Clare Teal, BBC Big Band

Town Hall, Birmingham

By John Watson

Clare Teal is one of the world’s most appealing jazz singers – she swings like mad, and her impish sense of humour means her performances are always great fun.

Last night, backed superbly by the BBC Big Band, Clare starred in Radio Days, a nostalgic tribute to the heyday of dance music on the wireless, and the show was recorded for broadcast in the Radio 2 Big Band Special series.

She was performing songs written long before her time, and when she stumbled over a tricky key change in one obscure tune – Anacona – she showed what a professional she is by making a joke of it, starting again and encouraging the audience to sing the awkward notes with her.

A real highlight was the classic Blues In The Night, with Clare demonstrating the extraordinary power and warmth of her voice.

The band, conducted by Barry Forgie was in exceptional form, recreating the repertoire of Ted Heath, Geraldo, Jack Payne, Glenn Miller and many more.