Peter Burton's daily log, covering Peter's personal interests, e.g. jazz, travel and general grumpiness plus (occasionally) the business of Isomatic and its associate companies.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
UGH with Bernie Holden and Caroline Cooper
On Sunday evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocal), Bernie Holden (alto sax, soprano sax, pictured), Caroline Cooper (keyboard, pictured), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite number was 'Bernie's Tune', which provoked Mike Bennett to suggest it should be followed by 'Sweet Caroline' (suggestion ignored).
Guests were in three groups:
John Shepherd (trumpet) and Roy Stokes (trombone) playing 'Undecided' and 'Georgia on my Mind';
Roland (tenor sax) with Peter Tallent (trombone) playing 'Honeysuckle Rose' and 'Careless Love';
Phil Brown and Peter Clancy (trombones) playing 'Some of these Days'.
Colin Lewry contributed his usual good keyboard work during the breaks.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Chez Chesterman & John Stewart
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. Chez Chesterman (pictured) replaced Pete Towndrow on Cornet, and John Stewart (banjo, guitar, pictured) replaced Alan Dandy. Highlights for us were:
Chez' vocals on 'Baby Brown' and 'Round The Clock Blues' AKA 'My Baby / Daddy / Mama / Rocks Me';
'Memphis Blues', reminding me of the John Wain novel 'Strike The Father Dead' featuring piano (my little black and white friends) and valve trombone (far superior to the usual slush pump);
The slide trombone feature 'Stars Fell On Alabama' proving John Wain very, very, wrong and with John Stewart playing some excellent finger-style guitar;
and 'Riverside Blues', one of the many numbers Selina brought with her in her dowry of Dutch Swing College records.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, July 14, 2008
Chas McDevitt's Razzamatazz at the Cricks
This evening at The Cricketers in Horsell Birch we saw Razzamatazz, comprising Chas McDevitt (trumpet, vocals), Mark Aston (Tenor Sax, Trombone), Martin Davison (clarinet) Gerry Reid (guitar), Mike Bennett (string bass) and Andy Jones (drums, vocals). This is a great band, particulary strong on vocals with both Chas and Andy having fine jazz voices. Our favourite of these was Andy's 'What a Wonderful World'. As if this were not good enough the band was joined by singer Naomi (pictured) for 'Am I Blue', 'Big Butter & Egg Man', 'We fell Out of Love', 'Careless Love' and, best of all, her duet with Mark for 'Mean to Me'. As for purely instrumental numbers, our favourite was 'Mighty Like the Blues'.
The guests were rather numerous and came all at once (not a good idea); Phil Brown & Peter Clancy (Trombones), Trevor Dockerill (clarinet) and Nicki (drums). They played 'Mood Indigo' (well) and 'Royal Garden Blues' (making a mess of the ending). By chance, Phil Brown's wife Pat was sitting at our table. She has said before that this number has been performed badly by more bands than any other, particularly the ending.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, July 10, 2008
King Jazz with Goff Dubber
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. On this occasion Brian was joined by Goff Dubber, playing Soprano Saxophone for a King Jazz session as a tribute to the Mezz Mezzrow / Sidney Bechet quintet. The photograph shows Goff on soprano with Rex Bennet (drums) and Richard Lyons (bass) in the background. Brian White (Clarinet) and Alan Dandy (keyboard) completed the quintet. This line-up always produces great jazz, this time including the following favourites:
'The Revolutionary Blues';
'Out Of The Galleon';
'Minor Swoon',;
'Really The Blues' with Goff on Clarinet;
'Baby I'm Cutting Out' with Goff vocalising;
Brian's own composition 'Nanna Tim';
Alan's feature 'Echo of Spring' by Willie (The Lion) Smith;
'Really The Blues' with Goff on clarinet;
'Delta Mood' by Sidney Bechet;
and for a great finish
'The Blues and Jung', a corruption of 'The Blues and Freud'.
Selina repeated the success of the last King Jazz session by wining a Jack Teagarden CD in the raffle.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, July 07, 2008
Phil BrownSwingtet with Johnny McAllum
This evening at The Cricketers in Horsell Birch we saw the Phil Brown Swingtet, comprising Phil Brown (trombone), Lester Brown (trumpet, flugel horn), Mark Aston (Tenor Sax, Clarinet), Johnny McAllum (guitar, pictured), Andrew Clancy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (string bass, in picture) and David Clancy (drums).
The band began with 'Lester Leaps In', which I requested last year but was not played.
We also enjoyed 'Creole Love Call', 'Bernie's Tune' and 'All The Things You Are'; the latter reminding me of Peter Sellers, supposedly singing in the bathroom. This band covers the widest range of jazz we experience, ranging from New Orleans to modern.
We shared our table with Axel (about to leave the country yet again), Brian (birthday again), Rustom (his Rolls does 12 MPG) and Tony (seems to be as irreligious as us).
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, July 06, 2008
UGH with Mark Aston & Andrew Clancy
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocals), Mark Aston (tenor sax, trombone, pictured), Andrew Clancy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers with these musicians were:
'Love is Just Around The Corner', 'Polka Dots & Moonbeams' and, best of all, Mark's feature 'Out of Nowhere'.
Guests were:
John Shepherd (trumpet), Peter Clancy (trombone), Trevor Dockerill (alto sax) and Aileen May (bass) playing 'Bugle Boy March' and 'A Kiss to Build a Dream On';
Fred Shaw (cornet), Roy Stokes (trombone) and Trevor Dockerill (clarinet) playing 'When You're Smiling' and 'Ain't Misbehaving'.
During the breaks Colin Lewry played keyboard.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Denny Ilett with the Magna Jazz Band
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. Deputising for Pete Towndrow on cornet was Denny Ilett (pictured), a fine musician from the Max Collie band.
We liked his interpretation of Bix Beiderbecke's 'Singing the Blues' and his great cornet solo in 'Black Cat On The Fence' but the highlight was his duet with Alan Dandy (keyboard) for 'Bad Penny Blues'. At one point Denny played with just the mouthpiece in his cupped hands, sounding like a plunger mute.
Towards the end the band played 'At a Georgia Camp Meeting', reminding me of a joke that really needs to be told rather than written.
Three women sat round the camp fire in Georgia one evening.
