Trombonist Dennis Rollins has established his credentials with many fine bands, Jazz Jamaica and the Courtney Pine Band being recent examples of his lively stage work.

He is now concentrating on his own writing for his group Badbone & Co.

The mellow introduction of In A Sentimental Mood led straight into Payback, a track from his current CD. It's a good example of the instant jazz-dance classics that fill the album, most of which he played on this gig with a taster for the next one, too.

The trombone works as a powerful driver of the funk riffs that kick off his tunes so well, in tandem with Peter Martin's electric bass.

Rollins' horn solos were always inventive, played with an attractive, fruity tone. Rooted in Seventies fun sounds, his material simultaneously engages the ear and fills the dance floor. Well-chosen covers included the Bill Withers classic Use Me and an update of (I Say . . . ) It's Alright by Bob Marley.

Where It's At used the routine familiar from Pine's gigs, with the audience echoing his riffs, even to the extent of throatily singing back the theme from Peter And The Wolf.

Honourable mentions are due for the funk guitar of Johnny Heyes, keyboardist Benet McLean's Fender sounds and drummers Steve Washington and Lenny Lawrence.

Rollins plainly possesses great talent as a composer and band leader. His timelessly funky material should take him a long way. His obvious enjoyment of the music communicates strongly to the crowd, who found themselves drawn into his party atmosphere.