Isomatic UK Weblog

On Sunday evening we went to The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House jazz band. This time it was a quintet comprising Alan Brock (trumpet), special guest Dick Charlesworth (clarinet, tenor sax), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (string bass) and Eddie Kettle (drums). The guests from the audience came in three groups:
1) John Shepherd (pocket trumpet) and Phil Brown (trombone)
2) Aileen May (string bass) with Roy Stokes and Peter Clancy (trombones)
3) Andrew Clancy (keyboard) with all the previous trombones plus Peter Tallent. Colin Lewry (keyboard) played during the breaks. Our favourite number was 'Tishomingo Blues' from the base band. Dick Charlesworth (pictured), ever the comedian, said at the end of the piece that he had forgotten what he had been playing.

Labels: Jazz

On Saturday evening we went to The Wych Elm in Elm Road, Kingston Upon Thames, for the monthly performance by the Gatsby Jazz Band. The picture shows the full band, with deps. Mike Byrne (trombone) and Kevin Scott (banjo) clearly visible. Regular leader and banjo player Mike Adamson was missing due to his heart problems. Our favourite numbers were 'Blueberry Hill' and 'King of the Swingers', with Alan Jenkins singing like Louis' Armstrong and Prima respectively. I always think his throat will give out.
Our attempt at dancing was limited by the confined space but at least Selina received a warm reception from the regulars as we arrived, with shouts of 'Phwoar' and 'Hello Darling'. As we left early due to Selina's bad back, I was told to 'Look After her'.

Labels: Jazz

On Friday evening we went to Guildford's Odeon cinema to see the film Fracture, Starring Anthony Hopkins. There were one or two flaws in the plot but it held our interest throughout and the acting was excellent. Of the two twists at the end; one was predictable and the other was a complete surprise. Worth seeing.

Labels: Film

On Thursday evening we went to the Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. On this occasion Pete Towndrow (cornet & trumpet) was the star of the show so he is pictured.

For his solo during the number 'Autumn Leaves' he seamlessly included the M.A.S.H. theme 'Suicide is Painless' to the approval of the audience.

He provided the vocal for 'Am I Blue', showing that he is at least the equal of the regular singers.

For 'Perdido Street Blues' he produced the classic cornet sound of the era.

His feature was the Harry James number 'I've Heard That Song Before' played first on trumpet in Harry James' style and then on cornet.

Finally, we loved his muted cornet solo for 'Saratoga Swing'.

Our dream team would have Pete as the lead !

Labels: Jazz

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), John Parsons and Mark Goodin (clarinet in first & second half respectively), John Bryant (banjo), Pete Nevard (banjo, vocals) and Aileen May (string bass). Our favourite numbers with this line-up were 'At a Georgia Camp meeting', introduced as a 'gay' tune and 'I'm Confessin'' to which we danced. After the break, the band was joined as always by Roger Dobbin on washboard/cymbal who suggested that a bucket of cold water should be poured on Selina and myself to cool our public displays of affection. Peter Talent (trombone) joined the band for two numbers and this is the line-up shown in the pictures, with Mark prominent from the left side and Peter from the right. The next group of guests comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocal), Tony Pyle (banjo) and Mo Kahn (ukelele). They played really well with fine versions of 'One of These Days' and 'Tin Roof Blues. Finally the band returned to normal but with Tony Pyle singing 'Lily of the Valley'.
As we left, a young couple (unusual for a jazz night) stopped us to say "We think you guys are great to get up and dance on your own". A very nice compliment.

Labels: Jazz

On Monday night we saw the Apex Jazz Band at the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The band comprised Tony Nutt (cornet), Peter Minett (soprano and alto sax), Guest Bob Dwyer (trombone, vocals), Terry Twiss (guitar, banjo, vocals), Bert Shipp (bass guitar and vocals) and Ian Parry on drums.
We particulary enjoyed
'When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful' with Terry on guitar and vocal,
Peter's feature 'Too Busy For Your Loving' and
Bob's feature 'Sweet Georgia Brown'.
Bob was so good throughout on both trombone and vocals that we did not miss the normal (and excellent) Clive Burton.
Audience regular Brian joined our table as usual, bringing more photographs of women. He gave them to Selina to view and talked to her throughout the evening, almost ignoring the other two men at the table. He does not even say hello or goodbye to us !