The first one announced "Ah cawl ma man Randy coz he wawnts me awl tha tahm".
The second one followed with "Ah cawl ma man Horny coz he's got a hard on awl naht long".
The third one followed with "Ah cawl ma man Drambuie".
"Drambuie" queried the others; "aint that some kahnd of fancy liquor ?".
"Thaz ma man !".
Labels: Jazz
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Po' Boys at the Cricks
This evening we saw the Po' Boys at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The quartet comprised Colin Kingwell (trombone), John Lawes (clarinet), Peter Brooks (bass) and Ian Parry (banjo). These are four great jazz musicians; two of whom we know well (John and Ian), one we know more socially than musically (Colin) and one (Peter) who is new to us. An indication of how good they are is that the last number was upon us before we realised. Musically, our favourite numbers were:
'When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful' and 'It's a Sin To Tell a Lie' with fine vocals from John, plus 'Because of You', a slow sweet instrumental.
Amusing numbers were:
Ian's comic version of 'Silver Threads and Golden Needles' and John's vocal 'Gosport Nancy'.
The answer to the band's question "Who wrote Big Butter and Egg Man?" is Percy Venable. John thought it might be Lil Hardin but announced over the microphone that I was looking doubtful.
Our table was shared by Axel, who agrees with me that all nationalists are dangerous, Rustom, who is too polite to say such things, and Brian who has trouble with both car and television, both of which he was proud to get for almost nothing. Tony joined us from the seat immediately behind me, just back from narrow-boating, AKA living in a corridor.
Felicity arrived to invite everyone to Gordon's memorial service and to food, fizz and jazz at the Cricks afterwards. I told her that Gordon had always seemed so young to me, to which she replied that he was 70 but she had kept him young at heart !
Labels: Jazz
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Gatsby Jazz Band at the Wych Elm
This evening we went to
The Wych Elm in Elm Road, Kingston Upon Thames, for the monthly performance by the Gatsby Jazz Band (as pictured). There were deps. on clarinet and trombone plus a change of instrument for Alan Jenkins. In place of his usual trumpet he played a short cornet, bought for 40 pounds and sounding good.
It is traditional for Selina to perch on a bar stool at this venue but she preferred to lounge against it as shown in the second picture. The camera did not do justice to the fish-net stockings !
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Mike Pointon
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band is resident. The one dep. was Mike Pointon (slide trombone, vocals, pictured). Our favourites were:
Mike's vocals 'Blue Turning Grey' and 'Am I Blue';
Brian's vocal 'Everybody Loves My Baby';
and best of all, Alan Dandy's feature on keyboard, 'Rose Of Washington Square'.
Guest John Goddard (trombone) took Mike's place on 'Tishomingo Blues' and 'Buddy's Habit'.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, June 23, 2008
Pell Mell 8 at the Cricks
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), Peter Dee (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 'Perdido' which fits the style well. Our table was shared by Axel, back from his cabin in California.
Al Merritt anounced the sad news that Gordon of 'Gordon and Felicity' had died while on holiday in Crete.
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, June 22, 2008
UGH with Bernie Holden
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised John Shepherd (trumpet), Bernie Holden (alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet; pictured), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers with these musicians were:
'If I Could Be With You An Hour Tonight;
'Basin Street Blues', Selina requiring me to draw a map of New Orleans showing Basin Street, then asking about burial details in the above-ground tombs there;
'Fly Me to the Moon' in latin style at Mike Bennett's request;
'A Kiss to Build a Dream On', with John singing in Louis Armstrong style;
Alan's solo 'Snowy Morning Blues';
Bernie's feature 'One Note Samba', one of our favourites.
Guests were:
Roland (tenor sax) with Roy Stokes and Peter Tallent (trombones) playing 'Undecided', 'Sugar' and 'If I Had You'.
Colin Lewry played keyboard in the breaks.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Chez Chesterman with the Magna Jazz Band
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. Chez Chesterman (pictured) replaced Pete Towndrow on Cornet, the remainder of the band being standard. Highlights for sheer pleasure were:
'Lonesome blues', with Chez singing;
'Perdido Street Blues';
'Boodle Am Shake' sung not by the 3 tenors but by the 3 fivers;
and Alan Dandy's fine solo 'Snowy morning Blues' by James P Johnston. Nobody knew the answer to the question "what does the P stand for ?" The answer is Price.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, June 16, 2008
Panama Cafe Orchestra at the Cricks
This evening we saw the Panama Cafe Orchestra at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The band comprised Dave Lowe (cornet, vocals), Richard White (Clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax, vocals), Chris Lowe (trombone, vocals), Graham Collicott (drums), Chris Houslander (sousaphone) and John Watson (banjo).
The picture shows the full band with the menu in the foreground less evident than usual. Our favourite numbers were:
'South', which I can never remember until it starts;
'Crazy Over You', written by John Watson;
A rather spirited version of 'Tin Roof Blues';
'At The Jazz Band Ball';
Bix Beiderbeckes 'Davenport Blues';
and 'Candy Lips', which led me to make comments of a sexual nature to my candy-lipped Selina.
At our table were; Alan 'Mr Sherry' Roper (who likes a good carvery), Rustom Patel (showing us pictures of his lovely 38 year-old daughter), Tony (buying Selina drinks again) and the slender Shirley, who I was able to chat to while Selina and Tony were engrossed in conversation.
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, June 15, 2008
UGH with John Shepherd, Les Dyos and Andrew Clancy
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House jazz band. This time it was a quintet comprising John Shepherd (trumpet), Leslie Dyos (trombone), Andrew Clancy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (string bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). John, Andrew and Les are pictured. Our favourite numbers were
'Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans' ;
'It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing';
'A Kiss To Build A Dream On;
and 'Bei Mir Bist Du Schön'.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Pete Towndrow back with the Magna Jazz Band
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, for
Brian White's Magna jazz band, with the standard line-up back together, including Pete Towndrow (pictured). All the numbers played were good but we particularly enjoyed:
'Shimmy-Sha-Wabble', which I remember listening to as a teenager;
'Buddy's Habit' from the King Oliver days, reminding me of the hard-core trad fan at school who carved on the underside of his desk lid 'When King Oliver died all jazz died with him';
'Weeping Willow Blues', originally sung by Bessie Smith but we have the Ottilie Patterson version;
Alan Dandy's feature 'Indian Summer', first solo then joined by Rex Bennett on drums;
and, best of all, Pete Towndrow's feature 'The Bugler's Lament', playing the Cornet like a bugle, i.e. without using the valves. This was the number we heard him playing at the Epsom Jazz Club some years ago, resulting in us trying the Berrylands and now going there every week.
