CityLife

Cult Manchester guitarist Mike Walker and the young guns of the Royal Northern Big Band combined in an hommage to Steely Dan, playing Mike Sturm's complex arrangements of 11 Dan favourites. The concert began with big band arrangements of Mike's own compositions, which were as inventive and rhythmically complex as the Becker and Fagan tracks which followed. Those expecting a tribute band were maybe disappointed initially, but with Bhodisattva closing the first half there were plenty of cues reminding us of the originals, while Mike and the College soloists took us to jazzier areas. Saxes and trombones were to the fore and Sam Healey on mainly alto headed a formidable section, their infectious enthusiasm and awesome technique winning over a packed house at the Opera Theatre. Anyone in Southport for the Jazz Festival can catch this memorable gig on Sunday 6th Feb as Mike and the cats as he calls them reprise the concert.<br />