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Brian Auger’s natural successor made his debut in Shoreham and literally pulled out all the stops from the funky opener to the final encore. As if inhabited by the spirits of fellow Jimmys Smith and McGriff, James breathed new life into Hammond organ staple ‘Green Onions’ and got the crowd dancing to Smith’s ‘8 Counts For Rita’. Vocalist Yvonne Yanney added a touch of pure soul class on several numbers, most notably on ‘Love TKO’ and ‘I Feel The Earth Move’. The party atmosphere continued through to their signature tune ‘Starsky And Hutch’ – a jaw-droppingly jazz-tastic improvement on the original.

Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham-By-Sea, 26 November 2011
Rating:
Steve Clements

This multi-award winning UK premiere told the story of Yugoslavian cinema during the post-war Marshal Tito years. State propaganda documentaries were mixed with clips of 50 years of Yugoslav films and insightful interviews with key players from the industry. With the country decimated after World War II, the entire population rebuilt cities from scratch and part of this was to help in creating the legendary Avala Studios. Now derelict, it represented the forgotten era of state-funded movies including Hollywood productions invited to film by movie buff Tito. A Q&A with the film’s producer provided background information and rounded off an entertaining and informative afternoon.

Sallis Benney Theatre,
26 November
Rating:
Steve Clements

Remembering 50 years, BBC nominated tribute band, The Fab Beatles, showed us swinging ’60s Britain, with a two hour classic rock out in true Beatles style. Kicking off with material from their early days in Hamburg, followed by a string of golden oldies – ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’, ‘Hard Day’s Night’ and ‘Let It Be’ – around the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band era.

Music and vocals were brought to life using realistic mannerisms, authentic instruments and Ringo Starr’s actual drum kit. It has to be said there was not ample seating; however this audience had on their dancing shoes.

Komedia, 25 November 2011
Rating:
David Tabor

This was an exploration of the way in which contemporary filmmakers engage with, and interpret, the urban (and rural) landscape using various forms of technology from the humble mobile phone up. Unfortunately the examples presented were largely dull and banal with a definite ‘film school’ gloss. The panelists themselves where not particularly articulate advocates for their work and the methods they used to achieve the end result. Only Rachel Henson, with her updated take on the kid’s flip-book, presented work with any real depth: painterly, graceful, intriguing and vaguely unsettling too. There was both emotion and genuine intellect driving her film-making. Lovely.

Sallis Benney Theatre, 24 November 2011
Rating:
Gary Mepsted