Lovely pic of John Ellmer on tenor sax at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 19th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

JOHN ELLMER will be playing his soprano sax as magically as ever for us tonight.  That will be here at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB tonight, Friday 20th October 2017.  The rest of this fun filled PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND to join JOHN will be CHARLES SHERWOOD playing clarinet and BILL TODD playing trombone &vocals.  Also ALLAN CLARKE playing drums, DAVE BARNES playing piano & vocals and ROGER CURPHEY playing double bass.   So it would be very silly to miss them.  Therefore, how about joining us at 8:00pm and set yourselves up for a happy weekend of tonight’s jazz memories.  Dave also played piano at our wedding to entertain us all, whilst we were enjoying a drink in the main bar.

Your jazz hosts, 

The Granties

Bill Todd (trb) & Paul Higgs (trp) of Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11th March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Come and say ‘Hi’ to the PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND playing here at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB this Friday 22nd September 2017. You’ll enjoy some pretty fine jazz by some of the best musicians.  You’ve heard of the ‘Man with the Golden Gun’, well we have the ‘Man with the Iridescent Trumpet’, namely PAUL HIGGS.  We  shall also have CHARLES SHERWOOD (clarinet), plus BILL TODD (tromb&vocs). In the engine room, ALLAN CLARKE (drums), DAVE BARNES (piano&vocs) and ROGER CURPHEY (double bass).  Don’t forget, treat yourselves to some great entertainment, with a couple of drinks at a Shepherd Neame bar, nothing but the best here for……
Some ‘live jazz’, (we all help to keep it going!)
Your hosts,
Diane and Keith

P.S.  Why not come and enjoy a great Sunday lunch too (12.30-5:00) at ‘YE OLDE WHYTE LYON’ (tel: 01689-852631) and enjoy an afternoon of Smooth Jazz (3:00-6:00) with ‘4-IN-A-BAR+1’. The music’s free.  Playing are JOHN LEE (sax), TIM HUSKISSON (piano), ROGER CURPHEY (dbass), KEITH GRANT (drums) and Diane (‘+1’) (a few songs). Publican Tim has booked THIS Sunday 24th September 2017 & every last Sunday thereafter. Last time everyone loved the music, with many enjoying the new chef’s Sunday roast. This delightful Shepherd Neame pub (dated 1626) is situated in Locks Bottom, BR6 8NE, next door to Sainsbury’s & PRU Hospital. Sainsbury’ parking has changed on Sundays £2 ‘til 4:00pm (refundable for goods in Sainsbury’s, who close at 4pm) .  There is a walk-thru to pub at far right corner (face Sainsbury’s).  By the way, Shepherd Neame is the oldest brewery in the Country.  That’s why (I’m told) the beers so good.

Not sure what happened here,  but will hopefully look back to see if i can find notes and catch up one day!  (Probably because we got married a few months later!)

Di xx

Allan Clarke of Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band, plays at Farnborough Jazz Club on11 March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND consists of a lovely lot of musicians for your enjoyment, namely super talented guest star MIKE COTTON on trumpet, with sweet playing CHARLES SHERWOOD on clarinet and brill BILL TODD on trombone & vocals, with fabulous drumming man ALLAN CLARKE, plus our super-duper  DAVE BARNES on piano & vocals, with ROGER CURPHEY – I’m not going to say too much about him – he will only get to big for his boots, but he plays double bass and hey I suppose that goes for our big JOHN STEWART – too, he’s on banjo & guitar.  Anyway, we have them here again at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB this Friday 5^th May 2017, so make your way here without fail for this great seven-piece jazz band.  By the by, so sorry I left half-way through last week’s fabulous band from Holland.  It was horrible to hear how absolutely great they were throughout and to have missed out, especially the drum solo. I knew we were to be given that treat.  However, this week, Allan will be terrific too on Friday, he is an amazing drummer as well.  He is a fine teacher (see attached, Allan playing ‘Take Five’ – accompanied by a beautifully elegant Linda King on piano).  Thanks to everybody for taking my place, dealing with the raffle tickets – Steve and Susan on the ‘mike’.  I don’t know exactly what was wrong with me last Friday, just felt very ill, but thanks for the many phone calls/texts enquiring after me and will see you all this Friday.