Labels: Jazz
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Mike Piggott / Nils Solberg trio at the Cricks
On Monday evening we saw the
Mike Piggott /
Nils Solberg trio with our favourite bass player, Peter Morgan, at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. Once again this group provided fine swinging jazz with every number enjoyable and superbly played. Picking a favourite number from so many favourites is impossible but we particularly enjoyed;
'Pick Yourself Up, Start All Over Again' (by Jerome Kern, from Swing Time);
'Sweet Georgia Brown';
'Swing 42' by Django Reinhardt;
'I've Got Rhythm';
and, best of all, 'A Kiss To Build a Dream On'.
Axel is still out of the country so he missed a surprise visit from Dawn, blond hair down and wearing a low-cut top.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Ken Reece
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton to see and hear
Brian White's Magna Jazz Band. Special guest was
Ken Reece, pictured playing one of his three Conn Victor cornets, with Richard Lyons and Rex Bennett in the background. Our favourites were:
'The World is Waiting For The Sunrise' without a banjo available as is traditional;
'New Orleans' with a bowed bass solo by Richard Lyons;
'Savoy Blues', featuring an unusual bluesy keyboard solo from Alan Dandy;
'Alice Blue Gown' with Ken playing the verse alone at the beginning;
Alan's requested feature 'Sleepy Time Down South'.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, June 02, 2008
UGH with Dave Cox and Caroline
On Sunday evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocal), Dave Cox (tenor sax, clarinet, pictured), Caroline (keyboard, pictured), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers were:
'Autumn Leaves';
'S'wonderful';
and best of all
Daves's feature 'Blue Bossa'.
During the break Colin Lewry played keyboard.
The first group of guests were John Shepherd (trumpet), Phil Brown (trombone) and Aileen May (bass) playing 'Rosetta' and 'Strike Up the Band'.
The second group of guests were Roland (tenor sax) and Peter Tallent (trombone), playing 'Georgia on my Mind' and 'Bye Bye Blackbird'.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, May 29, 2008
King Jazz with Goff Dubber
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. On this occasion Brian was joined by Goff Dubber, playing Soprano Saxophone for a King Jazz session as a tribute to the Mezz Mezzrow / Sidney Bechet quintet. The photograph shows Goff on soprano with Rex Bennet and Richard Lyons in the background. While awaiting the arrival of Goff, Brian was alone in the front line, playing really well, particularly on 'Old Stack 'o Lee Blues'. Alan Dandy produced a great keyboard solo 'Till The Real Thing Comes Along'.
Goff's arrival introduced a string of great numbers:
'Four or Five Times' with Goff vocalising;
'Blame It On The Blues';
'Petite Fleur';
'Really The Blues' with Goff on clarinet;
'Perdido Street Stomp';
and 'Blues and Jung'.
This was our idea of jazz. To add to the pleasure, we won a Robert Johnson CD in the raffle.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, May 26, 2008
Jelly Babies Jazz Band at the Cricks
This evening, as usual, we broke our journey home from Park Farm to eat, drink and enjoy jazz at
The Cricketers in Horsell Birch. The band was the
Jelly Babies from Sweden. This is a 9-strong 'Happy Jazz' trad band and was very much appreciated by us and by the rest of the audience that packed the venue. We particularly liked the soprano sax playing Sidney Bechet numbers such as 'Georgia Cabin' and 'Petite Fleur'. Our other favourite numbers were:
'Canal Street Blues', the trombone feature 'Undecided' and the banjo feature 'One Morning in May.
Guests from the audience were Gerry Waters (drums), followed by Bob Dwyer (trombone) and Bill Edmonds (trumpet).
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Paul Sealey
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. In the absence of Alan Dandy, the special guest was Paul Sealey (pictured) on guitar and banjo.
Our favourite numbers were:
'Melancholy Blues';
'C C Rider';
'Farewell Blues';
and Paul's feature 'Taking a Chance On Love'.
We reminisced that Paul is the only musician we see at our regular haunts who we can watch at home on DVD. This is with the Big Chris Barber Band at a live performance in Germany. Paul is given little opportunity to show what he can do.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Brian White and his Magna jazz band at the Berrylands
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, for
Brian White's Magna jazz band, with the standard line-up. The numbers of particular note were:
'Chloe', with a bungled start due to one musician misinforming another as to the first note;
A beautiful version of 'Lonesome Road' with great solos from Clarinet, cornet, trombone and keyboard;
George Gershwin's 'The Man I Love', played as a fine solo feature by Alan Dandy (keyboard), joined at the end by Rex Bennett on drums (both pictured).
Labels: Jazz
Monday, May 05, 2008
Redwing at the Cricks
This evening, unusually, we went direct from home to
The Cricketers in Horsell Birch. The band was the Redwing, comprising Kevin Scott (leader, banjo, vocals), Bernard Stutt (clarinet), Roy Stokes (trombone, vocal), Roger Sills (Sousaphone) and John Hall (drums). This is a real trad band with a large dose of humour. All the numbers were from the New Orleans period, e.g. 'Flatfoot', 'Gatemouth', etc. or from the Dixieland era, e.g. 'At The Jazz Band Ball', 'Davenport Blues', etc.
We danced to several numbers, including 'Riverside Blues' and 'Careless Love'.
Our favourite vocal was Roy Stokes' 'All of Me' and our favourite instrumental was Bernard's feature 'In The Upper Garden', which was totally new to us.
Funniest moment was when, during 'Big Butter and Egg Man' Kevin sang 'Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Aldi, if you Think Old England's Done'. He obviously reads this weblog. Kevin asked Mary Stokes to take this picture of us.
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, May 04, 2008
UGH with Bernie Holden
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet), Bernie Holden (alto sax, clarinet), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers with these musicians were:
'Black and Blue' and 'If I Could Be With You An Hour Tonight (to which we danced);
Alan Dandy's feature 'In My Solitude'.
