Isomatic UK Weblog

Magna Jazz Band at The Manor

2010-03-25T23:36:00.002Z

This evening we saw Brian White's Magna jazz band at The Manor in Old Malden.
Our favourite numbers were as follows:
1. Pretty Baby, written by Tony Jackson during the Ragtime era. The 1916 sheet music credits Jackson along with Gus Kahn and Egbert Van Alstyne but their involvement is not clear. The link is to Doris Day in her early years; more jazzy than usual.
2. Peter Winn's request I Can't Say. This link is to the Johnny Dodds version. 'I can't say' who composed it.
3. Brian White's own beautiful composition, 'Gently Does It'.
4. Alan Dandy's trio (pictured) feature Tea For Two, from the 1925 musical No, No, Nanette with music by Vincent Youmans and lyrics by Irving Caesar. The link is to an unusual Django Reinhardt solo.

In the raffle I won a CD of trumpet and vocals by Nat Gonella, a favourite of my father. I note that one of the tracks is 'Oh Monah', often sung by my mother to indicate that I complained too much and too often. I still maintain that I had good reason to moan.

G & D with Trevor Tomkins

2010-03-23T23:43:00.001Z

This evening we went to the George & Dragon in Thames Ditton to see the John Barnes quartet, comprising John Barnes (baritone sax, alto sax, clarinet), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mick Durell (double bass) and Trevor Tomkins (drums, in picture background). The guests were John Lang (trombone) and 'Alan' (vocals, pictured). Our favourite numbers were:
1) My request Can't Help Loving That Man Of Mine, composed by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, for the musical 'Showboat'. The link is to Kiri Te Kanawa with the Australian pops orchestra.
Alan Dandy's double feature with Mick:
2) Gone With the Wind, written in 1937 by Allie Wrubel with lyrics by Herb Magidson and sung on this link by Ella Fitzgerald.
3) Shiny Stockings, composed by Frank Foster and sung by Ella again.

Selina wore her electric blue tights, much admired by at least two men present.

Road fuel prices

2010-03-22T07:53:00.003Z

We have a surge of e-mail messages asking for support for action against rising fuel prices. I would just like to say that low prices have restricted surveying for new sources of crude oil. The fleets of seismic survey vessels have been idle at the dock side, wasting millions of pounds. This is not good for the world's future. We are now seeing some activity from our position as suppliers to that business.

Also many rural petrol stations are closing because the profit margins are so low. This is a problem for those people in the most need, those for whom there is no alternative form of transport.

Conversely, the high tax on road fuel is dragging our economy down. I believe the government should compensate by ending the wasteful, inefficient, ineffective, vehicle excise duty.

Magna Jazz at the Manor in Old Malden

2010-03-18T23:30:00.002Z

This evening we saw Brian White's Magna jazz band at The Manor in Old Malden (pictured).
Our favourite numbers were as follows:
1. Corinne Corinna, first recorded by Bo Chatmon and the Mississippi Sheiks but not copyrighted until 1932 by Chatmon and his publishers, Mitchell Parish and J. Mayo Williams. The link is to Big Joe Turner singing, backed by a rock-and-roll saxophone.
2. Love Me or Leave Me, written by Walter Donaldson with lyrics by Gus Kahn and introduced in the Broadway play 'Whoopee' in 1928, sung by Ruth Etting. This link is to the Peggy Lee version. Peter Winn was the only person present who knew who composed it.
3. Wabash Blues, words by Dave Ringle and music by Fred Meinken and the first success for pianist, saxophonist and song composer Isham Jones. This link is to the Fletcher Henderson version. Wabash presumably refers to the river; the Wabash Cannonball is fictional.
4. Alan Dandy's beautiful solo feature Echo of Spring, composed by Willie "The Lion" Smith in 1938. The link is to Robbie Rhodes at the El Segundo Ragtime Festival.

