Lee Thompson’s Ska Orchestra

The Madness sax man brought his sharp-suited 11-piece band back to town after last year’s debut at The Albert, and despite a disappointing turn out, presented their Brighton-recorded album to an up-for-it crowd. The mix of blue beat and rocksteady rhythms combined with a North London vocal drew obvious comparisons but they proved themselves with their fine musicianship. Prince Buster’s ‘Sit And Wonder’ was augmented by playful organ stabs and Mark Bedford’s funky bass, while the impressive brass section really shone on ‘Mission Impossible’. Lee’s jokes were awful but a heartfelt ‘Soon You’ll Be Gone’ made a fitting finale.

Concorde 2, 02 Oct 2013

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