The story started on Facebook (it's part of everything these days scarily). Anyway Mandy and I came across a great version of "All About That Bass" which we then played to everyone at Christmas via YouTube on the TV. This was the first time that we had heard of Scott Bradlee and his Postmodern Jukebox. Here is that version which has had more than 10 million views on YouTube.
So my birthday is in January and my present from my two daughters was 2 tickets for us to go and see PMJ at The Institute in Birmingham on 14th February.
We had never been to this venue before so arrived at about 6.30pm when the tickets said the doors opened. We were a bit disconcerted when the taxi dropped us off to find a queue that went up the road and wrapped around the corner to disappear up the side street. However when we joined it the queue moved quickly and we were soon inside.
The code on our tickets apparently meant we were in a gallery area on the second floor. We could see why everyone got there early as it was first come first served for seats. We nabbed the last two which were effectively bar stools in from of a shelf where we could put drinks - ideal and a great spot.
It took a while to get served at the nearest small bar to where we were seated but it didn't matter as we had plenty of time.
The support act which came on at about 7.15 lasted 10 minutes and was 3 dancers which were actually part of the main show when it started. Not brilliant but they went down well.
Then Scott and PMJ came on at about 7.30. Scott is the founder and arranger etc who plays a keyboard on the side of the stage built into the frame of an upright piano.
The core band is bass, drums and two brass players in addition to Scott. He then has various singers who come on to perform the different songs. The musicians and singers were of the highest standard and put on a proper show rather than just singing. In addition to the singers was an excellent tap dance guy and a lad described as the 'best tambourine player in the world'.
A black guy called Michael performed the role of MC brilliantly as well as being a top class singer in his own right. Casey Abrams also knocked out some great vocals as well as occasionally sharing double bass duties.
There were two brilliant girl singers, one of whom was Morgan James who has a superb range. Here she is on Vevo
Their encore number was predictably the song that started this story for us - I captured this video on my pocket camera.
It brought the house down and was a great way to finish. The whole group made their way out to meet and greet by the merchandise stand which was a nice touch.
All in all a fantastic birthday present.