I was tackled at the bar by a guy who had been avidly reading this weblog. He commented that I was very self-opinionated (probably true if I could spell it). I asked for an example and he quoted car parking. I wondered if he was referring to (Thursday, November 11, 2004) when I complained about pay-and-display at hospitals. If so I stand by my view that this is evil. He agreed with that but thought that otherwise heavy traffic made car parking problems inevitable. I missed the opportunity to comment on private 'clamping' in Windsor, more evil.

Jazz at the G & D

2010-03-17T19:40:00.003Z

This evening we went to the George & Dragon in Thames Ditton to see the John Barnes quartet, comprising John Barnes (baritone sax, alto sax, clarinet), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mick Durell (bass guitar) and Don Cook (drums). The only guest was John Lang (trombone). Our favourite numbers were:
1) Secret Love, composed in 1953 by Sammy Fain with lyrics by Paul Francis Webster for the musical 'Calamity Jane', where it was sung by Doris Day. The link is to the later Kathy Kirby hit.
2) Alan Dandy's first solo feature Autumn Leaves, composed by Joseph Kosma with English words by Johnny Mercer and played on this link by guitarist Manuel Granada. Alan wove in some Chopin and a snatch of 'Suicide is Painless', the M.A.S.H theme
3) John's vocal You're a Sweetheart, from the 1937 musical of that name, where it was sung by Alica Faye as on this link. The composer was Jimmy McHugh.
4) Alan Dandy's second solo feature, Stratford Hunch AKA Chicago Breakdown, composed by Jelly Roll Morton. The link is to a Louis Armstrong. recording.

Two well-endowed young blonde women sat alongside us at the beginning of the evening. One complimented Selina on her legs and figure, shown off by a white teenage-style mini-skirt. She then asked Selina's age, a request that was refused. After some thought she estimated 48; the greatest compliment of all time !

Joscho Stephan Trio at the Forest Arts Centre

2010-03-13T23:10:00.002Z

This evening we visited the Forest Arts Centre in Old Milton, Hampshire, for 'Gypsy Swing' by the Joscho Stephan Trio. This fine trio comprises Joscho (lead guitar), his father Günter (rhythm guitar) and Max Schaaf (double bass). Joscho is a wonderful guitarist, playing mostly in the Django Reinhardt style but with some Chet Atkins finger style thrown in when it suits. Every number was great so we will just provide a few examples, with links to performances on YouTube.
1) Django's Tiger, composed by Django Reinhardt.
2) Mr Sandman, written by Pat Ballard in 1954 and first recorded in that year by The Chordettes.
3) Rondo Alla Turka, from the third movement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K 331.
4) Bossa Dorado, composed by Dorado Schmitt.
Anyone who likes jazz guitar should get along to see these guys; they are just brilliant !

Magna Jazz Band with Ken Reece, Mike Pointon & John Lee

2010-03-11T23:27:00.001Z

This evening we went to see The Magna jazz band at The Manor in Old Malden.
Ken Reece was on cornet again with Mike Pointon on trombone and John Lee playing clarinet and tenor saxophone. They made a great front line.
Our favourite numbers were as follows:
1. I'm Confessing, composed in 1930 by Doc Daugherty and Ellis Reynolds, with lyrics by Al Neiburg. The link is to Louis Armstrong playing and singing.
2. Buddy Bolden's Blues, written by Jelly Roll Morton, singing and playing on this link.
3. Alan's solo feature Lotus Blossom, written by Bily Strayhorn. This link just has to be to the Duke Ellington version. Alan also played the alternative version, Charlotte Rousse.
4. John Lee's beautiful feature A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, with lyrics by Eric Maschwitz and music by Manning Sherwin and Jack Strachey. The link is to a Stephane Grappelli recording as this number seems perfect for the violin.

We told Mike Pointon and Frances how on Tuesday Selina was asked if she was the band's groupie. Mike and I agreed that it was a compliment, implying that Selina is sexy (true).

