Isomatic UK Weblog

John Barnes Quartet at the George & Dragon

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:45:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:50:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:32:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:34:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:26:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:48:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:07:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:51:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:48:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:29:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:27:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:29:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 23:12:00 +0000

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.

Wayward at the Elephant & Castle, West Moors

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:05:00 +0000

We visited our local Dorset pub twice today, first to devour steak pie, now home-made, and later to see the group Wayward. It comprises amplified acoustic guitar, electric bass guitar and electric drum kit, with the drummer providing the vocals. At first they attracted no applause due to numbers fading out rather than ending. Once we understood this we led the applause and others followed. Our favourite numbers were:
1) Sunny Afternoon written by The Kinks' chief songwriter Ray Davies. They released it as a single on 3 June 1966 and it went to number 1 on the UK charts on 7 July 1966, remaining there for two weeks. The link is to that version.
2) Angie written primarily by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones and recorded in November and December 1972. The link is to that version.

We danced to three numbers, Selina wearing her little black dress and new black tights, showing off her fabulous legs, easily equal to those of the many mini-skirted young women present. A Canadian guy put his arms around us, saying how great we are.
He wished he had a girlfriend with whom he could dance. I said he should find one. Thinking about it since, there must be thousands of lonely women and an equal number of men moaning about not having one. I say to you all "Log on to the internet dating sites, now !"

Fidelity investments

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:11:00 +0000

Yesterday evening we decided the stock market position was such that we would sell enough investments to pay off our bridging loan, thus allowing us to sell our Guildford house at a more leisurely pace. Of all the financial institutions in which we have invested, Fidelity was the best for good gains over the years and ease of out-of-hours dealing. We sold many, but not all, of our holdings by just selecting them on our personal web pages, clicking SELL and printing pages for faxed signatures. We had completed the deals within an hour. That is what we call service. We have no connection with Fidelity other than as satisfied investors.
We can now continue to have two homes for as long as we like, selling at a good time financially.

John Barnes Quartet at the George & Dragon

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:40:00 +0000

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). Guests were Kim Martine (pictured with John Barnes) and John Lang (trombone). Our favourite numbers were:
1) Too Close For Comfort, written by Jerry Bock, George David Weiss, and Larry Holofcener in 1956 as part of the score for the Broadway musical Mr. Wonderful starring Sammy Davis, Jr. The link is to a vocal by Peggy Lee.
2) Kim's vocal, at my request, the beautiful Close Your Eyes, composed by Bernice Petkere. The link is to a version by the Los Angeles Jazz Quartet.
3) Alan Dandy's feature with Mick, Misty composed by Errol Garner as heard on this link.
4) Alan Dandy's solo feature Snowy Morning Blues composed by James P Johnson. The link is to the Dutch Swing College, a favourite band of our youth.

For the second week in succession John Barnes tried to play the clarinet part of Jelly Roll Morton's Shreveport Stomp in a duet with Alan Dandy, who had no trouble with it. John's struggle was defined by his comment "I would rather have a colostomy". I wonder if he meant coloscopy ?

Porlock Weir

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 19:16:00 +0000

Today we took a nostalgic trip from our Bungalow in Dorset to Porlock Weir in Somerset. We visited many times with a son of 5-10 years but the last time was 30 years ago. It has not changed but we have. The bar where we ate in the past was not good enough for the older fussier Burtons so after a quick browse of its menu we moved to Andrews On The Weir, first picture, a much more up-market eaterie. We had the roast beef with yorkshire puddings (2 each) and a good selection of vegetables. Both red and white wines by the glass were excellent.
We left by ascending Porlock Hill, which now seems very easy in our Suzuki Ignis Sport. In 1967 we tried it in a 1953 Ford Zephyr and broke a leaf in one of the rear springs as we rounded the tightest hairpin. After the hill, we crossed Exmoor via Exford (instantly recognisable) and Dulverton (very different from our memories).
On the way back we passed through Wivelicombe, where I had a few business meetings. I did not recognise this place either. It would be sad if they are all unchanged but we imagine them rose-tinted !

Magna Jazz Band with Ken Reece

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:54:00 +0000

This evening we returned to Brian White's Magna jazz band's new venue, The Manor in Old Malden. We started with a large meal of cod, peas and chips, washed down with a bottle of Californian White Wine.
The new band member is Ken Reece, a regular with Max Collie's Rhythm Aces, on cornet (pictured).
Our favourite numbers were as follows:
1. It's a Sin To Tell a Lie, a 1936 composition by Billy Mayhew, originally introduced by Fats Waller. The link is to the Ink Spots.
2. I Want a Little Girl, written by Murray Mencher and Billy Moll. This link is to the Louis Armstrong version.
3. Alan Dandy's fine solo feature Ethiopia Rag, composed by the Joseph Lamb, the link being to the only version we can find, by Jazzou Jones.

Somebody said "I won't ask you to compare Ken Reece with Chez Chesterman". I replied that it was like comparing chalk with cheese.

John Barnes Quartet at the George & Dragon

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:48:00 +0000

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). Guests were Geoff Cole and John Lang (trombones, pictured). Our favourite numbers were:
1) The Way You Look Tonight, from the 1936 Fred Astaire / Ginger Rogers musical film 'Swing Time', composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Dorothy Fields. The link is to a vocal by Margaret Whiting.
2) Sentimental Journey, composed in 1944 by Les Brown and Ben Homer with lyrics by Bud Green. The link is to a version by Julie London.
3) Alan Dandy's solo, Ethiopia Rag composed by Joseph Lamb. The link is to pianist Jazzou Jones.

I rashly told John Barnes that I only recently discovered that 'I Cover The Waterfront' referred to a reporter, whereas I had assumed it was a prostitute. He immediately went to the microphone and blabbed to the audience, much to Don Cook's amusement. I had my revenge by loudly correcting John when he told the audience that 'The Way You Look Tonight' came from 'Showboat.

Swanage

noreply@blogger.com (Peter) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:04:00 +0000

As it was a sunny and relatively warm day (at last) we drove to Swanage via the Sandbanks chain ferry. Previous visits to the town centre have been disappointing, expensive car parks and poor cafes. Therefore we stopped at the other end of the sea front this time; much better. We parked in the road for free and had hot chocolate on the promenade, very close to the waves. The view can be seen in the picture.
It is great to have a lovely home so close to so many seaside spots.