Backyard Bones Breaks Arrest Lockdown Agonies At Police HQ

A blast of defiance echoed across the Kentish countryside when a brand new band made its debut at an outdoor jazz concert, complete with beer, food and great music. Yes, to hell with coronavirus, as a horde of musicians and fans converged on – of all places – a Metropolitan Police HQ. Yet, there was no fear of being arrested when leader Bill Todd counted in his 12-piece big band – The Backyard Bones – to be greeted with applause, whoops and cheers.

This was no illegal rave, but a gathering of like-minded, civilised souls on a sunny afternoon that sat on the grass or grabbed a table in front of a unique line-up comprising of no less than nine trombone players, plus rhythm section. Would it work? Was this madness? Whither the statutory trumpets, clarinets or saxophones of a traditional brass and woodwind section? Todd’s masterplan was to showcase the potential of his own favourite instrument playing in mass formation: the sound achieved was powerful, mellifluous and refreshingly, well, different.

Bill Todd is a fine trombone soloist, bandleader and inspirational force. He brought the concept together with bold enthusiasm and, no doubt, many hours of determined rehearsal. Can you imagine getting so many slide trombonists together in one room to read the charts, play in unison and harmonise difficult parts on unfamiliar tunes and previously unseen arrangements?

As we the audience sipped tea, lager and dined on cake, the band struck up on the patio, all spread out in compliance with social distancing rules. The first tune 'Lassus Trombones' was written by Salvador 'Tutti' Camarata, the legendary American trumpet player, arranger and producer. It instantly established the sound of the Bones and charmed the audience, intrigued by the unusual effect. It all slid smoothly into place. The rhythm section responded perfectly to the challenge of keeping pace, with Steve Davies (piano), Kevin Sloane (bass) and Dave Pack (drums) all playing with taste and aplomb. They helped swing the sizeable band, especially on the relaxed 'Blues Away', composed by Davies (he also contributed 'Speeding Ahead', 'Bones Blues' and 'On The Level'). Among the highlights of their first set was the Camarata arrangement of 'The Girl From Ipanema', 'Back To The Fair' (based on 'Scarborough Fair') performed by six trombones sans rhythm section, and the theme from The Incredibles. The trombonists were left to play 'Someone To Watch Over Me' entirely unaccompanied, while a gently swinging 'Just Friends' included a relaxed Dave Pack drum solo.

After an interval to don mandatory face masks and head for the bar, the clearly more refreshed Bone Men returned to launch into Camarata’s 'Tuttis Trombones'. 'Blueberry Hill' was mounted in waltz-like time, with a tricky decelerated coda. Geoff Clayton’s bass trombone brought great depth to a Stan Kenton-style version of 'The Nearness Of You', while Todd himself took a nifty solo during 'On The Level'. Vladimir Bis took centre patio for a rousing finale with '12th Street Rag', while hats off also to Emma Mitchell and the rest of the trusty trombone crew.