Swing when you're winning

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SWING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING
Featuring the Mersey Rat Pack at the Orrell Park Ballroom

3rd June 2002 ORRELL PARK BALLROOM

When I got tickets for this gig I didn't really know what to expect. I certainly wasn't expecting the Royal Albert Hall and knew Robbie Williams was otherwise engaged but I can honestly say it turned out to be one of those special nights, if nothing else for it' s sheer diversity from the normal live music on offer in Liverpool. I'd never been to the Orrell Park Ballroom and, as I was one of those foreigners travelling from Birkenhead I was relieved to find it conveniently situated right opposite the station. On entering, I immediately felt like Nicholas Lyndhurst in an episode of "Goodnight Sweetheart". I'd passed through a portal to a postwar England which was just welcoming our current queen - rather appropriate as this was Jubilee day. On a large faintly lit stage surrounded by large round candlelit tables, a 15 piece orchestra in matching blue jackets was being conducted as it blasted out a tune which even I recognised to be one of Glenn Miller's. I was amazed to find the place packed out (tickets cost Ł10 each) with people of all ages, many blokes dressed as extras from the Godfather in pinstripe suit, braces and trilby while their molls looked resplendent in long dresses, gloves and, of course, the obligatory cigarette holder.

So, after becoming accustomed to my new surroundings and finally adjusting my braces so I was no longer talking in a soprano voice, I settled back with my wife and friends to enjoy the show. On stage behind an authentic box microphone was Pattie Lee, adding glamour and vocals to many familiar big band classics all perfectly performed by the Norman Roy Jazz Orchestra. Although I've never really been a great fan of that musical era, I quickly found myself mesmerized by the authenticity and atmosphere and was a bit disappointed when the first half drew to a close. The aperitif that was the first set was quickly followed by the main course…literally. Our tables were set and we were served with a hotpot supper, also included in the ticket price, which I was now beginning to think of as a bit of a bargain, especially when it was my turn to go to the bar and discovered that beer prices even seemed to have been rolled back 10 years!

Suddenly the lights went down, the band struck up a swing beat, and the night just got better and better as we were treated to a fantastic "cheese" dessert. Vino Lucci, Louis Brigante and Bongo Eddie, collectively nicknamed the Mersey Ratpack took to the stage dressed in a mix of white tuxedo, suit and trilby. Now many younger readers may be thinking why Ratpack? - The original Ratpack, or kings of swing were Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Jr.

This is Phil's 30th year performing in Liverpool. Most of us know him best as an 80's punk heading Afraid Of Mice but, listening to his renditions of classic Sinatra songs, most of which I only recognised from T.V.adverts, makes you appreciate what a versatile vocal talent he is. As if to accentuate the fact he even gave the band the odd welcome rest while he performed well known acapella versions of Summertime and When I fall in love which brought the crowd to its feet.

It was obvious that most people were there to see Phil (alias Vino Lucci) but Louis Brigante, alias Mark Lacey seemed at home in the relaxed atmosphere as the three of them took turns to croon a string of golden oldies. The other member of the theesome, the Sammy Davis of the Ratpack, alias Bongo Eddie, probably better known for appearing with Kid Creole & The Coconuts, had us all singing along to Minnie The Moocher.

When all three were on stage, in between songs the banter between them was hilarious. We were subjected to a stream of insulting exchanges with each performer casting doubt on his accomplices' abilities (and parenthood to put it politely). At times Norman the bandleader's arms must have been aching as he stood with baton at the ready waiting for a gap in the insults and one-liners ringing out behind him. So the show seriously overran, much to the delight of everyone except the orchestra who had to travel back to Rhyl. Even after two encores there was just enough time for the DJ to drag us back through the portal to the present with some current chart hits, before we were finally cast out onto the streets of Orrell Park to hunt down a taxi home. So, after initially being reluctant I can honestly say that this was a unique, brilliant night made so not only by the wonderful talent performing but also by such an enthusiastic crowd for accentuating the whole mood with so many fancy dress outfits - a welcome change from the usual offerings of pop cover bands….please organise another one soon