CHIPPING Sodbury Music Society let its hair down at its December concert.

Sweet Rhythm, a very special five piece band, treated the audience to two hours of nonstop foot tapping hot vintage music.

Led by percussionist and lead vocalist Debbie Arthurs, Sweet Rhythm played more than twenty numbers to a packed audience. Debbie has a lovely, clear voice and it was a joy to hear her singing songs that transported us back to the Art Deco era, as well as performing solos on alto and tenor saxophone. The soloists all attracted spontaneous applause, a testament to their consummate musicianship; amongst them Roger Heeley for his piano solo in Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo” and James Agg on double bass in Gershwin’s “Lady be Good”.

Neil Ions, with his inimitable style as a percussionist (and the memorable hat) also stepped up to the microphone; his playing captivated the audience particularly when the conga drums made their appearance. Gary Wood (and his shiny shoes) on trumpet has to be commended for his great skill, particularly in the up-tempo number “Swing that Music”.

One of the highlights of the evening was the wonderful song “I Almost Lost my Mind” made famous by Ivory Jo Hunter; after the final number the audience demanded an encore and were rewarded with an invitation to sing along to “When You’re Smiling”.

Thank you to RichMcD Photography who took a stunning set of photographs of the band. We are also extremely grateful to all the local businesses who generously donated prizes for our very successful raffle.

The next concert of Chipping Sodbury Music Society’s 68th Season, in the Town Hall at 7.30 pm on 9 February 2016, will be given by the Bristol Chamber Choir. Further information may be found on www.csmusicsociety.co.uk

By Michelle Cook