John Barnes Quartet at the George & Dragon

2010-03-09T23:45:00.002Z

This evening we went to the George & Dragon in Thames Ditton to see the John Barnes quartet, comprising John Barnes (baritone sax, tenor sax, clarinet), Alan Dandy (keyboard, pictured), Mick Durell (bass guitar, pictured in background) and Don Cook (drums). The only guest was John Lang (trombone). Our favourite numbers were:
1) Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Lorenz Hart, for their musical 'Pal Joey'. The link is to Doris Day from the film 'Teacher's Pet'.
Alan Dandy's double solo feature:
2) Blame it on my Youth, composed by Oscar Levant and sung on this link by Nat King Cole
3) Blues in The Night, composed by Harold Arlen and performed on this link by Peggy Lee.
4) Alan Dandy's duet with Mick, Recado, composed by Djalma Ferreira. The link is to the Hank Mobley recording.

A very bold young woman came into the bar and asked if any of the band could suggest a young female jazz singer for a gig. She then sat next to Selina and asked her if she was the groupie. Selina gave her plenty of stick !

Bellenie's Bake House, Abbotsbury

2010-03-07T15:50:00.002Z

This morning we drove out from East Dorset to West Dorset, stopping for coffee and cake at Bellenie's Bake House, Abbotsbury. We can recommend this for friendly service and early opening, plus fine cake.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra; Movie Classics

2010-03-06T23:32:00.003Z

This evening we went to the Bournemouth Pavilion for the BSO performance of 'Movie Classics', conducted by Pete Harrison (pictured). Works Performed were

1. Steiner : Gone with the Wind
2. Korngold : The Sea Hawk
3. Steiner : Casablanca
4. Rozsa : Quo Vadis
5. Alford : Bridge on the River Kwai
6. Moross : The Big Country
7. Hermann : North by Northwest
8. Rozsa : Ben Hur
9. Bernstein : The Magnificent Seven
10. Rota : La Dolce Vita
11. Jarre : Lawrence of Arabia
12. Bernstein : The Great Escape
13. Jarre : Doctor Zhivago
14. Barry : Born Free
15. Rota : The Godfather
16. Barry : Out of Africa
17. Williams : Raiders of the Lost Ark
18. Badelt : Pirates of the Caribbean.

I have to confess that my memories of the performance are rather overshadowed by thoughts of the two young women sitting in front of us, obviously lovers. One had short hair and wore flat-heeled boots, while the other had long blonde hair, short skirt, high heels and very boldly patterned tights. We wish them all the best !

Mike Piggott Trio at the Verwood Hub

2010-03-05T23:16:00.001Z

This evening we saw the Mike Piggott trio with Nils Solberg and Peter Morgan, at The Hub in Verwood, Dorset. Once again this group provided fine swinging jazz with every number enjoyable and played differently from the average performance. Our favourites were:
1. Nuages, composed by Django Reinhardt, who plays it on this link.
2. Exactly Like You, composed in 1930 by Jimmy McHugh with lyrics by Dorothy Fields and performed on this link by Stephane Grapelli and Django Reinhardt. Mike played it in the style of Joe Venuti with a section using all four strings on the violin simultaneously.
3. Peter's feature with Nils A Tisket A Tasket, composed in 1938 by Al Feldman and Ella Fitzgerald and performed on this link by the Oscar Peterson quartet. Peter played it in the style of Slam Stewart with bowing and humming.
4. Mike's Strohviolin feature A Kiss To Build A Dream On, composed by Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby and Oscar Hammerstein II in 1935 and performed on this link by Louis Armstrong.

The musicians recognised us as soon as we entered the room and gave us a warm welcome. The 'Hub' was a new experience for them and us; we liked the table arrangement and the food & drink. The audience seemed rather abstemious with no rush for the bar during the interval. Not what we are used to !