Guests were:
Fred Shaw (cornet) with Roy Stokes and Peter Clancy (trombones) playing 'Strutting With Some Barbecue' and 'Old Rocking Chair';
Roland and Trevor (tenor saxes) with Peter Tallent (trombone), playing 'Bye Bye Blackbird' and 'If I Had you'.
Colin Lewry played keyboard in the breaks.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, April 28, 2008
Excel Jazzmen at the Cricks
This evening, as usual, we broke our journey home from Park Farm to eat, drink and enjoy jazz at
The Cricketers in Horsell Birch. The band was the Excel Jazzmen, comprising Tony Karavis (leader, cornet, vocals), Bernie Murtha (clarinet, alto sax, vocals), Colin Kingwell (trombone), Terry Twiss (banjo, vocals), Mike Broad (bass) and Ian Parry (drums). This is a straight trad band, its best features being the vocals by Bernie and Terry.
Bernie sang 'Short Dress Gal', Selina's signature tune;
We danced to Terry's vocals 'Hesitating Blues', 'It's No Secret' and 'Crying In The Rain'.
Our favourite instrumental numbers were 'Perdido Street Blues' and the now familiar Humph tribute 'Bad Penny Blues', not so good without keyboard.
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, April 27, 2008
UGH with Ivor Elliott and Les Dyos
This 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), Leslie Dyos (trombone), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (string bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Ivor and Les are pictured. Our favourite numbers with the full band were 'Out of Nowhere', 'New Orleans' and, the now expected tribute to the late Humph, 'Bad Penny Blues'.
Ivor's features were 'You've changed', 'Blue and Sentimental' and, duetting with Alan Dandy, 'In My Solitude'. We told Ivor how we always hope he will be at the Europa; he has a style once described by Ken Ames as "honking, stonking, real man's jazz".
The guests were:
John Shepherd (trumpet) and Roy Stokes (trombone) playing 'Indiana' and 'Sunny Side of the Street';
Roland (tenor sax), Peter Clancy & Peter Tallent (trombones) and Aileen May (bass), playing 'All of Me' and 'Georgia'.
Colin Lewry (keyboard) played during the breaks.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Brian White's Magna jazz band at the Berrylands
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, for
Brian White's Magna jazz band, with the standard line-up back together. All the numbers played were good but we particularly enjoyed:
'Weeping Willow Blues';
'Clarinet Marmalade';
Hoagy Carmichael's 'Judy', played as a solo feature by Alan Dandy (pictured);
and
'You Took Advantage of Me', evoking memories of when I was 19 years old and Selina, who I had just met, told me she had a pair of black stockings in her bag.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, April 21, 2008
Panama Cafe Orchestra with John Lawes
This evening we saw the Panama Cafe Orchestra at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The band comprised Dave Lowe (cornet, vocals), Richard White (washboard, cymbal, vocals), Chris Lowe (trombone), John Lawes (clarinet, vocals), Chris Houslander (sousaphone) and Dave Griffiths (banjo).
The pictures show the full band and Dave Griffiths wearing his latest beauty aid, flanked by the great John Lawes and our friend Tony in the forground. Our favourite numbers were:
Hoagy Carmichael's 'New Orleans';
Bix Beiderbecke's 'Davenport Blues';
Jelly Roll Morton's 'Kansas City Stomp';
'Washboard Wiggle';
Kid Ory's 'Savoy Blues';
and, best of all, John's vocal 'Sugar', which he sang looking at Selina (my sugar) as we danced.
At our table were; Alan 'Mr Sherry' Roper (who sounds just like my mother, describing Indian and Chinese food as 'foreign muck'), Brian Hicks (planning to pay a jazz band to perform for him yet refusing to pay entrance fees to gigs) and Rustom Patel (getting ready to display his classic Rolls and Fire Engine at various shows).
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, April 20, 2008
UGH with Mark Aston and Andrew Clancy
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocals), Mark Aston (tenor sax, trombone), Andrew Clancy (keyboard, pictured), Mike Bennett (bass) and Eddie Kettle (drums). Our favourite numbers with these musicians were:
'You Took Advantage of Me' and 'I Want a Little Girl', to which we danced;
'September in the Rain', played too fast for dancing;
'Everybody loves My Baby';
'Whispering'.
Guests, prior to our early departure, were:
John Shepherd (trumpet) and Colin Kingwell (trombone) with Mark playing 'Exactly Like You' and 'Breeze'.
During the breaks Colin Lewry played keyboard.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Brian White's Magna jazz band at the Berrylands
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, for
Brian White's Magna jazz band, with the standard line-up back together. Selina is pictured wearing the 'little black dress' among some of the instruments.
We particularly enjoyed:
Brian's vocal 'Who's Sorry Now';
'Nagasaki', pity there was no vocal;
'Misty Morning', just learnt by Pete Towndrow but sounded as if he had been playing it for years;
'Perdido Street Blues'
and Alan Dandy's feature 'Memories of You', dedicated to Dick Charlesworth, who died this week. We will all remember Dick for his dry humour as much as his jazz.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, April 14, 2008
Geoff Cole's Red Hot Five at the Cricks
This evening at The Cricketers in Horsell Birch we saw Geoff Cole's Red Hot Five, comprising Geoff Cole (trombone), Tony Pyke (Alto Sax, Clarinet), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Gerry Ingram (string bass) and Colin Miller (drums). Geoff is probably the best trombonist around, with a lovely tone and an encyclopaedic knowledge of jazz.
We particularly enjoyed 'I'll Never Be The Same', 'Lover Come Back To Me', 'Little Girl' and 'Where Are You'.
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, April 13, 2008
UGH with Caroline
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocal), Bernie Holden (alto sax, clarinet), Caroline (keyboard, pictured), Mike Bennett (bass) and Eddie Kettle (drums). Caroline did not know most of the numbers but coped well with the chords in front of her. Our favourite numbers were:
'Bernie's Tune';
'CCC Blues';
Bernie's feature 'All The Things You Are';
'The Preacher'.
During the break Colin Lewry played keyboard.
The first group of guests were John Shepherd (pocket trumpet), Martin Davison (clarinet), Roy Stokes (trombone) and Pat Starr (vocals) playing/singing 'S'wonderful' and 'Exactly Like You' then playing (without Pat) 'There'l never be Another you'.
