On Wednesday evening we saw the Blue Moon Jazz band at the
Watermans Arms, Hersham. The base band comprised Mike Scroxton (trumpet, vocals), Roy Stokes (trombone), Alan Matravers (alto sax), Tony Pile (banjo, vocals, pictured), Pete Nevard (banjo, vocals) and Aileen May (string bass). We never mention Aileen in any detail so let us say now that it is good to hear a bass player always in tune and always in time with the rest of the band, unlike some others. The numbers we particularly liked were 'Black & Blue' (vocal by Tony) and 'The Postman's Lament' (vocal by Pete). The first group of guests comprised Fred Shaw (cornet), Mark Goodin (clarinet), Mo Kahn (ukelele) and Peter Clancy (trombone). They played 'I wish I could Shimmy Like my Sister Kate' (vocal by Fred) and 'Bugle Boy March'. The next guests were Mike Jackson (trumpet) and John Parsons (clarinet) playing (and Mike singing) the lovely number 'It looks Like Rain in Cherry Blossom Lane'. They were joined by Peter Tallent (trombone) for 'Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone' and John Shepherd replaced Mike on trumpet for 'Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter'. Finally, Peter was replaced on trombone by John Lang for 'Fair and Square in Love' with vocal by Mike Scroxton. We did not stay for the finale with every musician playing, preferring to leave still humming a good tune.
Labels: Jazz
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