And certainly with ‘Live’ music, without a doubt

With your hosts, Diane and Keith

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iV3_imxRTP4

P.S.  Our next date at Ye Olde Whyte Lyon will be Sunday, 28th May 2017 (last Sunday of the month) and if you see above title page, please note that Dave Barnes (on here at Farnborough on Friday), will also be playing piano on that Sunday for ‘Dinner Jazz’

Bill Todd, Paul Higgs & Charles Sherwood enjoy playing with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11 March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

It’s our Christmas party-time already, here at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB this Friday 23^rd December 2016.  The PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND will be supplying the music for us.  Those super guys in the band will be PAUL HIGGS on trumpet, CHARLES SHERWOOD on clarinet and BILL TODD on trombone &vocals, plus ALAN CLARKE on drums.  Then there’s DAVE BARNES on piano & vocals, with ROGER CURPHEY on double bass, plus JOHN STEWART on banjo& guitar.  Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to be a member.  Just bring a great big smile with you and a feeling of good cheer to join in the fun.  We will be having a fancy dress evening with no particular theme (although optional of course), a brolly parade and lots of raffle prizes too. The entrance fee is £15.  You can bring your own food – and candelabras if you wish.  Come and join us to some wonderful ‘live’ music.

It will be our last jazz evening of the year, not returning until my birthday celebration on 13th January 2017.  So Keith and I want to thank all the bands who have supported our jazz club over the years.  Also, our lovely bar staff AND to audiences who maintain the lovely atmosphere we have. Here’s wishing you all A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

With much love from your host and hostess

Keith and Diane

(sorry our phone is not receiving calls and yes we have paid the bill – ha!),

Paul Higgs playing his lovely iridescent green trumpet playing for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band here at Farnborough Jazz Club ,2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND (7pce) will be entertaining us again at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday 11^th November 2016.  PAUL HIGGS is back on trumpet, CHARLES SHERWOOD on clarinet, BILL TODD on trombone &vocalss, plus ALAN CLARKE on drums, DAVE BARNES on piano &vocals, ROGER CURPHEY on double bass and JOHN STEWART on banjo& guitar.  You all know these guys are top notch players, so don’t miss this evening – should be a goodern!

So come and join your host and hostess,

Keith and Diane

PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND were on top form at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday 19^th August 2016.  They’re a wonderful 7-pce band who certainly know how to make an evening really sparkle.  Although we love and missed Paul Higgs on trumpet, it was a fantastic surprise to have MIKE BARRY take over on trumpet.  He seemed to play better than ever, perhaps being relaxed, not having to run his own bands (with an ‘s’).  So here are the super musicians we had playing here, giving us a brilliant evening.  As already mentioned, we had MIKE BARRY on trumpet, plus CHARLES SHERWOOD on clarinet, BILL TODD on trombone, ALAN CLARKE on drums, DAVE BARNES on piano, ROGER CURPHEY on double bass and JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar.  I know I always say it, but again, what a wonderful evening of fun jazz.

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band play for Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. (LtoR) John Stuart (banjo), Bill Todd singing (trombone), Alan Clarke (drums), Mike Barry (trumpet), Roger Curphey (double bass), Charles Sherwood (tenor sax) and Dave Barnes (piano). Photo by Mike Witt. (wedding next day-hence decorations)

‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ was their starter for ten.  Everyone taking brilliant solos – certainly a great number to greet people arriving with.  Two people who had arrived out of the blue, were the lovely dancing couple, Linda and John, who travel, I believer from Hastings to get to us, got up to the very next number,  ‘Dr Jazz’, what a great beginning, with the band giving wonderful solos everywhere again.

‘Front liners’ for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band. Seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. (LtoR) Bill Todd (trombone), Mike Barry (trumpet) and Charles Sherwood (tenor sax ), plus Roger Curphey (double bass). Photo by Mike Witt.

John Stuart, playing guitar for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Stuart, playing banjo for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

My next choice to relate to you was their lovely version of ‘Chinatown, My Chinatown’, with their fantastic Chinese intimations (the only thing missing for me was ‘Ying tong, Ying tong’ etc,) – great drum solo from Alan.  Then Bill sang ‘Rockin’ Chair’.  I do love that Hoagy Carmichael song.

