Barnstorming Bond tunes from a hugely talented local ensemble

Even the most unpleasant of world-domination-bent bad types would have enjoyed the energetic and lovingly arranged versions of all the big Bond tunes at the Brunswick last Sunday (April 29).

The John Barry-inspired Bond bonanza was performed with considerable elán by a crack nine-piece band made up of Brighton Beach Boys and an assortment of darn fine local musicians.

All of your favourite Bond songs were arranged by the absurdly talented and charming Glen Richardson, who made an adorable host, chucking out Bond-related bon mots (Bond mots?) in same the way OO7 throws around ladies’ underwear.

Using something similar to the gimlet eye of a gentleman government-sponsored assassin, Glen chose all the best Bond themes with a few lesser-known John Barry-composed songs and pieces of music along the way.

Lisa Abbot was a great choice to carry the majority of vocal duties, alternating between powerhouse on the bigger tunes (Goldfinger, and the mighty Nobody Does It Better) and a lighter, smoother touch (You Only Live Twice).

Seth Morgan provided a fun, but arresting, Thunderball, while the band were at their best during a tight-as-a-drum but thoroughly groovy version of Marvin Hamlisch’s disco-orientated take on the theme tune – James Bond 77.

Guitarist Steve Wrigley provided some ace licks throughout and any big-shot movie producer should enquire about his availability for the next Bond film after hearing him play the classic theme tune riff.

He also stepped up to the mic and performed a lush version of We Have All the Time in the World from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

The band hope to dust off their tuxes for a return date in the near future.

By Steve Holloway