songs made famous by the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich and Frank Sinatra seemed effortless. Between tunes Darius informed the captivated audience about the key musicians of the swing era and cleverly narrated the history of the big bands, seamlessly linking one band leader to another. The high-energy show was quite intense however and the instrumental tunes in particular were at times overpowering, especially in the cosy surroundings of the Theatre Royal. I imagine a 16-piece orchestra would be more at home in a larger venue and you wouldn’t feel as if the trumpet was being blown in your ear by the person sitting in the next row! Having said that the musicians were highly talented and the solo performances first class. As well as taking the audience on a musical journey through the big band and swing era, Darius performed some of the songs he has written for his new album and I have to say I was very impressed. I came away thinking perhaps Darius had been born in the wrong decade as he seemed so at ease with the big band genre. His deep, velvety voice lends itself perfectly to crooning the likes of Fly Me to the Moon and Fever and that, teamed with his on-stage charisma, is a winning combination. Lincoln was only the second date on his UK tour so if you fancy a trip down Memory Lane or an introduction to some of the greatest music ever made you can catch Darius at various venues up and down the country. Find out more by visiting www.historyofthebigbands.com link to review

thats a shame Paul - the ones you have put up are fantastic!

mm, convert a bit strong - I doubt I will hear him admit to anyone he likes Darius -

:dancing: have a great time, we loved the show - hubby is listening to CD in the car and commneting on how well D sang the numbers.

I saw that a little earlier, as I clicked on it and noticed the FMTTM mp3 download - I couldnt download it from his link, but this time it worked - I thought I didnt recall it being there before

I read that earlier, and she had young kids too - terrible, just shows how easily and quickly something awful can happen

thanks meg, yet again a luke warm interview...when i think of so many with no talent getting so much hype and bigging up in nterviews -while d seems to get the opposite...not even the correct facts as once again ps and pi have morphed into one......and past acihevements not counting for much compared with the usual generic darius comments from the interviewer

thanks meg, its a great idea - i do miss rachels site - it was my home too

thanks, meg

on his facebook page Darius has just added a video of himself and the band rehearsing for the history of the big band show on youtube

yes, I suspected that would be the case anyway

I thought it went exceptionally well for a first night - nothing major struck us that had not gone quite right

lol, yup I was thinking that in bed last night, had a time warp moment - realising that no one would release a video these days - but so used to video meaning a tape! but it was too late to get up and use the PC just to say I took video the wrong way, I was glad he was selling CDs at the gig, and am really happy if a DVD may be available.

yup, I didnt look at what was on the CD I needed to have it - was a bit disappointd that its not all Darius LOL, but just for those tracks its worth having. I really would like his new songs too so fingers crossed

wonderful photos!! thanks meg -

professional video..DVD would be preferable as I havent replaced our video recorder as it seemed pointless. would love a DVD, husband mentioned this after the show

yes, I loved the chorus of Crazy love, but I found it similar to the jack one some how, I adore his deeper range, would have loved some more Nat King cole or as BT says, Dean Martin. but then there are so many songs I would have loved to hear with the band, just not the same with a backing track - I just loved the live band sound with his voice.

the dancer was good, its not crude in any way, just of that era, saucy, tongue in cheek and teasing, - plus sexy underwear. my hubby seemed to enjoy it - she reminded me fo the girl paintd on the spitfires during the war(from tv progs)

I thought the show went really quickly, it was around 9.30pm I think on the clock when we came out, - there are so many songs I would have loved to hear Darius sing with the band live, I did notice on the CD it says vol 1...perhaps I am being too hopeful of more to follow, but there is realms they could do if they really wanted to follow the theme. I suppose it was quite full on for the band to do more than a couple of hours.

I didnt like the piped music at all tbh I really dont go for swing as a rule - but it must be the Darius singing live effect - not sure if I will feel the same of the CD, already thinking I will skip all th enon Darius tracks - I think it really was the fact that it was live, and Darius was the singer. I wont be buying or listening to any other swing mind you - ie if it had been Jamie Cullum etc up there..I wouldnt have even contimplated going on sale were programmes, mugs, keyrings, CDs -( t shirts were shown in th eprogramme)- cant imagine those into big band wearing t shirts LOL, all the same price as I recall at GWTW, it cost me 26 for a mug, prog and CD..

I really enjoyed Everyone wants ot be Jack, and Bda bing bada boom, even though I had a giggle when he announced it - not so keen on crazy love. as I liked the chorus but found it a bit repetative. Thes songs, as did all the numbers sounded so good live with the live band, you cant get the feel for them online.

History Of The Big Bands Further tour dates added for 2011 8th Feb Wycombe, Swan Theatre 11th Feb Croydon, Concert Hall 13th Feb Birmingham, Alexandra Theatre 4th march Hayes, Beck Theatre 12th Mar Poole, Lighthouse 18th Mar Bournemouth, Pavillion Theatre 25th mar Ipswich, Regent Theatre 2nd April Bradford, St. Georges Concert Hall 12th Apr Swansea, Grand Theatre 7th May Dartford, The Orchard 13th may Barnstaple, Queens Theatre 3rd June(it reads March in prog) Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Rooms 5th June Leeds, Grand Theatre 30th June Truro, Hall for Cornwall These are in the programme but not confirmed yet - Pam

wow, I really enjoyed the show last night!! husband did also - and he appreciated the naughty girl and was glad to be front row LOL Husand really felt Darius was suited to Frank Sinatra etc songs and sang really well. I personally could have listened to Darius sing like that forever, the show went so quickly! I also only just took enough money to cover all my purchases - mug, CD, programme etc as I wasnt thinking there would be anything to buy!! great to see meg, Pam, Chris and Nina xxx and as usual, while my mind was whirling with how to say I though Darius had been sublime etc - I just couldnt get it out, especially when he said Denie was a pretty name and that he had a co witter producer with that name - all I mustered was " thanks and - I know"(I always feel so embarrassed that Darius makes me feel like a swooning teenager inside - and being 50 on the outside LOL) OH still taking the preverbial out of me this morning. I have been told to definately book for Wycombe - front seats if possible, not sure if thats for D or the stripper LOL Both Husband and I thought that this genre really needs to be seen live with the live band, it really doesnt convey the fire and energy on CD etc I genuinely get bored of this sort of music on radio or CD as a rule, but loved the whole thing last night as did husband. As a first show I thought it was fantastic!! although I really got the jitters especially when it was a little late starting - praying it would all go well as Darius had co produced all of this just to add, Colourblind done big band - I LOVED it!!! brought the biggest beam to my face when I realised that was what he was launching into