Hoagy Carmichael circa 1927-1930

Hoagy Carmichael circa 1953

Then it was Dave’s turn to sing and he chose to do ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love Baby’, with the ‘front line’ singing ‘Shuby Duby’, ha.  Wow did they boom out the next number brilliantly too – ‘That’s A Plenty’.  Where do they get their energies from?

Dave Barnes seen here playing piano for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Charles Sherwood seen here featured playing clarinet to ‘Petite Fleur’, with Dave Barnes on piano for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The tune that followed was a feature one for Charles, who excelled himself with ‘Petite Fleur’.  He has mastered his clarinet to a beautiful level, so a joy to listen to.  The next number that I love, ‘Someday, You’ll Be Sorry’ is one that Keith and I sing to one-another (a lot) in unison (for obvious reasons, so have to mention it) ha.  Plus their last one was ‘Bourbon Street Parade’, Oh yeah.  Wonderful!  Another lovely dancing great.  So if you missed the evening … and many of you did, due to your holidays (yuk – all coming back rusty looking), this is what you missed … Mike was great with these guys, being so relaxed and obviously old muckers too.  Anyway, hopefully we will see you all back soon.

Bill Todd takes a solo for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. (LtoR) John Stuart (banjo), Bill Todd (trombone) and Alan Clarke (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Charles Sherwood again, but this time, on tenor sax, with Dave Barnes on piano, playing for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here’s Charles Sherwood playing alto sax for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Diane and Keith

‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ – (m) Nick LaRocca, Larry Shields (1917) (l’s added 1950 by Johnny Mercer)

‘Bourbon Street Parade’ – Paul Barbarin (c. 1953)

‘Chinatown, My Chinatown’ – (m) Jean Schwartz, (l) William Jerome (1910)

‘Doctor Jazz’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver & Walter Melrose (1926)

‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby’ – (m) Jimmy McHugh, (l) Dorothy Field (1928)

‘Petite Fleur’ – Sidney Bechet (1952)

‘Rockin’ Chair’ – Hoagy Carmichael (1929/30)

‘Someday, You’ll Be Sorry’ – Louis Armstrong (1947)

‘That’s A Plenty’ – (m) Lew Pollack (1914), (l) Ray Gilbert (decades later – anyone know the year please?)

PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND gave us a terrific time here at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday 11^th March 2016.

Paul Higgs & Charles Sherwood with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11th March 2016. Robin Coombs and Pauline watch on. Photo by Mike Witt.

They’re a wonderful 7-pce band who certainly know how to enjoy themselves and so always ensures we do too – a brilliant evening.  We had the usual musicians,  PAUL HIGGS on trumpet, CHARLES SHERWOOD on clarinet, BILL TODD on trombone, ALAN CLARKE on drums, DAVE BARNES on piano, ROGER CURPHEY on double bass and JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar.  Robin and Pauline were in the audience and I know he was really proud of his band.

Dave Barnes of Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band, plays at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11th March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Their repertoire had such numbers as ‘Pennies From Heaven’ sung by Dave.  [This Bing Crosbie number has an historic ‘first’, being recorded twice by Frank Sinatra and has been recorded by dozens of top stars since 1936, until present day!]  Paul gave a fabulous rendition of ‘Cornet Chop Suet’ – great finger-tapping from Dave on piano too.  Of course the same happened with ‘Big Butter and Egg Man’ – everyone excelled.

John Stuart of Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band playing at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11th March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Then John played a super guitar solo in ‘You Took Advantage of Me’, a lovely Rosemary Clooney number.  And what about ‘South Rampart Street Parade’, brilliant – we (nine of us – not bad considering several of our usual people were away at jazz festivals) got up for a line-dance.  Quite a fast number for us, especially with Alan’s drum solo, and the number lasted a long time too! Phew.

Bill Todd (trb) & Paul Higgs (trp) of Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11th March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

Bill Todd, Paul Higgs & Charles Sherwood enjoy playing with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11 March 2016.. Photo by Mike Witt.

