AS expected, this evening dedicated to the music of George Gershwin, with proceeds going to Wyre Forest Talking Newspaper, was packed with familiar melodies.

There was a novel, but rather long, opening, with compere Mike George relating the early life of the composer, while Michael Jones softly played various Gershwin tunes. I feel there should have been at least one musical item to start the concert.

The highlight, for me, was Janine Smith's tremendous performance of the wonderful Rhapsody in Blue, backed admirably by West Midland Light Orchestra, the brass section being particularly impressive.

Claire Worboys sang beautifully as always, her Summertime sending shivers up my spine, and John Hutton sang two ballads superbly, after an uncharacteristic slip-up in Swanee.

The orchestra is rather an enigma - they can play well, as demonstrated in accompanying Janine, and in such as But Not For Me, and their best item of the evening Strike Up The Band, but in Bess You Is My Woman they were rarely together!

Solos from the orchestra's MD Hilary Summers, and leader Warren Bond, on electric cello and violin respectively, were exceptional.

WMLO ended the concert with a medley of Gershwin tunes, reprising ones we had already heard to remind us of a great evening of music making. This excellent concert would have been even more enjoyable if one of the invited guests had not talked during the music!

VJS.