Labels: Jazz

On Sunday evening we went to The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House jazz band. This time it was a quintet comprising Alan Brock (trumpet), Mike Byrne (trombone), Andrew Clancy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (string bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). The guests from the audience were Roy Stokes and Peter Talent (trombones) plus Peter Miles (vocals). Colin Lewry (keyboard) played during the breaks. Our favourite numbers were 'Black and Blue', 'Tuxedo Junction', 'I Can't Get Started' and 'Nagasaki'.

Labels: Jazz

On Saturday evening we went to London's Wigmore Hall to see a performance in words and music of the life and works of Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann. The narrator was Simon Callow and the piano, featured throughout, was played by Dénes Várjon. Our favourite piano solo was C Schumann's Romanze in A minor Op.21 No.1. The performance was billed in the name of Steven Isserlis (pictured) although he was only involved in two pieces, our favourite of the evening being his arrangement of R Schumann's Intermezzo from the 'F-A-E' Sonata, composed jointly with Brahms. Other artists involved were Jennifer Frautschi (violin), Rachel Roberts (viola) and Cora Burggraaf (mezzo-soprano). Hearing the story behind the music certainly added to the enjoyment of the evening.

Labels: Concerts

On the recommendation of that fine jazz pianist Alan Dandy, we went to Guildford's Odeon cinema to see The Lives of Others. We found the story of East Germany prior to the wall coming down rivetting from beginning to end. The actor who was largely responsible for this is Ulrich Mühe, originally from East Germany himself. He captures the essence of the cold ruthless Stasi Hauptmann (pictured) who is merely the tool of his superiors and the evil politicians that rule them. Definitely worth a visit to the cinema for this one.

Labels: Film

On Thursday evening we went to the Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. This 'Magna' band featured the normal line-up so I have pictured Richard Lyons as he rarely gets a mention for his good work on bass. Once again, there were so many good numbers that picking favourites is difficult. We will opt for:

'Little Girl'; restarted in G after 3 musicians had opted for different keys. There was then one deliberate key change from everybody in unison. Alan Dandy was urged by Brian White to double the length of his keyboard interlude and improvised something completely different yet still within the spirit of the piece. Now that is our idea of jazz.

'Yellow Dog Blues' with a fine 'wa-wa' section from Pete Towndrow on cornet and a lovely bluesey keyboard solo from Alan.

'Alaskan Rag'; Alan's solo feature for which silence was demanded and achieved, probably due to the small audience on this particular night.

This band is consistently the best we hear, week after week. There is no weak link and two or three of the musicians would be part of our 'dream team'.

Labels: Jazz

On Wednesday evening we went to The Cricketers, Yately for the first time to see the Excel Jazzmen (pictured), having been invited by its leader Tony Karavis (cornet). Two of the band were well known to us; Terry Twiss (banjo, vocals) and Ian Parry (drums) who both play in the Apex Jazz Band. The other musicians are Ken Clayton (trombone), Bernie Murtha (clarinet, alto sax) and Mike Broad (bass). The Excel band is a good example of a standard trad. jazz line-up but with Alto sax replacing clarinet on some numbers. We did miss Terry's guitar on the slower numbers as he only plays banjo here. However, there was nothing we disliked and several numbes we particularly enjoyed:

Old Rockin' Chair; Terry's vocal, to which we danced
Storyville Blues; requested by a regular
Tie me to your Apron Strings Again; another of Terry's vocals
Tin Roof Blues; the right tempo and good cornet work by Tony
The Old Spinning Wheel; Terry again on the human voice.

Conclusions; we like the slow numbers and we like to hear Terry sing !

As a pub, we rather liked this Cricketers, particulary the Rosemount Shiraz by the glass. In 2 weeks time we will try the food and write a few words about the pub here and for beerintheevening.com

As for the regulars; there was a touch of 'you can't sit here, we are saving the seats for our friends' as at the Preston Cross and Chipstead jazz club which we now boycott. Contrast this with our attitude at the Cricketers in Horsell; we invite anybody that looks in doubt as to where to sit to join us, first come first seated. We meet new people that way who often surprise us, e.g. Brian ! If our regular companions find the seats taken then they accept this with grace.

Labels: drinking, Jazz

After a full hard day working at the premises of a customer in Croydon, famous for its poor electricity supply, we set out for home at 19:30. Rather than eat at 21:00 we stopped at The Woolpack in Banstead for dinner. From the outside this looks like a typical country pub (see picture). Inside it is an old-fashioned pub as seen in London many years ago. The food is excellent and not over-priced. I had a great shortcrust steak and ale pie with my favourite Young's Biiter and Selina enjoyed her sausages and mash with a good French Vin de Pays Rouge. This is the third time we have visited Banstead and the third time we have used this pub, the last two visits being solely for that purpose. I guess that says it all.

