There had been a great deal of anticipation ever since it was announced that the 'Wizard of Oz', James Morrison would be topping the bill alongside Black Dyke at this 40th anniversary celebration concert.

That said, even with such a headline act it was disappointing that the Sage Gateshead was not exactly bursting at the seams. Perhaps familiarity (Black Dyke is a regular attendee at the venue nowadays, allbeit without the star soloist) and the prospect of a very full day of contesting starting early the following morning also tightened to purse strings to make it a hard sell.

Absolute treat

However, those who missed it, missed an absolute treat, as Black Dyke, fresh from a successful tour of Japan opened up with '633 Squadron' followed by the thought provoking 'The Final Voyage', played with substance and purpose, aided by evocative film imagery.

That though was the aperitif as James Morrison soon had everyone in the palm of his hand with a stunning 'Sweet Georgia Brown' on trombone. With eyes and ears still adjusting to a level of individual brilliance few brass players can match, next came the seductive tones of 'We've Only Just Begun', followed by the James Bond classic, 'Nobody Does it Better' (and they don't) which he started on trombone before hopping to trumpet. 

It rather inspired Black Dyke as they reprised their own 160th anniversary present from Peter Graham of 'Symphony of Scarlet and Gold' in splendid fashion to round off a cracking first half.

Ante upped further

After the lengthy interval (some people perhaps having a lie down in a darkened room after Mr Morrison’s playing!), Prof Childs upped the ante further (and dazzled eyes with his Persil-white jacket) as he led a scorching 'Enter of the Galaxies' before expertly changing mood and style with the poignant, 'Hymn to the Fallen'.

'The Wizard' then returned to put local A&E departments on red alert with 'Things Ain't What They Used to Be', the enchanting 'What a Wonderful World' and the simply brilliant 'Basin Street Blues'. 

Shivers

Cases of stunned lock jaw expression reached epidemic levels by the close, although there was still time to round things off (although, he could have gone on till midnight) with a snorter of a take on 'The Old Rugged Cross' that sent shivers down the spine.

All that was left was for Black Dyke to follow with Peter Graham's 'To Boldy Go' and 'Tossing the Feathers' to send the audience on their way into the cold Gateshead night warmed to their toes by a musical phenomenon and a band on pretty good form themselves.

Those who missed it may well want to think about pre-booking their tickets for the 50th anniversary event well in advance.

Malcolm Wood