Category Archives: Mahogany Hall Stompers

Mahogany Hall Stompers, Friday 12th July 2019

 

Barry Crickmore on drums with Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). 12jul2019 Photo by Alan Walker

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough JC Kent (LtoR) Barry Crickmore (drms) Tim Huskisson (cl) Brian Giles (trpt) John Siret (dbass) Southend Bob Albutt (bnjo) 12jul2019. Photo by Alan Walker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) welcomes back the MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS tomorrow night, Friday 12th July 2019.  Band leader and cornet player, BRIAN GILES, will be joined by TIM HUSKISSON playing clarinet & alto sax, with COLIN GRAHAM playing trombone.  The engine boys will be ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALBUTT playing banjo & singing, JOHN SIRET playing double bass and BARRY CRICKMORE playing drums.  I can’t remember how many years we have had Brian with us (way before I had this website).  He is a lovely man and musicians love playing with him, so come along and join us and hear some happy jazz.  We are still enjoying this beautiful weather – can I suggest you come out and savour a lovely warm summer evening with us – perhaps buy yourself a shandy or something – yes, of course we still have our bar!  See you tomorrow night at 8.00pm (till 11.00pm).  Hosted by Diane and Keith PS I had to add this photo of Southend Bob – from 2010, he hasn’t changed much, has he! Actually none of them have from 2015 either.

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club
13Mar2015. (LtoR) Chris Walker (drums),
Tim Huskisson (clarinet), Brian Giles (trumpet)
& ‘Southend Bob’ Allbut (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.
Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent)
20tMay2015. (LtoR) Colin Graham (trombone),
Chris Marchant (drums), Brian Gyles (band leader & trumpeter),
‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo).). Photo by Mike Witt.
‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo & vocals)
of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band
at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK,
on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

John Sirett plays double bass
with George ‘Kid’ Tidiman’s All Stars
at Farnborough Jazz Club 18Sept2015
Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Mahogany Hall Stompers, Friday 19th April 2019

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 13th March 2015. Leader BRIAN GILES (crnet), TIM HUSKISSON (rds), REX O’DELL (trmb&vocs), ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALLBUT (bnjo&vocs), CHRIS MARCHANT (drums) & EDDY JOHNSON (d.bass). Photo by Mike Witt.

The Band leader of MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS is BRIAN GILES.  Brian, who plays cornet, will be back with us Friday 19th April 2019 at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  He has booked TIM HUSKISSON (playing clarinet & alto sax), plus trombonist COLIN GRAHAM, with singer & banjoist ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALBUTT.   The band’s regular drummer, Chris Marchant has found it necessary to give up drumming hopefully not permanently (we wish him and his wife our best wishes and thanks).  Meanwhile, please will you give a great Farnborough welcome to their new permanent drummer, BARRY CRICKMORE, who is to play here for the first time.  Also, whilst Roger Curphey is still under the weather, Brian has been booking ALAN MORGAN to play double bass with the band.  Sorry to be repetitive, but we do expect a great session.  With such a lot of lovely weather recently, you just have-to come out and spend an evening with us – your weekly dose of jazz at Farnborough.  Happy Easter everyone and hey, just because I said no Easter eggs in the next raffle, it’s not true, I lied ha ha – we just cannot let you go without a once-a-year treat – nothing like an Easter egg, is there – aye?  You’ll just have to do an extra lot of dancing tonight in preparation for those lovely luxuriously smooth, magnificent and mouth-watering, self-spoiling, fabulously appetising, delicious, gorgeous sumptuously fresh chocolate Easter eggs – oh hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm wow, my tongue is dribbling.  See you tonight at 8.00pm (till 11.00pm).  Yes, of course we have a bar! Your hosts Diane and Keith

Chris Marchant (drums) & ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo) of Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club, 13Mar2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Alan Morgan plays double bass, seen here as one of Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 12th February 2016, with John Tyson on drums. Photo by Mike Witt.
Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 13th March 2015. (LtoR) Chris Walker (drums), Tim Huskisson (clarinet), Brian Giles (trumpet) & ‘Southend Bob’ Allbut (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.
Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. (LtoR) Colin Graham (trombone), Chris Marchant (drums), Brian Gyles (band leader & trumpeter), ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo).). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mahogany Hall Stompers, 13th July 2018

Brian Gyles, trumpeter and band leader of Mahogany Hall Stompes with Chris Marchant on drums at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. (LtoR) Colin Graham (trombone), Chris Marchant (drums), Brian Gyles (band leader & trumpeter), ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo), tony Teale (clarinet) and not in picture – Roger Curphey (double bass) and Tim Huskisson (piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS will be back with us this Friday 13th July 2018 at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  Band leader, BRIAN GILES, who plays cornet, has om his band the wonderful TIM HUSKISSON (playing reeds), COLIN GRAHAM (playing trombone),with ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALBUTT (playing banjo and singing), CHRIS MARCHANT (playing drums) and ROGER CURPHEY (playing double bass.  These guys will give you some lively, beautiful jazz (from 8:00 till 11pm). Our large car park is free, so don’t stay at home, will you.