Charles Sherwood (reeds) of Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band plays sax at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11th March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club with (LtoR)(hidden-John Stuart (bnj), Bill Todd (trb), (hidden Alan Clake (drms), Paul Higgs (trp), (hidden Roger Curphey (d.bass) Charles Sherwood (rds) & Dave Barnes (pno). 11th March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Now the next number had a wonderful intro from Paul and Dave to one of the most beautiful of songs ’Stardust’.  Charles played a lovely bit of sax, as did Bill on trombone and John on guitar.  I love the calypso, played next ‘On a Coconut Island’, it’s a lovely one to dance to.  They also played John Williams’ ‘Cantina Band’, played last time they were here and I requested they play it again.  Last time it had a Charleston thread, this time with a ‘Black Bottom’ thread (if I know what I mean – ha).

Roger Curphey (double bass) of Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Club plays a strong part of the ‘engine’ at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11th March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Alan Clarke of Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band, plays great drums at Farnborough Jazz Club on 11th March 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

My last number to mention was played by the ‘engine’ only, very impressive and that was ‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’.  There were many great numbers and this all made up for a marvellous evening.  I told you they could follow on from the fantastic evening produced the week before – thanks boys for another exciting evening of ‘Live’ jazz.

Diane and Keith

‘Big Butter and Egg Man’ – Percy Venable (1926)

‘Cantina Band’ – John Williams (1977)

‘Cornet Chop Suet’ – Louis Armstrong (1926)

‘On a Coconut Island’ – Robert Alexander Anderson (1936)

‘Pennies From Heaven’ – (m) Athur Johnston, (l) Johnny Burke (1936)

‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’ – (m) Sam H Sept & Bee Palmer, (l) Sidney Clare (1930)

‘South Rampart Street Parade’ – (m) Ray Bauduc & Bobby Haggart (1938), (l) Steve Allen (circa 1950)

‘Stardust’ – (m) Hoagy Carmichael (1927), (l) Mitchell Parish (with Hoagy) (1929)

‘You Took Advantage of Me’ – (m) Richard Rodgers, (l) Lorenz Hart (1928)

The PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND were here again on 22^nd January 2016 at Farnborough Jazz Club.  As you must know by now, ROBIN COOMBS is recovering from a serious illness, so  drummer, ALAN CLARKE. is running the band in his absence.  Of course, we all wish Robin well and he has promised that he and Pauline will join our audience as much as possible.  Alan booked the usual guys, namely PAUL HIGGS on trumpet, BILL TODD on trombone, DAVE BARNES on piano, ROGER CURPHEY on double bass, JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar and CHARLES SHERWOOD again stepped in for Robin, on clarinet.  Together, they all had the place buzzing.  Charles sounded wonderful, not easy to take over from a band leader and a friend to boot, when that person has been so ill – I would think it makes you feel horrible.  However, second time round, Charles relaxed, like the pro’ he is.

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 22nd Jjanuary 2016. ( LtoR) John Stuart (banjo), Bill Todd (trombone), Alan Clarke (drums), Paul Higgs (trumpet), Roger Curphey (d.bass), Charles Sherwood (reeds) & Dave Barnes (piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

They began with ‘Hindustan’, a great ol’ favourite and straight away set the pace for the evening.  Then what about their next number, ‘Darktown Strutter’s Ball’?  That certainly takes one back to early dancing days – doesn’t it?

Drummer Alan Clarke with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club on 22nd January 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Now, I missed the next number (probably someone arrived), but I caught the band laughing about how Alan didn’t get his drum solo when he should have.  So they dedicated the next one to him, namely ‘Cute’.  Of course he got all the drum-breaks he could want – ha.  Don’t you just love musicians’ humour?   Then to rest us dancers (well the musicians too, of course), they changed the tempo and Dave sang ‘Sweet Loraine’.

Pianist Dave Barnes with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club on 22nd January 2016.    Photo by Mike Witt.

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 22nd January 2016. (LtoR) Bill Todd, John Stuart, Paul Higgs, Charles Sherwood & Alan Clarke. Photo by Mike Witt.

