The Original Glenn Miller Orchestra at Palma Auditorium 2017 Review

Lifelong fans seeking a dose of nostalgia joined lovers of lindy hop and vintage glamour. While the rain lashed down outside on the Paseo Marítimo, ticket holders to The Original Glenn Miller Orchestra retreated to the warmth of another age in what turned out to be a fabulous evening of music and dance.

At 21.00 the orchestra filed out, dressed in classic red smoking jackets and black bow ties. The line-up, put together by veteran bandleader Ray McVay, consisted of five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones and three rhythms. The chemistry between the musicians was immediately apparent, with big smiles all round and each player looking genuinely pleased to be there playing music they loved. They shared jokes between pieces and invited the audience to show their appreciation with applause for each soloist who took centre stage. The good vibes took no time to spread across the packed auditorium and, by the time the Swing Time Jivers arrived on stage with their fast-footed dance moves, it felt like everyone was ready to get up and jive with them.

I might have been among the younger generations in the audience, but that didn't stop the music evoking in me a feeling of nostalgia too. That distinctive blend of saxophone melody and playful trumpet took me straight back to my grandparents cosy living room in South Wales. My grandparents were out dancing up to five nights a week well into their eighties and I can picture them now, dancing to Glenn Miller and his contemporaries. The orchestra played tribute to Louis Armstrong as well as Frank Sinatra, vocalist Mark Porter seducing everyone with 'I've Got You Under My Skin' and 'New York, New York', and Catherine Sykes stealing the stage with her elegance and smoky, soulful voice.

Lovers of the jazzy Miller sound were treated to hit after hit, including 'In the Mood', 'Tuxedo Junction' and 'Pennsylvania 65-0000'. The show kept its momentum up by mixing performances up a little. The Swing Time Jivers entertained with their fast-footed swing, jive and tap. As for the fabulous vocal harmony group, Polka Dot Dolls, I found a smile spreading across my face each time they sang. Inspired by The Andrews Sisters, they captured the romance and glamour of by-gone days in their vintage outfits and victory roll hairstyles. Their harmonies seemed effortless sung in their rich, honey voices.

The Andrews Sisters cheered on the American army during the Second World War and, in the second half of the show, the ensemble swapped their smoking jackets for the American Air Force uniform of that time. Glenn Miller's music took off during the war and he was the best selling artist in America between 1939 and 1943. 'In the Mood' was a number 1 hit for 15 consecutive weeks, while 'Moodlight Serenade' is one of the biggest selling records in American musical history.

When The United States entered the War in 1942, Miller joined the Air Force. Tragically he was declared missing in action in 1944. But by that point he had already created history with his music. The Original Glenn Miller Orchestra, created in 1988, keeps the authentic Miller sound alive today.

It was my first time at Palma Auditorium and it was an uplifting experience. Comfortable, elegant and with a great acoustics, any evening here is bound to feel special. Their calendar is varied with ballet, flamenco, pop bands and musicals fixtures ahead. As for The Original Glenn Miller Orchestra, after such an enthusiastic reception, I'm sure they'll be back again next year!

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