After our very disappointing England team’s football demise against Croatia in the FIFA World Cup, many of you will want to put a few pints down you (from our club price Shepherd Neame’s bar, aye.   Music is definitely one way of forgetting your disappointments and so why not come tonight.  It will put you back in a happy mood to get ready to cheer England for a possible chance of the bronze medal against Belgium at 3:00pm on Saturday. 

By the way, congratulations to a wonderful RAF’s 100th anniversary fly-past.  What a magnificent display of precision – well done everyone, we just loved it and made us feel so proud.

‘live music’, as always, hosted by Keith & Diane

Mahogany Hall Stompers, 20th April 2018

 

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. (LtoR) Colin Graham (trombone), Chris Marchant (drums), Brian Gyles (band leader & trumpeter), ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo).). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 13th March 2015. (LtoR) Chris Walker (drums), Tim Huskisson (clarinet), Brian Giles (trumpet) & ‘Southend Bob’ Allbut (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Roger Curphey (Baht-at) on double bass here with his pint. With Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016.                        Photo by Mike Witt.

 

It’s the MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS here this coming Friday 20rd April 2018 at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  Old friend band leader, BRIAN GILES (cornet) will have with him TIM HUSKISSON (reeds) and COLIN GRAHAM (trombone), plus ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALBUTT (banjo and vocals), CHRIS MARCHANT (drums) and ROGER CURPHEY (double bass).  You can expect some dancing music and a happy relaxed evening (music from 8:00 till 11pm), 

Following this lovely warm weather, I expect you have been gardening and will want a nice pint from our Shepherd Neame bar to reward yourselves.  Our large car park is free, so no reason to stay at home.  

Hosting this ‘live music’, as always, will be Keith & Diane

 

Mahogany Hall Stompers, Friday 23rd June 2017

Chris Marchant (drums) & ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo) of Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club, 13Mar2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

We are going to have a lovely little evening here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) with the MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS, being so used to playing for us. They are back this coming Friday 23rd June 2017.   Band leader BRIAN GILES (cornet) has booked JOHN ELLMER on ALL THE reeds, COLIN GRAHAM on trombone, plus ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALBUTT on banjo and vocals (Bob has such a rich baritone voice).  He also has CHRIS MARCHANT on drums and ROGER CURPHEY double bass.  All are welcome here.  We have a Shepherd Neame club bar, with club prices – come and try their new Spitfire lager.  There’s plenty of free parking, so no reason to stay at home.

Especially with Keith and moi (Diane) hosting your evening

Nothing like ‘live’ music.  

P.S.  By the way, don’t forget, we are back at Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Locks Bottom, Kent, (next to Princess Royal  University Hospital) this coming Sunday afternoon (25th June 2017) 3:00 till 6:00pm Our band,‘4-in-a-bar+1’, plays smooth jazz, with our KEITH (GRANT) on drums, JOHN LEE on tenor sax, DAVE BARNES on piano, TIM PHAROAH on doublss and I (DIANE) sing a few songs.  I think my nerves are improving and I hope I am sounding better, so please come along and enjoy the ambience of this sixteenth century pub.  Why not book a Sunday lunch on 01689-852631 (their lovely new chef is great) – food is between 12.30pm-5:30pm.  The Sainsbury’s Superstore car park behind the pub is free on Sundays.

Mahogany Hall Stompers, 20th May 2016

MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS, was our band who entertain us at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) on Friday 20th May 2016.   Band leader, BRIAN GILES (cornet) had a couple of changes to his band, namely TONY TEALE on reeds and COLIN GRAHAM on trombone.  He had his usual ‘engine boys’ – SOUTHEND BOB’ ALBUTT on banjo and vocals, CHRIS MARCHANT on drums and ROGER CURPHEY and double bass.  But we had a lovely extra surprise, because TIM HUSKISSON couldn’t play with the band due to a previous engagement, but which was then cancelled and thus being free, kindly offered to join the band on piano, instead of his usual clarinet with them.  So we had a seven-piece band, which made for some lovely music by these combined musicians.