Labels: drinking, Eating out

On Monday night we saw the Panama Cafe Orchestra at the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The band comprised Dave Lowe (cornet), Richard White (clarinet, alto sax), Chris Lowe (drums), Chris Houslander (sousaphone) and Dave Griffiths (banjo). The picture shows the band in its normal 1930's attire.

It was a very enjoyable evening with a good mix of numbers, our three favourites coming in quick succession:

'Singing the Blues'; Dave Lowe playing the Bix Beiderbecke cornet solo

'Kansas City Stomp'; fine number that we have on the Jelly Roll Morton and his Red Hot Peppers record

'Cloudy' a slow number we never hear played by any other band.

Brian, who often shares our table, brought in his latest efforts at photographing the female form. Interestingly he gave them to Selina to view, not to the three men at the table. Axel suggested it might be a hint that he hopes Selina will pose for him one day. Selina and I agree that her body is far superior to that of the model currently displayed.

Labels: Jazz, Photography

On Saturday evening we saw Sunshine at Guildford's Odeon cinema. Classic science fiction, very difficult to follow the plot. One big surprise, otherwise predictable.

Labels: Film

On Thursday evening we went to the Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. The band was back to the normal line-up. There were so many good numbers last night, our favourites being:
'I've got the World on a String' with good solos from everybody
'Old Stack'o Lee Blues'; great solo from Pete Towndrow on cornet
'Mood Indigo'; good ensemble work
Brian White's vocal feature 'After You've Gone', complete with standing ovation
but the best was Alan Dandy's solo keyboard rag 'Solace' (see picture).

Labels: Jazz

On Wednesday evening we saw the Blue Moon Jazz band at the Watermans Arms, Hersham. The base band comprises Mike Scroxton (trumpet, vocals), Roy Stokes (trombone, the odd vocal), Alan Matravers (alto sax), John Bryant (banjo), Pete Nevard (banjo, vocals) and Aileen May (string bass). Our favourite numbers with this line-up were 'Tishomingo Blues' played at the right speed and 'Blues my Naughtie Sweetie Gave to me'. After the break, for which a fine buffet was provided, and a raffle, the band was joined as always by Roger Dobbin on washboard. There were then two groups of guests. Guest group 1 comprised Tony Karavis (trumpet), Mark Goodin (clarinet), Ken Clayton (trombone), Tony Pyle (banjo, vocal) and Mike Broad (bass). They played 'When you're Smiling' with Tony Pyle's vocal rather drowned out and one other number. Guest group 2 comprised Dave Stradwick (trumpet), John Parsons (clarinet), Peter Talent (trombone), Mo Kahn (ukelele) and Harvey Palmer (bass). Finally the band returned to normal but with Jed Kearse (trombone, vocals) as pictured. We had never heard Jed sing before so were surprised by his fine vocal rendition of 'Milneberg Joys' and a 'Shuffle Blues'. If any of the musicians read this please e-mail missing surnames and surname spelling corrections.

Labels: Jazz

On Tuesday we installed the first stage of a weather station at Park Farm. This comprises an anemometer and wind vane mounted at the same level as the nearby wind turbine with display and logging facilities in the office below. The first photograph shows our recently-pedestrianised technician Frank standing on the platform of a cherry-picker to mount the 'head-end' on the pole. He was rather nervous when extending the platform out to its sideways limit, imagining that it might tip over. Nothing we could say provided him with any comfort.
The second picture shows the direct read-out of current values of wind direction (290 degrees) and wind speed (0). This unit is also conected to a computer that collects/logs the data and displays statistics.

Labels: Wind power

On Monday evening we saw the Pell Mell Eight at the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The band comprised Mike Adlam (trombone), Mike Nicholls (trumpet) Pete Walker (tenor sax), Mike Wilcox (baritone and alto saxes), 'Chalky' White (keyboard), Geoff Rideout (guitar), John Kirby (bass) and Al Merritt (drums). This is an accomplished band but the West Coast jazz style from the '50s and '60s is not really to our taste. Some of the numbers seemed to have no melody and others, like 'Tishomingo Blues' were played too fast. Our favourite number was 'My Heart belongs to Daddy' which fits the style well. We left at the interval due to tiredness. Our table was shared by batchelors Axel and Brian, who always keep us amused with stories of their antics.