Bill Todd on trombone with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 22nd January 2016. (left John Stuart on banjo and right Alan Clarke on drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

John Stuart is featured on banjo  with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band  at Farnborough Jazz Club on 22nd January 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Next came a number that just enticed us up again for a line-dance (no one said a word either, they just looked at one-another and got up!).  The tune was ‘Twelfth Street Rag’ and by coincidence, twelve of us got up.  What a great song, I clearly remember loving this one as a little girl – “do, wacka do, wacka do, wacka do” remember?  Bill sang the next one, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore’ (he’s got a good range) and then John was featured, backed by the rest of the ‘engine’, the song was ‘Honeysuckle Rose’.

Paul Higgs playing his lovely iridescent green trumpet playing for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band here at Farnborough Jazz Club on 22nd January 2016.            Photo by Mike Witt.

Paul is a brilliant trumpeter, but I particularly made a note of Paul’s playing here (with his lovely iridescent green trumpet) and the number was ‘At The Jazz Band Ball’, marvelous.  Plus, everyone had great solos in ‘Struttin’ With Some Barbecue’, absolutely fabulous too.  We had enjoyed the line-dance before, so much, that everyone got up again to ‘Cantina  Band’ with a Charleston thread and if I’ve got that right, it was a number one hit from the ‘Star Wars’ film and written by John Williams. What a fabulous number – they must do it again … please?

What a picture, what a photograph! These two likely lads are Roger Curphey and Paul Higgs seen here with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 22nd January 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Looking forward to their next gig, which is on 11th March 2016. Jazz and dancing certainly can chase all the blues away and will warm you up at the same time.  If you missed us this week, then make a point of coming and give us a try.  The music starts at 8:00pm till 11:00pm.  The bar has club prices, with plenty of free car parking and a wonderful friendly atmosphere and entrance is just £10.

‘Live’ music at its best.

Diane and Keith

‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ – (m) Nick LaRocca, Larry Shields (1917) (l’s added 1950 by Johnny Mercer)

‘Cantina Band’ – John Williams (1977)

‘Cute’ – (m) Neil Paul Heifti, (l) Stanley Styne (1958)

‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore’ – (m) Duke Ellington, (l) Bob Russell (1942)

‘Darktown Strutter’s Ball’ – Shelton Brooks (1917)

‘Hindustan’ – (m) Harold Weeks, (l) Oliver G Wallace (1917)

‘Honeysuckle Rose’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Andy Razaf (1928)

‘South Rampart Street Parade’ – (m) Ray Bauduc & Bobby Haggart (1938), (l) Steve Allen (circa 1950)

‘Struttin With Some Barbecue’ – (m) Lillian Hardin & Louis Armstrong, (l) Don Raye (1927)

‘Sweet Lorraine’ – (m) Cliff Burwell, (l) Mitchell Parish (1928)

‘Twelfth Street Rag’ – Euday L. Bowman (1914 (l) James S. Sumner (1919)

PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND played for us at the Farnborough Jazz Club on 23^rd October 2015..  The band is usually led by ROBIN COOMBS, but Robin, who was here tonight (with his wife Pauline) and thankfully recovering from what was a very serious illness (flown home by emergency jet from Cuba).  However, CHARLES SHERWOOD replaced him on clarinet, alto and tenor sax.  PAUL HIGGS was on trumpet, BILL TODD on trombone, DAVE BARNES on piano, ROGER CURPHEY on double bass, JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar and ALAN CLARKE on drums.

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 23rd October 2015. (LtoR) John Stuart (guitar), Bill Todd (trombone) seen singing, Alan Clarke (drums), Paul Todd (trumpet), Roger Curphey (double bass) and Charles Sherwood (tenor sax), (just out of picture is Dave Barnes piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

The band was obviously suffering with shock, yet you would not have guessed by the evening’s entertainment.  ‘Struttin’ With Some Barbecue’ – what a number to start the evening off with – even being a Louis Armstrong hit, Paul was marvellous on trumpeter and certainly entertained us.  The whole band were great, as with their next tune, ‘Wabash Blues’, we had the dancers out in full.  It was such a great jaunty number and mid-tempo, so good fun.  But the next number I will mention was the opposite, being fast number, with no dancers at all, we just listened to their brilliant playing to ‘I Found A New Baby’ – wow, so enjoyable, with a superb drum solo (all brilliant solos actually).