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. (LtoR) Colin Graham (trombone), Chris Marchant (drums), Brian Gyles (band leader & trumpeter), 'Southend Bob' Albutt (banjo), tony Teale (clarinet) and not in picture - Roger Curphey (double bass) and Tim Huskisson (piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015.    (LtoR) Colin Graham (trombone), Chris Marchant (drums), Brian Gyles (band leader & trumpeter), ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo), Tony Teale (clarinet) and not in picture – Roger Curphey (double bass) and Tim Huskisson (piano).  Photo by Mike Witt.

'Engine' of Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. (LtoR) Roger Curphey (double bass), Tim Huskisson (piano), Chris Marchant (drums) and just out of view) 'Southend Bob' Albutt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

‘Engine’ of Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. (LtoR) Roger Curphey (double bass), Tim Huskisson (piano), Chris Marchant (drums) and just out of view) ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

The first number (aptly chosen) was a ‘Louis’ number, ‘Mahogany Hall Stomp’.  However, with people turning up, I didn’t have time to write any special notes, but I did write all dancers were out on the floor for Bix Beiderbecke’s number, ‘That Dah Dah Strain’.  That was followed by ‘I’ve Gotta Feeling I’m Falling’.  Tony took to tenor sax and what was special, was Brian playing trumpet in a duet with Roger, on double bass (both brilliant).

Tony Teale plays clarinet for Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Teale plays clarinet for Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015.  Photo by Mike Witt.

This was followed by a lovely dancing number, ‘Kid’ Ory’s ‘South’, with super trombone playing from Colin (Tony chose to play clarinet).  I just love Bob’s deep, deep voice and he sang a good old favourite tune next, being ‘There’s An Old Spinning Wheel’, also a lovely tempo for dancing too.  So too the next number ‘Singin’ The Blues, Till My Daddy Comes Home’ – bringing on a lot of dancers, all having fun!

Chris Marchant & 'Southend Bob' Albutt play for Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt

Chris Marchant & ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt play for Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. (LtoR) Band leader Brian Gyles (trumpet), Chris Marchant (drums), Tony Teale (tenor Sax) and 'Southend Bob' Albutt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2015. (LtoR) Band leader Brian Gyles (trumpet), Chris Marchant (drums), Tony Teale (tenor Sax) and ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

Another tune to mention is ‘Pretty Baby’.  We certainly had some pretty music, with some great solos from everyone – especially Tim on piano and Chris on drums plus of course, sung by Bob.  The evening had some pretty special people turning up too, one such family being Colin Dobson, his wife Jo and accompanied by son-in-law, Jim.  So the band played ‘Somebody Stole My Gal’ (sung by Bob) especially in recognition of Colin and his days on trumpet in the ‘Billy Cotton Band Show’.  The number was their signature tune – see ‘You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-mgZm-E8wo   (you can see ten-minutes of one of the shows in 1964).

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2016. (LtoR) Colin Graham (trombone), Tim Huskisson (piano), Brian Gyles (trumpet&band leader), Roger Curphey (double bass) and Tony Teale (clarinet) and not in picture - Chris Marchant (drums) and 'Southend Bob' Albutt (banjo&vocals). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 20th May 2016.(LtoR) Colin Graham (trombone), Tim Huskisson (piano), Brian Gyles (trumpet&band leader), Roger Curphey (double bass) and Tony Teale (clarinet).  Not in picture – Chris Marchant (drums) and ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt   (banjo&vocals). Photo by Mike Witt.

Our other special visitors were Penny (daughter of George Web) and Peter (with friends Valerie and Tony from France) and they all enjoyed dancing, lovely to see them.   I was dancing to the next ‘Copenhagen’, so no little notes, I just enjoyed!   We also had our visiting dancers, Linda and John, who enjoyed (nice to see them as they travel far).  Their closing number was a rip-roaring one to end another happy evening (Keith danced again too – Joyful!) the number – ‘When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam’.       P.S, comment from Mike Witt:  “This band really gelled. Magnifique!. Pix follow”

