LES Brown “And His Band Of Renown” and his sideman Dave Pell were the subjects of a talk by Peter Hardman.

Brown’s fine orchestra bridged the gap between straight dance bands and the swing bands.

He began recording in 1936 and was still fronting a band 60 years later.

Millions are unaware they have heard his band, but when Doris Day’s Sentimental Journey hits the airways there’s Les’s banding providing the instrumental backing.

If Doris is the most famous member of the Brown ensemble it did include musicians who found fame among the jazz community; these included Mel Lewis, Don Fagerquist, and tenor sax man Dave Pell.

Pell left Brown after eight years to form his own small group.

Peter interspersed tracks by Brown’s band with numbers from Pell playing with his own octet and as a sideman in the Pete Rugolo Orchestra.

Another society evening was devoted to members playing their favourite vocalists.

We heard the delightful harmonic singing of Manhattan Transfer, the rumbustious rhythm and blues of Wynonie Harris and a deeply emotional Over the Rainbow from Jane Monheit.

Fats Waller gave us Feets Too Big while those divas Lena Horne, Keely Smith, Dakota Staton and Dinah Washington all delivered with gusto.

There was great swinging singing from Jimmy Rushing, Buddy Greco and Clark Terry while Mel Torme and Sarah Vaughan proved what consummate vocalists they were.

We heard songs from Madelaine Peyroux, Carmen McCrae and, unexpectedly, Al Bowlly before Peggy Lee brought the evening to a close.

H.I.