Queen Elizabeth Hall
James Green
The Stage - 16 March 1995

It was the between-the-wars era when evening dress, long cigarette holders, champagne, fizzy music with a dash of jazz, and escapism were fundamental. This is the nostalgic era that notable pianist, musical director, and occasional singer Michael Law has targeted, He fronts ten classically trained musicians who play arrangements authentically copied from original 78rpm records. The resulting concert was clean, stylish, foot tapping entertainment that ended with the audience shouting for encores.

The band had the essential red carnation buttonholes while singer Julia Shore, sitting onstage between songs, supplied lyrics. Guest singer, well known from West End musicals, was the vivacious Danielle Carson, who sang with beautiful confidence. She also had a nice sense of humour, demonstrated in Don't Talk, Just Sing. There to evoke the Astaire/Rogers magic were 11 members of the London Jitterbug Dancers, who did a mean Lindy Hop and the Charleston.

Michael Law composed the signature tune which summed up the exercise, Play Me an Elegant Song, and even Noël Coward would have joined the ovation for Nina (from Argentina). Mention of the Master a spotlight on Judy Campbell in the audience. She was the first to sing A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square and Julia Shore sang it in tribute.

James Green
The Stage - 16 March 1995