Diane and Keith

‘Copenhagen’ – Charlie Davis, (l) Walter Melrose (1924)
‘I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling’ – Fats Waller (1929)
‘Mahogany Hall Stomp’ – Spencer Williams (1929)
‘Pretty Baby’ – (m) Tony Jackson (1912) & Egbert Van Alstyne, (l) Gus Kahn (1916)
‘Singin’ The Blues, Till My Daddy Comes Home’ – (m) Con Conrad & J.D. Robinson, (l) Sam M Lewis & Joe Young (1920)
‘Somebody Stole My Gal’ – Leo Wood (1918)
‘South’ – Thamen Hayes & Bennie Moten (1924) (lyrics added later by Ray Charles)
 ‘That Da Da Strain’ – Edgar Dowell (1922)
‘There’s An Old Spinning Wheel’ – Williams J. ‘Billy’ Hill (1930)
‘When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam’ – Irvin Berlin (1912)

Mahogany Hall Stompers, 5th February 2016

Here they are again, MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS.  They have played for us over the many years here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB and they were back again on Friday 5th February 2016.   BRIAN GILES (cornet) had some band changes as Les Hanscombe has retired from playing with them. So the line-up was TIM HUSKISSON playing on reeds, GEORGE ‘Kid’ TIDDIMAN on trombone, joined by ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALBUTT on banjo & vocals, CHRIS MARCHANT on drums and ROGER CURPHEY on double bass.  I said it would be yet another Fantastic Fun Filled Friday at Farnborough!  “Fantastic” – because they played some fantastic numbers.  “Fun” – well of course, to hear ‘Southend Bob’s singing is fun alone.  “Filled” – it was certainly filled with “Farnborough’s” punters, who had all of the afore-mentioned!  This first picture was sent by Mike with the following attached note, Here’s pix of a brilliant band:  I think that one could be captioned “Bah Tat” since Curphey is improperly dressed!”  Just Mike’s humour of course, we all would allow Roger to be dressed in whatever – Oh did I say that?

Mahogany Hall Stompers led by Brian Gyles (trumpet), with Tim Huskisson (clarinet), George 'Kid' Tidiman (trombone & vocals), Roger Curphey (d.bass), Chris Marchant (drums) and 'Southend Bob' Albutt (banjo & vocals). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mahogany Hall Stompers led by Brian Gyles (trumpet), with Tim Huskisson (clarinet), George ‘Kid’ Tidiman (trombone & vocals), Roger Curphey (d.bass), Chris Marchant (drums) and ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt (banjo & vocals). Photo by Mike Witt.

Roger Curphey (Bah Tat) on double bass here with his pint and with Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Roger Curphey (Bah Tat) on double bass here with his pint and with Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

'Southend Bob' Albutt playing banjo with Mahogany Hall Stompes at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

‘Southend Bob’ Albutt playing banjo with Mahogany Hall Stompes at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Front line of Mahogany Hall Stompers. (LtoR) Tim Huskisson (clarinet), Brian Gyles (trumpe & band leadert) and George 'Kid' Tidiman at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Front line of Mahogany Hall Stompers. (LtoR) Tim Huskisson (clarinet), Brian Gyles (trumpe & band leadert) and George ‘Kid’ Tidiman at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Some of the numbers played were different to most we hear each week, such as the first number I noted, ‘Mabel’s Dream’.  I’m not sure I have heard it here before, as with the next number either, ‘Baby Brown’, which was sung by Bob, in his inimitable voice (& humour).  Then came ‘Cushion Feet Stomp’, I had put three ticks against this one, with the fact that Bob sang some scat vocals – fabulous.  Of course, ‘The Girls Go Crazy ‘Bout The Way I Walk’ is good ol’ favourite of most bands and punters alike, especially when sung by our George and of course the  wonderful clarinet sounds from Tim.

 They added another favourite – Jack Teagarden’s ‘I’ve Got The Right to Sing the Blues’, lovely stuff played brilliantly.  They also played a Doris Day hit song, ‘Everywhere You Go (The Sunshine Follows You)’.  Wasn’t she a wonderful singer? – well our Bob sung it with as much aplomb.  Plus he also sang the next – ‘I Aint Gonna Give Nobody None O’ This Jelly Roll’, another great old ‘trad’ number.