The second group of guests were Roland and Trevor Dockerill (tenor saxes) with Peter Tallent (trombone), playing 'Georgia on my Mind' and 'Undecided'.
After that we left due to tiredness.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, April 07, 2008
Phil Brown Swingtet at the Cricks
This evening at The Cricketers in Horsell Birch we saw the Phil Brown Swingtet, comprising Phil Brown (trombone), Lester Brown (trumpet, flugel horn), Mark Aston (Tenor Sax, Clarinet), Ken Ames (guitar), Andrew Clancy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (string bass) and David Clancy (drums).
We particularly enjoyed 'Satin Doll', 'Blue and Sentimental' and 'Milneburg Joys'.
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, April 06, 2008
UGH with Dave Allison
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocal), Dave Allison (baritone sax, clarinet, vocal), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers were:
'Drop Me Off in Harlem', to which we danced;
Alan Brock's vocal 'All of Me';
Alan Dandy's feature 'Blame It On My Youth'.
During the break Colin Lewry played keyboard.
Guests were John Shepherd and Colin Kingwell, playing 'I Want a Little Girl' with vocal by Dave Allison and 'Down In Honky-Tonk Town'.
After that we left due to tiredness.
For once we were not the only dancers; a young couple not only danced but bought the band a round of drinks.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Keith Brown
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. Keith Brown (pictured, singing) replaced Rex Bennett on drums.
Our favourite numbers were:
'Pallet on the Floor', Pete Towndrow (cornet) picking it up from listening to the others then playing it perfectly;
'The Old Rugged Cross', the first jazz clarinet number I ever recorded on tape;
Keith's vocal 'Nobody Knows You';
Alan Dandy's fine solo keyboard feature 'Blame It On My Youth' followed by 'I'm Getting Sentimental Over You';
'Saratoga Swing'.
Derek from Oban was back, now working locally.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, March 31, 2008
Apex Jazz Band at the Cricks
This evening 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), Clive Burton (trombone), Terry Twiss (guitar, banjo, vocals), Bert Shipp (bass guitar, vocals) and Ian Parry (drums). The numbers we particularly enjoyed were:
'I've Found a New Baby' with great trombone from Clive;
Terry's vocals with guitar, 'Someday Sweetheart' and 'Breeze';
Bert's vocal 'Making Whoopee';
Clive's feature 'Keeping Out of Mischief Now'.
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, March 30, 2008
UGH with Mike Pointon
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised John Shepherd (trumpet), Mike Pointon (trombone, vocal), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers were:
'Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans', to which we danced;
'Deed I Do';
'Somebody Love's Me' with vocal by Mike Pointon;
and, best of all, Alan's feature 'I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plans'.
During the break Colin Lewry played keyboard.
Labels: Jazz
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Gatsby Jazz Band at the Wych Elm
This evening we went to
The Wych Elm in Elm Road, Kingston Upon Thames, for the monthly performance by the Gatsby Jazz Band. It featured the standard personnel with Bob Dwyer (trombone) arriving late as usual. We note that he is always early when leading his own band.
It is traditional for Selina to perch on a bar stool at this venue but comfort ruled from the start so we joined Peter Winn's friend David and another Peter at a table with chairs.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Magna Jazz Band at the Berrylands
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, for
Brian White's Magna jazz band, with the standard line-up back together.
We particularly enjoyed:
'Wabash blues', 'Far Away Blues', 'A Kiss to Build a Dream On' and Alan Dandy's feature 'A Ghost Of a Chance' but best of all was his duet with Pete Towndrow on 'Bad Penny Blues' as pictured.
Labels: Jazz
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Bob Dwyer's Hot Six at the Cricks
On Monday night we saw Bob Dwyer's Hot Six at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. This was the hot seven minus drums, comprising Bob Dwyer (trombone, vocals), Bill Edmonds (trumpet), John Bain (clarinet, alto sax, bass sax), Hugh Crozier (keyboard), Peter Clancy (string bass and Sousaphone) and Nick Singer (banjo, vocals). The enjoyed every number but those we liked best were:
'Potato Head Blues';
'Melancholy Blues' and 'Snag It' both with vocal by Nick;
'West End Blues';
and best of all, our favourite Jelly Roll Morton composition 'Sidewalk Blues' with Bill making a good job of the George Mitchell part.
The other photographs show:
Axel with Dawn, our favourite member of the Cricks staff;
Us dancing and close up, photography by George Eatwell.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Les Dyos
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band performs every week. On this occasion guest trombonist was Leslie Dyos (pictured). Our favourite numbers were:
'Am I Blue' with vocal by Pete Towndrow;
'Putting On The Ritz' with Brian White (clarinet) duetting with Rex Bennett (drums);
Pete Towndrow's speciality 'The Bugler's Lament' without using the valves on his cornet;
Alan Dandy's keyboard feature 'Grandpa Spells'.
Marian and Leon joined us for the evening and seemed to enjoy it enormously.
Labels: Jazz
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Panama Cafe Orchestra with Graham Collicott
On Monday evening we saw the Panama Cafe Orchestra at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The band comprised Dave Lowe (cornet, vocals), Richard White (clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax, vocals), Chris Lowe (trombone, vocals), Graham Collicott (drums, pictured), Chris Houslander (sousaphone) and Dave Griffiths (banjo).
Our favourites were:
'Savoy Blues';
'Mississippi Mud';
'Cloudy' and 'Tea For Two', to both of which we danced;
and best of all 'Shimmy-Sha-Wabble'.
Axel telephoned to say he would not make it but we still had a good crowd at our table:
Alan 'Mr Sherry' Roper with all the latest jazz news;
Tony from the Berrylands, who was very quick to pick up on my financial sublety;
George Eatwell, eating well as always;
George's son Philip who kissed Selina and said she was gorgeous !
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Urban Gin House Band with Mark Aston & Roger Limb
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocals), Mark Aston (alto sax, clarinet, pictured), Roger Limb (keyboard, pictured), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers with these musicians were:
'Someday Sweetheart' and 'I Can't Get Started', to which we danced and, best of all, Mark's feature 'Wave' from the Bossa Nova era.
Guests were:
Fred Shaw (cornet), Trevor Dockerill (tenor sax), Roy Stokes (trombone) and Aileen May (string bass) playing 'Beale Street Blues' and 'Sugar';
'Peter Clancy' (trombone) and Roland (tenor sax) playing 'undecided' and 'Careless Love'.
