It was 10 years since Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats had played at All Saints and their return on 19thSeptember for this Bicentennial Concert had been eagerly awaited. The band, specialising in jazz from the golden age of swing, is led by their musical director Prof Catherine Tackley. The band’s base is in Lymm but its 20 members including 2 vocalists come from all over the North West.

There was a large audience for the event and the varied programme was enjoyed by all present from jazz aficionados to those less familiar with this type of music. It included well known popular favourites such as ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’, made famous by Glenn Miller, and ‘It had to be you’ originally sung by Frank Sinatra and a wide range of other jazz pieces. The band’s playing drew the audience into the music. Their playing of ‘Nostalgia in Times Square’ by Charles Mingus made you feel as if you were experiencing the sounds and atmosphere of the square . Another highlight of the evening was the performance of Sara Toshka a guest vocalist with a wide voice range who kept the audience mesmerised.

The concert was over too quickly as was evident from the resounding applause of the audience at the end with many of them on their feet. Hopefully they will be back in less than ten years next time. Thanks to the band and everyone a tAll Saints who made this concert possible.