In 2005, Andy Abraham shot to fame in TV’s The X Factor, subsequently enjoying successful tours as well as releasing several albums – the latest being Remember When.

For this current gig he was joined by the Barisons Swing Band and conductor, Brian Hill, in a hybrid concert that played tribute to the great swing bands of the past and their vocalists but also featured modern, original compositions backed by the 13-strong band.

A medley of Ellington classics, including Take The A Train, led into Benny Goodman’s Sing, Sing, Sing – a throbbing number that usually features as the finale. Although well played it was sadly presented in a truncated version.

Classic numbers associated with Artie Shaw, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller followed. Acknowledgment was made to British band leaders – Ted Heath and Sir John Dankworth. The latter was represented by his witty pastiche Three Blind Mice.

The power of the band when it really let rip caused concern as I noted, on arrival, that the roof of the Pavilion was swathed in scaffolding.

Abraham’s vocals blended his usual soul singing with the jazz style of the various artists associated with the swing bands. There were no slavish imitations – just his own stamp and, in the main, he was successful.

In the second half he moved more into his comfort zone, with tracks from his albums that had been adapted for big band accompaniment. Highlights were a powerful Me And Mrs Jones and Money Can’t Buy Me Love.