The BBC Big Band tonight are being conducted by well respected leader (and trombonist) Jiggs Whigham and recorded for two 'Big Band Special' shows to go out on Radio 2 later in the spring.**

Whigham and the band, as you'd expect, are professional and slick swingers - reeling off the standards and less well known tunes with ease. Three tunes in and local guitar master Phil Robson takes the stage. Robson is already a regular player with the band, but has also gained a reputation for more off-the-wall music with The Partisans and his own ensemble - witness last year's accomplished album 'Screenwash'. A couple of familiar standards by Wes Montgomery and Wayne Shorter introduce his fluid and confident style. The following duet with Whigham taking up the Trombone provides a more intimate moment, but lacks real emotive power, and before we know it the first half is over.

This proves to be a warm up for the real event when the band start to fully kick into gear - a blinding and somewhat funkier arrangement by Vibes player Anthony Kerr of 'Just Friends' shows off pianist Jim Watson's talents. Then, shortly after Robson is back on stage running through a pacy, swinging version of 'Darn That Dream'.

Then we get to the real highlight of the evening - a brand new piece by Phil Robson, commissioned by Derby Jazz. 'Sui-Sister' was inspired by childhood cycling exploits around Chellaston where he grew up. Its musical lines follow the dicey practice of riding down the side of the gully (from where it's name is taken) and having to negotiate hairpin twists and turns - the sense of risk is almost palpable, but just as rewarding. Robson takes full advantage of the potential in this band and the line up of instruments available to create something that really excites. More highlights include the superb Brazilian rooted piano showcase 'The Time Is Now' - again funkier Latin grooves emerge.

Clearly, this band is more than capable of stretching one of the most enduring and popular Jazz formats.