Magna Jazz Band with Ken Reece

2010-03-04T23:34:00.001Z

This evening we returned to Brian White's Magna jazz band's new venue, The Manor in Old Malden (pictured). This will be a weekly gig from now on. We started with a burger for me and sausages for Selina, washed down with a bottle of Merlot. Good value by the standards of the area.
Ken Reece was on cornet again and Alan Dandy (keyboard) was back from his holiday.
Our favourite numbers were as follows:
1. Memories of You, composed in 1930 by Eubie Blake with lyrics by Andy Razaf. The link is to Louis Armstrong playing and singing, accompanied by vibes.
2. Goose Pimples, written by Henderson and Trent. This link is to the Bix Beiderbecke version; who else ?
3. Sorry, written by banjo player Howdy Quicksell. This link just has to be to the Bix Beiderbecke version again.
4. Whispering, words and music by the brothers Malvin and John Schonberger, and originally recorded on August 23, 1920 by Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra. The link is to the Chet Atkins 'Workshop' recording that I bought for my father in the early sixties and inherited in 1988.
5. St Louis Blues, which I believe really WAS written by W C Handy, as distinct from plagiarised. The link is to the great Bessie Smith, taking it at the right pace, i.e. slowly. I have a poor recording on cassette tape of this number performed as a duet between Chris Barber (trombone) and Roger Hill (guitar). Roger's solo section is the finest piece of blues guitar playing I have ever heard. I would love to have a good digital version.

Brian White wants Selina to stop nagging him. He has to be nagged or he takes no notice !

John Barnes Quartet with Alan Berry

2010-03-02T23:35:00.000Z

This evening we went to the George & Dragon in Thames Ditton to see the John Barnes quartet, comprising John Barnes (baritone sax, tenor sax, clarinet), Alan Berry (keyboard), Mick Durell (bass guitar) and Don Cook (drums). The guests were John Lang (trombone) and 'Alan' (vocal, pictured with Don). Our favourite numbers were:
1) Dream a Little Dream of Me, composed in 1931 by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt with lyrics by Gus Kahn. The link is to the famous vocal by 'Mama' Cass Elliot.
2) Alan Berry's solo feature The Night We called It a Day, written in 1941 by Matt Dennis with lyrics by Tom Adair. The link is to the modern version by Diana Krall.
3) John Lang's second guest number Mood Indigo composed in 1930 by Barney Bigard, who plays it on this link.
4) 'Alan's' one vocal feature There'll Never Be Another You composed in 1942 by Harry Warren with lyrics by Mack Gordon for the Twentieth Century Fox musical Iceland starring Sonja Henie. The link is to a country & western version by Connie Smith.

When John Barnes played and sang "The Gypsy", he mentioned that Dorothy Squires was said to be "a bit of a handful". This was misinterpreted by some of the audience.

John Maddocks' Jazzmen at the St Leonards Hotel

2010-02-28T23:26:00.002Z

This evening we went to the St Leonards Hotel, Dorset, to see John Maddocks Jazzmen for only the third time. This traditional jazz band comprises John Maddocks (clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, vocals), Peter Wilkinson (trumpet, vocals), Tony Farr (trombone), Chris Satterley (keyboard, vocals, pictured), Peter McCurry (string bass, tuba), Dave Broomfield, (banjo, guitar) and Brian Barker (drums). Our favourite numbers were:
1) Elephant Stomp, played by the Humphrey Lyttelton band on this link.
2) Just a Closer Walk With Thee, a traditional gospel song played on this link by the Chris Barber Band.
3) Chris Satterley's second vocal of the evening Some Of These Days, composed by Shelton Brooks in 1910 for the 'Last of the Red-Hot Mamas, it became a signature song for Sophie Tucker, featured on this link.

During the 4 weeks since our last visit to the St Leonards, someone had introduced John Maddocks to this weblog and he mentioned it this evening. Compliments will now be exchanged; we like his band and he likes our weblog. We were asked to provide requests in writing for the April gig. As a challenge for John, I requested Shreveport Stomp.

