Gigs, Giggles and Gossip

Published Tuesday 2 May 2006 at 16:20 by Paul Vale

Rosemary Squires’ career has spanned over 50 years and this light-hearted afternoon of musical anecdotes touches on some of the highlights.

Never a party girl, Squires toured the countries’ variety and concert halls heading Big Bands and Jazz Ensembles before becoming a regular voice on television variety shows until the state of music changed with the arrival of The Beatles and rock and roll in the UK. Such a talent can not be put down however and she then made a name for herself as Queen of the Jingles providing the public with some of the most enduring advertising jingles of the 20th-Century.

Squires’ story is uniquely British remaining very much a West Country girl whilst accompianing some of the biggest showbiz names in the land.

Vocally, her voice is pure magic as she offers her interpretation of songs by Matt Monroe, Doris Day and even Judy Garland. Her accompianists Brian Dee and Colin Green offer superb support and a allowed to give tributes of their own to favorite composers and performers.

One of the highlights of the show is her tribute to Garland, a medley of who’s songs Squires rattles off with absolute assurance whilst her remarkable resemblance to Doris Day demonstrated her vocal dexterity.

A little rambling at times, Squires’ story could do with a little more structure but fortunately the musical numbers are worth the wait. She is proud of her heritage but it would be interesting to hear her voice tackle new material.

At this stage in her career, she wisely plays to her fan base and constantly wins well deserved applause for the classics of a dissappearing era.