Karl Sievers, Reporter
The first thing I liked was, "no conductor!" This is a good thing! Chamber music that sounds good without a conductor has the potential to sound great, because the musicians play together by listening, and this band sounded great! The RNCM band really swings, with strong leadership from a very cohesive rhythm section, strong horn sections all around, outstanding soloists within the ranks, and great lead trumpet playing. Balance, blend, style, finesse, excitement - all these elements are there in abundance!
Playing before a packed house at this late hour, and after more than twelve hours of non stop activity - wow - I am happy to report that jazz is alive and well, and growing in prominence within the ITG. The house was full, the band sounded great, and Vince DiMartino and Tony Fisher were in front. This was the recipe for a terrific evening, and that is exactly what it was.
The evening's program alternated between the RNCM Alumni Band playing alone and in turn accompanying Vince and Tony on solo and duo features. It must be noted that the highly charismatic DiMartino brings such integrity to his position as President of the Guild through his absolutely world class abilities as
a performing trumpeter. This is a leader by example - he sets a standard, and a very high standard at that. Tony Fisher, well known in the UK and around the world, brings his world-class standards of musical excellence and mastery of the trumpet as well. The two worked off of each other as two very different players, which resulted in an extremely entertaining musical evening.
