The La'al Big Band

Alan Cleaver interviews Paul Marks

When did you form and why?
The band was formed in April 2011 for several reasons. Having bought a house in Gosforth five years ago, I (Paul Marks) wanted to put something back into the local community. Being from Southport and not living in West Cumbria full time I felt I should do something for an area that I have visited all my life and derived great pleasure from. Secondly I had become involved in the Jam Side Up session at Seascale several years ago so already knew a few local musicians of varying ability and experience. Whilst the jam session was one outlet there wasn't really anything like The La'al Big Band available to these musicians. Finally it has always been an ambition of mine to run my own big band. I had some music, some stands and some keen musicians so why not?
Who's leader of the band and how many in the band?
Paul Marks is the leader and lead trumpet player. We have five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, a four-piece rhythm section, a male singer and female singer, making a grand total of 19.
What sort of music do you play?
We play big band jazz and swing. The sort of music associated with the likes of Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald etc. We play traditional arrangements of popular standards and some more modern pieces scored in this style.
What sort of gigs do you do - and over what geographical area?
Weddings, Bah Mitzvas, Booze Ups and Balls was the answer I always used to give when asked where I played and whilst a little tongue in cheek this really sums up our lot when it comes to accepting gigs. We do all types of gigs and are prepared to travel. Worthy of mention is our regular gig at the Seacote Hotel in St Bees where we will be appearing on a quarterly basis throughout 2012. There will be a series of "themed" evenings paying tribute to the great band leaders of yesteryear. The first one is on Saturday 25 February featuring the music of Glenn Miller.
Do you write any of your own songs or just cover other people's?
We haven't got round to writing any original material yet. However, we have written our own arrangements for a couple of tunes.
Is there one particular song that is the band's "theme tune"?
Not as such, though we have favourites which make regular appearances.
What's the secret of a successful live performance?
Preparation is important as a well rehearsed band is a confident one but there's more to it than just that. I think it's important to connect with the audience as soon as posible and to get the rapport going. We try to display a happy camaraderie between the band members as it is important for an audience to see you enjoying yourselves. There's usually a bit of mickey-taking and good natured banter going on amongst us at a performance.
Is live music dying out or making a comeback? As popular as ever?
Dare I say it but I think live music is on the up at the moment and rightly so. The spectacle of 17 musicians raising the roof is a memorable one and something that cannot possibly be recreated with backing tracks or recordings.
Have you recorded any albums - are they for sale anywhere?
We haven't made any commercially available recordings as yet but we may look to do this in the future. First though we'd need to find a studio big enough to accommodate us all!
What's been your best gig to date?
The opening of the Florence Mine Arts & Culture Centre springs immediately to mind. It was a very enjoyable session which saw us get a little slot on the local TV news.
Further info, photos and updates on our forthcoming gigs can be found on our Facebook page "The La'al Big Band, Cumbria". Just click "like" and you'll be regularly updated.