Marty Wilde at The Regent, Christchurch

2010-02-27T23:48:00.003Z

This evening we went to The Regent Centre in Christchurch to see Marty Wilde and the Wildcats perform songs from the 1950s and early 60s. The theatre was packed to capacity with an enthusiastic audience, all paying the 'concessions' price. In the first half the Wildcats performed without Marty, all but the drummer singing at some time. Our favourite number from this set was Be Bop A Lula, composed by Gene Vincent, who performs it on this link. Note the great guitar backing by the greatest rock guitarist of all time, Cliff Gallup. He sounds even better on Race With The Devil.
For the second set the Wildcats were joined by Marty, who looks incredibly young for his age. He performed numerous songs, including his big hits:
Donna, written and originally sung by Ritchie Valens;
Danny, written by Ben Weisman with lyrics by Fred Wise and recorded for the film King Creole but eventually eliminated. I remember listening to it on the juke box in a cafe in Plaistow as a teenager;
Bad Boy, Marty's own composition
Teenager in Love, written by Doc Pomus with Mort Shuman and originally sung by Dion and the Belmonts.
However, our favourite was Apron Strings, written by Aaron Schroeder with George David Weiss and first recorded publicly by Cliff Richard, although Elvis Presley had already made a home recording not intended for release.
A great evening of nostalgia that had us all singing along.

Guildford House for sale

2010-02-25T20:07:00.003Z

Our house in Guildford is now for sale through Haart Estae Agents. We have had many viewings and a few offers but all too low. After 27 years it will be strange to leave the house for ever but it is too large for a couple with no other family.

John Barnes Quartet with Nigel Fox

2010-02-23T23:51:00.001Z

This evening we went to the George & Dragon in Thames Ditton to see the John Barnes quartet, comprising John Barnes (baritone sax, alto sax, clarinet), Nigel Fox (keyboard, pictured), Mick Durell (bass guitar) and Don Cook (drums, vocal). Guests were Pete Skivington (bass guitar, pictured) and Jim Trimmer (vocals, pictured). Our favourite numbers were:
1) The Way You Look Tonight, composed by Jerome Kern, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields, for the musical film 'Swing Time and introduced in the original production by Fred Astaire. The link is to a vocal by Billie Holiday.
2) Nigel's feature, with Mick, It Could Happen To You, written in 1944 by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke. The link is to the recent version by Diana Krall, possibly the only current artist we ever feature on this weblog. Worth a little picture, I think (last in set).
3) Jim Trimmer's first guest vocal, Hey There, You With The Stars In Your Eyes from 'The Pajama Game' score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. It is sung on this link by that great singer Rosemary Clooney. We have only just discovered that George Clooney is her nephew.

Magna Jazz Band with Ken Reece and Jim McIntosh

2010-02-18T23:48:00.000Z

This evening we returned to Brian White's Magna jazz band's new venue, The Manor in Old Malden. Ken Reece was on cornet and Jim Mcintosh was on banjo (pictured together).
Our favourite numbers were as follows:
1. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise, by the concert pianist Ernest Seitz, who had conceived the refrain when he was 12. Embarrassed about writing popular music, Seitz used the pseudonym "Raymond Roberts" when the song was first published by Chappell in 1919. The link is to a famous banjo feature by the Firehouse five plus two.
2. Clarinet Marmalade, composed in 1918 by Edwin B. Edwards, Nick LaRocca, Tony Spargo & Larry Shields of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band. This link is to that very band.
3. Tin Roof Blues, the link being to the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, who claimed to have composed it. It was actually stolen from an early blues riff by legendary New Orleans cornetist Buddy Petit called 'Rusty Nail Blues'.