During the breaks Colin Lewry played keyboard.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Brian White's Magna jazz band at the Berrylands
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, for
Brian White's Magna jazz band, with the standard line-up back together. The picture shows Brian singing to the usual mixture of barracking and standing ovation.
Our favourites from the excellent list of numbers were:
'Little Girl' with Alan Dandy switching his keyboard from piano mode to vibes mode half way through;
'Up a Lazy River' with Pete Towndrow using the plunger mute to good effect;
'Weeping Willow Blues, not to be confused with 'Willow Weep For Me';
Alan Dandy's sophisticated keyboard version of 'What'll I Do';
'Autumn Leaves';
and finishing with Pete's request for 'Clarinet Marmalade'.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, March 10, 2008
Chris Lowe quartet at the Cricks
This evening we went to
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking to see a quartet comprising Chris Lowe (trombone), Alan Barnes (alto Sax, clarinet), Richard White (bass saxophone) and Martin Wheatley (acoustic guitar, vocal). These are four great jazz musicians, of which Alan is by far the best-known, having played all the jazz styles with many bands. Chris is well-known to readers of this weblog for his performances on either trombone or drums with the Panama Cafe orchestra. Richard White handles the apparently cumbersome bass saxophone as if it is a much faster-responding instrument, using it for a solo section in every number. Martin amazed the audience with what he can produce from a small acoustic guitar. A good performance; pity that there was not a very large crowd, particularly at the end. Our favourites were:
'If I Had You';
'Limehouse Blues';
'All God's Children Got Rhythm';
'Polka Dots and Moonbeams';
and best of all, Martin's vocal (great jazz voice) 'My Buddy'.
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Urban Gin House with Bernie Holden
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet), Bernie Holden (alto sax, clarinet, pictured), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (bass) and Eddie Kettle (drums). Our favourite numbers with these musicians were:
'You've Changed';
'Bernie's Tune';
Bernie's feature 'Wave', played in latin style;
and Alan Dandy's solo feature 'My Romance'.
Guests were:
Fred Shaw (cornet) and Roy Stokes (trombone) with 'My Monday Date' and 'Up a Lazy River';
Roland (tenor sax) with Roy, playing 'Undecided' and 'Careless Love'.
Colin Lewry played keyboard in the breaks.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, March 03, 2008
Phil Brown Swingtet with three Clancys
This evening at The Cricketers in Horsell Birch we saw the Phil Brown Swingtet, comprising Phil Brown (trombone), Lester Brown (trumpet, flugel horn), Mark Aston (Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Clarinet), Ken Ames (guitar), Andrew Clancy (back on keyboard, pictured), Peter Clancy (string bass, pictured with Ken) and David Clancy (drums). Our favourite numbers were:
Harry (Sweets) Edison's 'Centrepiece';
'My Funny Valentine', a number we never liked until recently;
Stan Greig's 'Front Seat Driver';
'Moten Swing';
'Chimes Blues', mixing the King Oliver and Chris Barber versions;
'Pennies From Heaven', with just the rhythm section;
and, best of all, 'Going Up The River' featuring Phil and Ken.
We shared our table with Axel, George, Brian and Shirley; Gillan sitting just behind me. Axel caused great amusement with his theory that sexual fantasy is better than the real thing. I want both !
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Urban Gin House Band with Phil Brown, Terry Lewis & Roger Limb
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet), Phil Brown (trombone, pictured), Roger Limb (keyboard), Terry Lewis (string bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers with these musicians were:
'Careless Love', to which we danced;
'Ain't Misbehavin';
And 'Perdido', much being made of its English translation 'Lost'.
Guests were:
Fred Shaw (cornet), Roy Stokes (trombone) and Trevor Dockerill (tenor sax) playing 'Smooth One' and 'Rosetta';
Peter Clancy (trombone):
first with Phil Brown playing 'Bye Bye Blackbird';
then with Trevor and Roland (tenor saxes) playing 'Tin Roof Blues' and 'Undecided'.
During the first break we had a fascinating discussion with Roger about Bossa Nova origins and composers. We must nag more to request these great numbers !
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Mike Pointon & John Barnes
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band is resident. There were two deps.; John Barnes (baritone sax, alto sax, clarinet, vocal) and Mike Pointon (slide trombone, vocals, pictured). The band lacked a trumpet/cornet player as Pete Towndrow 'phoned in sick too late for a replacement to be found. Our favourites were:
Mike's vocals 'Yes, Yes in your Eyes', 'Sherry' and 'Gee Baby Ain't I good to You';
John's vocal 'You're a Sweetheart';
and best of all, Alan Dandy's feature on keyboard, 'Sleepy Time Gal'.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, February 25, 2008
Frog Island jazz band at the Cricketers
This evening we saw the
Frog Island Jazz Band at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. Their programme was entirely composed of numbers from the early days of jazz; primarily Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver. Keith Durston (keyboard) plays everything in Morton style. This type of band fills the Cricks to near capacity, with punters fighting for seats.
Our favourite numbers were:
King Oliver's 'Olga', to which we danced;
'Dippermouth Blues' with audience participation for 'Oh play That Thing';
Jelly Roll Morton's 'Kansas City Stomp';
Johnny Dodds' 'Forty and Tight' (with reference to a woman ?);
'Jazzin' Baby's Blues', with which we are unfamiliar.
The photograph manages to squeeze in the whole band, with the heads of Felicity and Gordon in the foreground.
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, February 24, 2008
UGH with Dave Cox and Andy Lawrence
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocals), Dave Cox (tenor sax, clarinet, pictured), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Andy Lawrence (bass, pictured) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers with the base band, to which we danced, were:
'My Romance', and 'Black and Blue'.
Alan Dandy played a fine version of 'Exactly Like You' with just bass and drums, then Colin Lewry played keyboard in the break.
Guests were:
Andrew Clancy (keyboard, warmly welcomed as he was just out of hospital), Aileen May (string bass), Roy Stokes (trombone) and Trevor Dockerill (tenor sax) playing 'Honeysuckle Rose' and 'Undecided';
Peter Clancy (trombone) playing 'Some of These Days' and 'Tishomingo Blues'.