Labels: Jazz

We spent the Easter weekend in Dorset, visiting Weymouth, Portland, West Bay, Shaftesbury and Cerne Abbas from our base at the Ocean View Hotel in Bournemouth, pictured. This is one of a jointly-owned group of three on the East Overcliff, next door being the Cottonwood and two doors away being the Bay Court View where we stayed last year. Ocean View has the best restaurant, Cottonwood has the best (and cheapest) beer and Bay Court is good for entertainment, snooker table and indoor swimming. We tried each in turn for live music in the evenings. Friday was jazz at the Cottonwood, Saturday Brian Cox (keyboard and jokes) at Bay Court and Sunday Debbie Law singing at the Ocean View. We found dancing on a fair-sized polished wooden floor rather strange; we usually have about one square metre available ! Debbie asked about our preferred dance style so she could sing something suitable. I replied 'smootchy', which she thought was good.

Labels: Travel

On Thursday evening we went to the Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton to see and hear The Magna Jazz Band with special guest John Elmer (pictured), playing clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax and drums. He can also play the vibraphone as on the wonderful CD 'Cool Vibes' and he provided the vocals for 'Some Day, You'll be Sorry' and 'I Can't Give You Anything but Love'. Dave Hewett was the guest on trombone, his feature being 'I Think I'd better Change My Plans'. Unusually, he actually spoke to the audience to say the number was also known as 'I think I'd Better Change my Pants'. Alan Dandy's keyboard feature combined 'Sophisticated Lady' and 'Do Nothing 'til You Hear From Me'; very clever. However, our favourite numbers both featured Pete Towndrow leading the full band on cornet; 'Blues in the Night' and 'Desafinado'. We have been requesting the latter from different bands for a while but they were not that keen. Pete loves all those Bossa Nova hits as do we.

Labels: Jazz

On Wednesday evening we saw the Blue Moon Jazz band at the Watermans Arms, Hersham, joined by two groups of guests. Guest group 1 comprised Alan Brock (trumpet), Mark Gooding (clarinet), Tony Pyle (banjo, vocal) and Peter Talent (trombone). They played the 'Old Rugged Cross' with a great Tony Pyle vocal, to which we danced, followed by the Sophie Tucker classic 'One of these days'. Guest group 2 comprised Alan Brock with John Parsons (clarinet) and Peter Clancy (trombone). Our favourite of the two numbers they played was 'Basin Street Blues'.
We tried the red wine this time but it was not much better than last week's white. The only real ale is Courage Best so drink choice is rather limited.

Labels: drinking, Jazz

On Monday evening we saw the Phil Brown Swingtet at the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. It was the full band with no deps., the front line comprising Phil Brown (trombone and vocals), Lester Brown (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Mark Aston (pictured; tenor sax, clarinet) with the rhythm section of Andrew Clancy (keyboard), Ken Ames (guitar), Mike Bennett (bass) and David Clancy (drums). Guests were Colin Lewry and Ray Poole (keyboard) plus Francis Crispet (tenor sax) and Roy Stokes (trombone). Our favourite number was 'Going up the River' featuring Phil and Ken, sounding just as good as Chris Barber and John Slaughter when it formed part of their unchanging repertoire. Unfortunately we were just leaving at the time due to tiredness.

Labels: Jazz

On Sunday evening we went to The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House jazz band. This time it was a sextet comprising Alan Brock (trumpet), Ivor Elliott (Tenor Sax, pictured), Leslie Dyos (trombone), Andrew Clancy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (string bass) and Eddie Kettle (drums). The guests from the audience were too numerous to mention. Colin Lewry (keyboard) played during the breaks. Our favourite numbers were 'Blue and Sentimental', 'Bill Coleman's Blues' and 'Lover Come Back to Me', all with fine tenor playing by Ivor. We wish he played at the Europa more often as he enhances the band enormously. The way he plays soft and smooth then excitingly jazzy is just magic.

Labels: Jazz

Today we drove through the beautiful Surrey countryside to Haslemere, passing through the villages of Albury, Chilworth, Blackheath, Wonersh, Bramley, Hascombe and Hambledon. The pictures show the centre of Haslemere and the Coffee shop where we stopped for tea and cakes. The many who seem to think that Surrey is full of houses and traffic should try a trip like this. On second thoughts, perhaps we should stay quiet and selfishly keep it to ourselves.

Labels: Travel