Benoit de la Rue with the John Barnes Quartet

2010-02-16T23:29:00.001Z

This evening Selina and I celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary, going out with Benoit de la Rue, our new French member of staff at Boost Energy Systems Ltd. He drove us to The Ewe at Weston Green for home-cooked food. They serve real chips, made by peeling real potatoes !
We continued to the George & Dragon in Thames Ditton so that Benoit (pictured) could play his alto Sax with the John Barnes quartet, comprising John Barnes (baritone sax, tenor sax, clarinet), Alan Berry (keyboard), Mick Durell (double bass) and Don Cook (drums). The other guest was John Lang (trombone).
Benoit led the group for Petite Fleur, composed by Sidney Bechet, who is performing it on this link. Benoit then joined the band in an improvised blues, which seemed to suit him very well. He must have nerves of steel; I know how hard it is to perform in public.
Other notable numbers were:
1) Here Comes That Rainy Day, in latin style, as on the link.
2) It's a Sin to Tell a Lie, a 1936 popular song by Billy Mayhew. The link is to the famous Fats Waller version.
3) As it is Mardi Gras today, St Thomas, composed by Sonny Rollins, who plays it on this link.

Buddy Holly tribute at Ferndown

2010-02-13T23:27:00.002Z

This evening we went to the The Barrington Centre in Ferndown to see Marc Robinson and the Counterfeit Crickets. Marc looks and sounds like Buddy with ace lead guitarist Adrian playing the original backings brilliantly. There was also a Billy Fury tribute singer.
It is hard to pick favourite numbers as they were all equally good. The one that I am still humming is Blue Days, Black Nights, Buddy's first published recording. We have it on a cassette tape of early recordings that I bought in Phoenix, Arizona and played over and over all the way to the Grand Canyon and Back.
If Marc or any of the band should read this, why not perform:
Listen to Me
Midnight Shift
and
Words of Love.

Pete Cook Quartet at the G & D

2010-02-09T23:29:00.001Z

This evening we went to the George & Dragon in Thames Ditton to see Pete Cook (alto sax, baritone sax, pictured), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mick Durell (Fender bass guitar) and Don Cook (drums). Guests were 'Alan' (vocals, pictured) and John Lang (trombone).
The numbers we enjoyed most were:
1) Careless Love, a traditional song of obscure origins despite the copyright by W C Handy. This link is to the great Bessie Smith.
2) Alan Dandy's beautiful solo Willow Weep For Me, officially composed by Ann Ronell in 1932 but possibly composed by her then-friend George Gershwin. It is played on this link by Claude Hopkins, pianist and bandleader, (1903 - 1984). Often overlooked by historians, Claude Hopkins was a major contributor to the development of early jazz and swing music.
3) You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To, composed by Cole Porter and sung on this link by Julie London.
4) Alan Dandy and Mick Durell playing Gentle Rain, composed by Luis Bonfa and sung on this link by Astrud Gilberto.

The Lonnie Donegan Band with Peter Donegan

2010-02-06T23:55:00.002Z

This evening we went to the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne to see Peter Donegan performing with the Lonnie Donegan Band, comprising Paul Henry (Lead Guitar), Chris Hunt (Drums), Sticky Wicket (Percussion) and Eddie Masters (Bass). Peter sang and played keyboard, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Harmonica and Mandolin. It was a great evening combining old 1950s skiffle numbers with Peter's own compositions.
My favourite was the blues number Rocks in my Bed perfomed on this link by Lonnie Johnson. Paul Henry played superbly in a more modern blues style, drawing applause from the audience.
Selina preferred Mule Skinner Blues, the link being to an early Lonnie Donegan version with Denny Wright on guitar.
The Tivoli is a beautiful old theatre from 1936, lovingly restored after being closed for many years. Tonight's audience were almost entirely of an age for whom the 1950s were full of great musical memories. They sang along whenever invited, requested numbers (unsuccessfully) and one even asked Peter to confirm that his guitar was a Martin.
We will surely visit the Tivoli again; but will we get another opportunity to see the Lonnie Donegan Band ?