Europa regular Lisa was on top alcohol-fuelled form, laying hands on several men. She even kissed me !
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Magna Jazz at the Berrylands !
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, for
Brian White's Magna jazz band, with the standard line-up back together.
Our favourites from the excellent list of numbers were:
'Marching Through Georgia', with the expressed hope that there were no confederates in the audience;
'Nobody Knows You When You are Down and Out' AKA 'Nobody Knows You When You're Up The Spout';
Jelly Roll Morton's 'Black Bottom Stomp';
Sidney Bechet's 'Dans Les Rues d'Antibe';
and, best of all the keyboard feature by Alan Dandy (just back from holiday, pictured); his own rag/boogie composition 'Down By the River'.
Derek from Oban was back; even his wife Joyce is coming down to do some work in Kingston.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, February 18, 2008
Swingfellows at the Cricks
This evening we saw Swingfellows at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The band comprised Pete Skivington (leader, Bass Guitar), John Barnes (baritone sax, clarinet, vocal), Dave Hewett (slide trombone, baritone horn) and Jim Douglas (guitar). This is a great quartet, three of them being from the Alex Welsh band that we saw every 3 or 4 weeks during the 1960s. Numbers that we loved included 'Singing the Blues';
'At the Jazz Band Ball';
'Black and Blue', to which we danced;
'I believe in Miracles' John Barnes vocal to which we danced again;
Dave Hewett's baritone horn feature 'Have You Met Miss Jones';
and best of all
John Barnes' baritone sax feature 'Stardust'.
We had a very enjoyable meal with Dave and Sylvia Hewett plus our usual dinner companion Axel. Watch this space for news of the April opening of Dave and Sylvia's new jazz club in Warlingham. Dave collects adult cartoons so we are about to send him one. Pity it is not suitable for broadcasting !
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, February 17, 2008
UGH with Mike Byrne, Andy Lawrence and Roger Limb
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocals), Mike Byrne (trombone), Roger Limb (keyboard), Andy Lawrence (bass, pictured with Fred Shaw and Roy Stokes in foreground) and Mike Knipe (drums). The numbers to which we danced were:
'Georgia on my Mind', and 'Basin Street Blues' and we also enjoyed 'The Preacher'.
Guests were:
Bonnie (vocals, pictured) singing 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love', 'Pennies From Heaven', 'Love Me or Leave Me' and 'Cheek to Cheek';
Fred Shaw (cornet), Roy Stokes (trombone) and Trevor Dockerill (tenor sax) playing 'Big Butter and Egg Man' and 'Up a Lazy River' (Fred's vocal).
Colin Lewry played keyboard in the breaks, joined by Roland (tenor sax) for 'Satin Doll' and 'Autumn Leaves'.
Selina told Mary Stokes that I liked to see her in short skirts, whereupon Mary proclaimed me a dirty old man; the ultimate compliment.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with John Barnes, Dave Hewett & John China
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band is resident. There were three deps., all pictured; John Barnes (baritone sax, alto sax, clarinet, vocal), Dave Hewett (slide trombone, baritone horn), John China (keyboard, vocals). Our favourites were:
Peter Winn's request 'You Are So Beautiful', surprising Pete Towndrow, who loves these fine Richard Rodgers numbers;
'Where or When' with John Barnes leading on clarinet;
'Stardust' with John Barnes leading on baritone;
John China's keyboard feature 'Gone With The Wind'
and best of all, Dave Hewett's feature on trombone; 'Dark Eyes'.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, February 11, 2008
Panama Cafe Orchestra with John Lawes
This evening we saw the Panama Cafe Orchestra at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The band comprised Dave Lowe (cornet, vocals), Richard White (washboard, cymbal, vocals), Chris Lowe (trombone), John Lawes (clarinet, vocals), Chris Houslander (sousaphone) and Dave Griffiths (banjo).
Dave Lowe, playing a borrowed cornet, took a while to achieve his normal sweet tone but John Lawes' clarinet and voice were as good as ever. Our favourite numbers were:
Bix Beiderbecke's 'Davenport Blues' to which we danced;
Jelly Roll Morton's 'Kansas City Stomp';
'Canal Street Blues';
John's vocal 'Melancholy Blues' to which we danced;
and, best of all, John's finest vocal 'Black and Blue', another excuse for a dance.
It is interesting to note that most of the nominations and all the dancing were for the blues. They are numbers that allow the musicians and the dancers to explore subtle timing variations.
We had a good crowd at our table; Axel (who said Selina is 'still beautiful'), Alan 'Mr Sherry' Roper (encouraging us to see even more jazz), Tony (who thought the band were poor until they had warmed up) and Don (who says he does not get out much).
Labels: Jazz
Sunday, February 10, 2008
UGH with Les Dyos and Roger Limb
This evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocals), Les Dyos (trombone, pictured), Roger Limb (keyboard), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). The numbers to which we danced were:
'If I had You', 'Someday Sweetheart' and 'Tishomingo Blues', all good for jazz and for dancing.
Alan's excellent vocals were 'Nagasaki' and 'Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave To Me'.
Guests were:
Fred Shaw (cornet), Roy Stokes (trombone) and Trevor Dockerill (clarinet) playing 'Strutting With Some Barbecue' and 'September in the Rain';
Colin Lewry played keyboard in the breaks.
Mary Stokes rearranged the tables as usual, with two seats specially for the lovebirds, i.e. us.
Labels: Jazz
Friday, February 08, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Graham Barton
On Thursday evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band is resident. There was just one dep.; Graham Barton (keyboard, pictured) a fine pianist who, after much nagging, finally gave us a feature number. Our favourites were:
'We Shall Walk Through The Streets Of The City' AKA 'Red River valley';
'C Jam Blues' with Graham playing a very original section in boogie-woogie style;
Graham's feature 'Temptation Rag' showing yet another of his styles;
'Blue Turning Grey';
'Crazy 'bout The Way I Ride', introduced with 'Walk' in place of Ride as usual.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, February 04, 2008
Phil Brown Swingtet with Peter Godfrey
This evening at The Cricketers in Horsell Birch we saw the Phil Brown Swingtet, comprising Phil Brown (trombone), Lester Brown (trumpet, flugel horn), Mark Aston (tenor sax, alto sax), Ken Ames (guitar), Guest Peter Godfrey (keyboard), Mike Bennett (string bass) and David Clancy (drums). Our favourite numbers were:
'The Nearness Of You', a great number for a dance, allowing for momentary timing variations in the same way that it's 'holes' are so good for jazz improvisation;
'Bernie's Tune', interesting to compare with the Urban Gin House version; and 'Sunny Side of the Street' with vocal by Ken Ames (pictured with Mark in the background.
