Isomatic UK Weblog

On Saturday evening we went to The Onslow Arms, West Clandon for the first time to see the Excel four, pictured in the back yard before rain drove them inside. They are four of the six-piece Excel Jazzmen, comprising leader Tony Karavis (cornet), Bernie Murtha (clarinet), Ian Parry (guitar and banjo in place of drums) and Mike Broad (bass). The quartet played in a more sophisticated, restrained, style for this gig, i.e. just the way we like it. We enjoyed every number, particularly:

Kiss to Build a Dream On
Girl of my Dreams
You took Advantage of me
I'm Confessin'.

Ian's guitar playing was particularly enjoyable, especially on the last two numbers above.

The Onslow Arms seemed to be pretty good as a pub; we shared George Eatwell's platter for two and quite fancied (but resisted) the desserts. As a jazz venue it is not so good, as there is only one table that is ideal for an audience. We were lucky to be able to share it with George plus Maggie and David from the Watermans Arms jazz crowd.

Labels: Jazz