In December 2011, the prolific British composer and saxophonist Duncan Lamont (he celebrated his 85th last June) assembled a generation-bridging UK orchestra, that included the late Kenny Wheeler on inimitably plaintive flugelhorn, to revisit his scores for the children’s TV series Mr Benn 40 years before. Out now on CD, some of it sounds composed for cartoon action, but Lamont’s springily witty writing gives it independent life, and fine soloists including trumpeter Martin Shaw, saxist Jamie Talbot and flautist Andy Panayi often give it jam session vivacity. Mr Benn sounds like a jaunty old theme tune, but quickly becomes a vehicle for four soloists. The piping, sprightly As If By Magic reveals Lamont’s Scottish roots. Shaw is at his most elegantly lyrical on The Dragon’s Tale, while Coming Home is a Count Basie-like swing vehicle for the trombonists, and Wheeler softly twists and weaves though Lamont’s subtle ballad orchestration on The Sea Monster. A collector’s piece for UK big-band fans, maybe, but Lamont’s vibrant scores lift it way above the herd.
