‘That’s Entertainment’, The John Wilson Orchestra, Anna-Jane Casey & Matthew Ford (vocalists)

John Wilson, as dapper as Astaire, brought tunes from some of MGM’s greatest musicals to 3D-Stereophonic life. Looking at the score only to turn the pages, his conducting is surprisingly restrained. The banter, the grins, the enthusiasm, all made this an evening of delight. He must work his players hard as each abrupt change of mood/tempo/style was followed exactly and with delicacy. Floating through all this were the glorious songs and occasional instrumental breaks. Brassy & romantic, slick & schmaltzy – I prefer to call it polished and perfect. A sell-out evening, the Dome will be full again next time too!

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome
3 December 2013
Rating:
Andrew Connal