North Swindon Big Band –  Concert on Saturday 11 July

Part of the Music as St Mary’s Concert Series 2026

What a fantastic evening!   Despite high temperatures and one or two trivial national sporting fixtures the same evening,  the church was full on Saturday evening to welcome the twenty or so talented musicians and vocalists of the North Swindon Big Band.

The concert was an incredible cornucopia of delicious big band hits, ranging from the 1930s to present day.    No less than 24 separate items were played, plus encore, encompassing a rich variety from soulful trumpet solo on Feelings, to timeless swing classics like It Don’t Mean a Thing, to the show-stopping vocals of Don’t Rain on My Parade and New York, New York.

The Musical  Director (who somehow managed to play the saxophone as well as directing), Karen Cordon,  gave charming intros to each piece – not only giving a potted history of their inception but introducing us to the key members of the band who were due to shine in that particular item.  Band members did amazing solo turns in the middle of pieces (trumpet, flugelhorn, drums, trombone, sax,  organ…) to enthusiastic spontaneous applause from the listeners.

There was plenty of toe tapping and swaying in time to the beat from the audience – even in our ancient pews –  and more than one couple dancing the aisles.

The evening was punctuated by a much-needed and well-managed “hydration break” (thank you David, Ingrid, Sally and others)   – what a friendly bunch the band were, mingling with the audience and answering questions.

A special shout out to the singers Pauline Richings and Graham Frampton,  to the trumpeter Kevin Edwards, drummer Steve Carter and keyboardist Alan Cobb.

Everyone I talked to thoroughly enjoyed themselves, the evening must be judged a resounding success.  It was lovely to see a good representation from our congregation, but plenty of other faces as well – which is what Music at St Mary’s is all about.   Thank you very much to Caroline and Jane-Emma and Alison, particularly for all the organisation.  At the end Karen the MD gave a lovely farewell nod to Music at St Mary’s which I thought was a great reflection of the warm and generous attitude of this uplifting ensemble.  Thank you and please come again!

My favourite was New York, New York – what was yours?

Updated Monday 13th July 2026