W.C. Handy, known as “Father of the Blues”. Composer of Saint Louis Blues’. Born 16th November 1873 – Died 28th March 1958.

The next tune has quite a story attached to it.  One I’ve already told to you a couple of years ago, but is worth another mention.  It is about Dave, who is somewhat of a composer.

Dave Barnes plays piano for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 23rd October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

A number of years ago, Dave met up with an old friend, Ian Grant, who was the lyricist of ‘Let There Be Love’ (1940).  He showed Dave some lyrics he’d written fifty years before, called ‘We’re Handing it to You Mr Handy, for Handing us the St. Louis Blues’, (referring to W.C. Handy, composer of St. Louis Blues.)  Ian asked Dave if he could put some music to it.  The end result is they played it for us and AGAIN, I wished I had recorded it. It had a lovely beat and certainly packed the dance floor again. I might be back to add a photo of Ian (if Dave can find one).

Charles Sherwood is featured here on clarinet, with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 23rd October 2016. (LtoR) John Stuart (guitar), Alan Clarke (drums), Roger Curphey (double bass), Charles and Dave Barnes (piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

The next one was a special feature for Charles, ‘Strangers On The Shore’ and what a wonderful job he made of it – certainly tons of applause too.  ‘Chinatown, My Chinatown’ is another number I love to hear and they all played terrific solos.  They changed key on their last chorus (and I remember John and Dave somehow played a chimes chorus).

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band play for Farnborough Jazz Club on 23rd October 2015. (LtoR) Bill Todd (trombone), Paul Higgs (trumpet), Alan Clarke (drums), Charles Sherwood (clarinet) and Roger Curphey (double bass). (out of picture-John Stuart (banj&guit) and Dave Barnes (piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

Paul featured next with his lovely iridescence green trumpet and super-duper he was with ‘Stardust’. It is a beautiful song and Paul plays with such feeling, so of course, brilliant to listen to.  We performed our ‘Charleston style line-dance to their next tune, ‘At The Jazz Band Ball’.  Certainly a fast one, so we were quite exhausted at the end, goodness how the musicians felt – ha. My last number to mention is ‘S’Wonderful’.  Charles played tenor sax (such a lovely player), with Dave singing and must mention Alan on drums and our Roger on double bass – they have a lovely rapport.

Bill Todd takes a solo for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 23rd October 2015. (LtoR) Bill Todd (trombone), John Stuart (banjo) & Paul Higgs (trumpet). Photo by Mike Witt.

Charles Sherwood on tenor sax, backed by Roger Curphey on double bass with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 23rd October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

‘Front line’ of Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band are pictured here at Farnborough Jazz Club on 23rd October 2015. (LtoR) Bill Todd (trombone), Paul Higgs (trumpet) and . Charles Sherwood (tenor sax). Founder of the band, Robin Coombs & wife Pauline are enjoying watching.  Photo by Mike Witt.

Just have to finish up, with wishing Robin absolutely everyone’s huge special wishes for his continued recovery and also our thanks for giving us Charles as his replacement.

‘Live’ music’s the best.

Your hosts, Diane and Keith

‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ – (m) Nick LaRocca, Larry Shields (1917) (l’s added 1950 by Johnny Mercer)

‘Chinatown, My Chinatown’ – (m) Jean Schwartz, (l) William Jerome (1910)

‘I Found a New Baby’ – Jack Palmer and Spencer Williams (1926)

‘S’Wonderful’ – (m) George Gershwin, (l) Ira Gershwin (1927)

‘Stardust’ – (m) Hoagy Carmichael (1927), (l) Mitchell Parish & Hoagy (1929)

‘Strangers On the Shore’ – (m) Acker Bilk (1961), (l) Robert Mellin (1962)

‘Strutting With Some Barbeque’ – (m) Lilian Hardin Armstrong, (l) Don Raye (1941)

‘Wabash Blues’ – (m) Isham Jones, (l) Dave Ringle & Fred Meinken (1921)

‘We’re Handing it to You Mr Handy, for handing us the St. Louis Blues’ – (l) Ian Grant (c1940), (m) Dave Barnes (c1985)