Magna Jazz Band with Chez Chesterman

2010-02-04T23:53:00.003Z

This evening we went to The Manor in Old Malden to see Brian White's Magna jazz band. Chez Chesterman (pictured) was on Cornet, the remainder of the band being standard. Chez was, once again, accompanied by the lovely Carol, who led the four of us into much 'adult conversation'.
Our favourite numbers (ignoring Chez' vocals for a change) were as follows:
1. Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams, composed in 1931 by Harry Barris with lyrics by Ted Koehler and Billy Moll. Selina and I danced to this one. The link is to a recording by Les Paul and Mary Ford; what a wonderful voice she had.
2. Alan Dandy's solo feature Chicago Breakdown AKA Stratford Hunch, composed by Jelly Roll Morton, who is featured on this link.
3. Trombone feature Ory's Creole Trombone, composed by Kid Ory, playing it on this link.
4. Riverside Blues, which Mike Walmsley in Toronto informs me was composed by Thomas A Dorsey, not the trombonist but an earlier ragtime composer. The link is to the Dutch Swing College recording from the 1950's, one of the many that Selina provided as her dowry.

We asked Brian to play Shreveport Stomp but he declined. In answer to the question "who can play it who still lives", Brian and Chez agreed that James Evans can not only play it but can make it swing. Carol asked for a definition of 'swing' to which we had no answer. Wikipedia says:
The verb 'to swing' is used as a term of praise for playing that has a strong rhythmic 'groove' or drive. I am not sure that helps.

John Barnes Quartet at the George & Dragon

2010-02-02T23:30:00.001Z

This evening we went to the George & Dragon in Thames Ditton to see the John Barnes quartet, comprising John Barnes (baritone sax, tenor sax, clarinet), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mick Durell (bass guitar) and Don Cook (drums). The only guest was John Lang (trombone, pictured with John). Our favourite numbers were:
1) But Not For Me, composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin for their musical Girl Crazy (1930) and introduced in the original production by Ginger Rogers. The link is to a vocal by Julie London.
2) The wonderful song Lover Come Back To Me, written by Sigmund Romberg with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II in 1928 for the Broadway show The New Moon, where the song was introduced by Evelyn Herbert and Robert Halliday (as Robert Misson). The link is to the Brenda Lee hit of 1961 (nostalgia again).
3) Alan Dandy's first solo feature, a Gershwin medley based on How Long Has This Been Going On sung on this link by Peggy Lee.
4) Alan Dandy's second solo feature, his own boogie-woogie composition 'Down By The River'. No link I am sorry to say.

We persuaded John Barnes not to try and play the clarinet part of Jelly Roll Morton's Shreveport Stomp again. I asked if he was proving that the best clarinet players of today are still not as good as the greats of the past such as Omer Simeon. John replied that Julian Marc Stringle could probably play it; praise indeed.

John Maddocks Jazzmen at the St Leonards Hotel

2010-01-31T23:12:00.004Z

This evening we went to the St Leonards Hotel, Dorset, to see John Maddocks Jazzmen for only the second time. This traditional jazz band comprises John Maddocks (clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, vocals), Peter Wilkinson (trumpet, vocals), Tony Farr (trombone), Chris Satterley (keyboard, vocals, pictured), Peter McCurry (string bass, tuba), Dave Broomfield, (banjo, guitar) and Brian Barker (drums). Our favourite numbers were:
1) The Blue Blood Blues, written by Jelly Roll Morton as featured on this link.
2) John's first feature Indian Summer, composed by Victor Herbert in 1919 and played on this link by Sidney Bechet; a jazz classic.
3) John's second feature C Jam Blues, composed in 1942 by Duke Ellington and played here by Johnny Hodges.
4) The Turn of the Tuxedos, about which we know nothing and can find no links.
This was our first visit to the St Leonards Hotel and we were quite impressed. We have booked for the next John Maddocks gig.