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It's been over a year since we last heard Clive and his friends at The Rayners, but it turned out to have been well worth the wait! There were a few deps - Marilyn David for Alison Jiear, who was ill, Patti Revell for Jacqui Hicks, who was sunning herself on the Isle of Wight with Paul Lacey's 'Back To Basie' band and Ian McKenzie, in for Colin Skinner.
Corrina Sivester (an old friend of The Rayners from her appearances long-ago with NYJO) had been added to the line-up.
I love this band because they're so obviously a group of friends having fun; I felt I was eavesdropping on a party. They played - and sang - with their usual enthusiasm, whilst effortlessly demonstrating their superb technique. Most of the songs came from their established repertoire but there were some notable additions, especially a beautiful arrangement of Where Or When by bassist Dave Foster.
Among the appreciative audience was that legendary British jazz musician and all-round nice guy, Digby Fairweather, who was suitably impressed by the concert: "With their state-of-the-art vocal harmony, all-embracing repertoire and joy in true music-making.
Clive Dunstall's Voxtet expands the traditions of Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices and Take Six with skills that would have their inspirations shouting for joy," he enthused. "They are simply the best vocal group in Britain. Concert promoters, jazz entrepreneurs or just those who love the job done properly - miss them at your own risk!"
To which The Rayners' promoters can only add: "Hear, hear!"
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