We shared our table with Axel, George and Tony. Comparing opinions on the music was interesting; George was the only one to really like the modern numbers.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Graham Barton
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, where
Brian White's Magna jazz band is resident. There was just one dep.; Graham Barton (keyboard, pictured) a fine pianist who, surprisingly, did not give us a feature number. Our favourites were:
'Isle of Capri', according to Estelle AKA 'Pile of Debris' (Twas on a pile of debris that I found her);
'Yellow Dog Blues';
'New Orleans' with a bowed bass section from Richard Lyons;
The finale 'I've found a New Baby'.
Labels: Jazz
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Apex Jazz Band with dancing
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), Clive Burton (trombone), Terry Twiss (guitar, banjo, vocals), Bert Shipp (bass guitar, vocals) and Ian Parry (drums). The numbers we particularly enjoyed were:
Terry's vocals with guitar, 'True' and 'Breeze';
Peter's feature on a borrowed C Melody saxophone 'Out of Nowhere';
Clive's feature 'After You've Gone'.
Bert was replaced on bass guitar by Mike Bennett for
'I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me' and 'Honeysuckle Rose'
and by Aileen May for 'Memphis Blues' and 'Rosetta'.
The pictures show the full band and Selina and I dancing (taken by either George or Axel, who both played with my camera).
Labels: Jazz
Monday, January 28, 2008
Urban Gin House with Bernie Holden
On Sunday evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocals), Bernie Holden (alto sax, clarinet, pictured), Roger Limb (keyboard), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers with these musicians were:
'Blue Bossa', featuring Bernie because Alan had forgotten it;
'Bernie's Tune.
Guests were:
Fred Shaw (cornet) and John Goddard (trombone) with Bernie for 'Big Butter and Egg Man and an improvised 12 bar blues;
Peter Clancy and Roy Stokes (trombones) with with Alan and Bernie, playing 'September In The Rain' and 'Mood Indigo', to which we danced.
Colin Lewry (pictured) played keyboard in the breaks.
The third picture caught Selina unawares in her shortest skirt.
Labels: Jazz
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Gatsby Jazz Band with Roy Stokes
This 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 Roy Stokes in the foreground, deputising for Bob Dwyer. Our favourite numbers were:
'Girls Go crazy About the Way I Walk', with Alan Jenkins singing the original words 'Girls Go crazy About the Way I Ride' in one chorus;
'King of the Swingers' with Alan doing his Louis Prima 'Jungle Book' voice.
Labels: Jazz
Friday, January 25, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Goff Dubber and Terry Lewis
On Thursday evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, for
Brian White and his Magna jazz band, with guests Goff Dubber (tenor sax, soprano sax and clarinet) and Terry Lewis (bass).
Our favourites from the great selection played were:
'Snag It', with great tenor playing by Goff;
'Really The Blues', featuring a clarinet duet between Brian and Goff;
'The Bugler's Lament', an old favourite of ours featuring Pete Towndrow avoiding the use of the valves on his cornet';
'Ace In The Hole, with vocal by Goff;
Alan Dandy's excellent feature number 'Just Squeeze Me';
and Brian duetting with Goff on soprano playing 'Perdido Street Stomp'.
Another great evening of jazz.
Labels: Jazz
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Rance's Rocking Chair Band at the Cricks
On Monday night we saw Rance's Rocking Chair Band at
the Cricketers in Horsell Birch, Woking. The band comprised Dave Rance (cornet, flugelhorn and vocals), Bryan Webb (trombone and vocals), John Percival (Clarinet, alto sax, musical saw, whistle etc. and jokes), Doug Parry (banjo and guitar), John Bartlett (guitar), Nick Dythan (string bass) and Henry Harrison (drums). This band is well worth seeing for its mix of humour and steady flow of jazz, hardly pausing to draw breath. Our favourites were:
'Saratoga Swing' fearuring the excellent John Bartlett on guitar;
'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' with John Percival on musical saw;
Django Reinhardt's 'Minor Swing' played as a guitar duet (pictured) with just bass and drums;
'Big Noise From Winnetka' played en ensemble rather than as a bass/drums duet;
'Stardust' featuring Dave on flugelhorn with the rhythm section.
Roy Stokes (trombone) joined the band for 3 numbers, having played in a band with Dave many years earlier.
We shared our table with George, Brian and new recruit to the Cricks, Tony, yet another jazz fan with a BBC background.
Labels: Jazz
Monday, January 21, 2008
Urban Gin House Band with Mike Byrne
On Sunday evening we went to
The Europa in East Molesey to see the Urban Gin House Band. The line-up comprised Alan Brock (trumpet, vocals), Mike Byrne (trombone, pictured), Alan Dandy (keyboard), Mike Bennett (bass) and Mike Knipe (drums). Our favourite numbers with these musicians were:
'Apex Blues' and 'Blue Monk' (to both of which we danced) and 'Shine'. We also enjoyed Alan Dandy with just bass and drums playing 'In a Sentimental Mood'.
Guests were:
Trevor Dockerill (clarinet, pictured) and Aileen May (bass, pictured) playing 'Rose Room', then with Phil Brown and Mike Byrne (trombones) playing 'The World is Waiting for the Sunrise';
Fred Shaw (cornet) and Audrey Stokes (vocal) with Phil Brown for 'Someday You'll Be Sorry, then with Roy Stokes (trombone) for 'Georgia on my Mind';
Peter Tallent and Roy Stokes (trombones) with Trevor, playing 'Exactly Like You' and 'All of Me';
Audrey with the rhythm section singing 'September in the Rain' and 'I've Got The World on a String'.
Colin Lewry played keyboard in the breaks.
Labels: Jazz
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Magna Jazz Band with Terry Lewis
This evening we went to the
Berrylands Hotel in Surbiton, for
Brian White (pictured) snd his Magna jazz band, with the standard line-up except that Terry Lewis deputised on string bass.
Our favourites from the great selection p
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