Super photo of George 'Kid' Tidiman on trombone with Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

Super photo of George ‘Kid’ Tidiman on trombone with Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Brian Gyles, trumpeter and band leader of Mahogany Hall Stompes with Chris Marchant on drums at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Brian Gyles, trumpeter and band leader of Mahogany Hall Stompes with Chris Marchant on drums at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Chris Marchant on drums and 'Southend Bob' Albutt on banjo with Mahogany Hall Stompes at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Chris Marchant on drums and ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt on banjo with Mahogany Hall Stompes at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

My next choice to mention was ‘Ace In The Hole’ performed superbly, with lovely solos from everyone – a fantastic drum solo by Chris, sung by Bob AND our audience too!  I have to finish, as they did, with that beautiful ‘Louis’ song, ‘What A Wonderful World’.  What with Brian’s trumpet playing and It being sung by our ‘Kid’, it meant we all went home feeling very happy, with that song ringing in our ears.  Thanks boys.

Diane & Keith

‘Ace in the Hole’ – Louis Panico & Elmer Schoebel (1926)
‘Baby Brown’ – Alex Hill (1935) (recorded Fats Waller)
‘Cushion Feet Stomp’ – Clarence Williams & Louis Katzman (1927)
‘Everywhere You Go (The Sunshine Follows You)’ – (m) Larry Shay & Mark Fisher, (l) Joe Goodwyn, (1949)  (a Doris Day song)
‘I Aint Gonna Give Nobody None O’ This Jelly Roll’ – Clarence Williams & Spencer Williams (1919)
‘I’ve Gotta Right To Sing The Blues’ – (m) Harold Arlen, (l) Ted Koehler (1932)
‘Mabel’s Dream’ – Ike Smith (1923) recorded by King Oliver’s Jazz Band
‘The Girls Go Crazy ‘Bout the Way I Walk’ – Kid Ory (1945) disputed earlier by Buddy Bolden (1944?)
‘What a Wonderful World’ – Bob Thiele & George D Weiss (1968)

Mahogany Hall Stompers, 6th November 2015

MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS have been appearing at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on and off for many years now and were back to play again for us on Friday 6th November 2015.   Band leader, BRIAN GILES (cornet) had booked TIM HUSKISSON on reeds, LES HANSCOMBE on trombone & vocals, ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALLBUT on banjo & vocals, CHRIS MARCHANT on drums and DEREK PRING on double bass.  I did tell you this was another line-up who would delight you and they did just that.  Let me tell of some of the wonderful tunes they chose to entertain you with.  One of their first numbers was ‘All the Girls Go Crazy About the Way I Walk’, which certainly put smiles on everyone’s faces.  They followed up with a great dancing tune (of King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band & Louis Armstrong’s fame), namely ‘Buddy’s Habits’, certainly lots of fun.  There was plenty of dancing to ‘Cushion Feet Stomp’, followed by that foot-stomping number of Ken Colyer’s, ‘Postman’s Lament’ (sung by Bob).  What about ‘Hiawatha Rag’ made famous by Acker Bilk and Terry Lightfoot – I must mention that one.  The place was buzzing by that time and Bob, with his rich baritone voice sang ‘I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues’, what a great voice he has.  A few of us had fun with ‘The Charleston’, which is one of the favourite tunes for the gang to perform our ‘Charleston’ style line-dance.  Maybe not all of our audience enjoy us doing it, but they put up with it because everyone who takes part have so much fun (you don’t even need to know how to do it, we just all try – ha!)  The band actually intermingled the tune with ‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’ – which is a number that Keith and I often sing to each other (perhaps just the title line only, ha) I wonder why.  The last number to mention is a good old favourite of many bands who play here, the one I call ‘My Dear Mr Shane’, actually called ‘Bei Mir Bist Du Shon’.  They all played fantastically, but I particularly jotted down that Les was great on trombone and Chris on drums – what a number to end on.  Unfortunately, Mike was away on holiday, so no photos this week.  Sorry Mahogony’s, there will be some next time.  Next week we have Brian Carrick’s Algiers Stompers.

Your hosts,

Diane & Keith

‘All the Girls Go Crazy about the Way I Walk’ – Kid Ory (1945) disputed earlier by Buddy Bolden (1944)?
‘Bei Mir Bist Du Shon’ – (m) Sholom Secunda, (l) Jacob Jacobs (1932). Re-written by Sammy Cahn &Saul Chaplin (1937)
‘Buddy’s Habits’ – Arnet Nelson & Charles T Straight (1923)
‘Cushion Feet Stomp’ – Clarence Williams & Louis Katzman (1927)
‘Hiawatha Rag’ – (m) Chas N Daniels aka Neil Moret (1901), (l) James O’Deo (added 1903)
‘I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues’ – Harold Arlen Ted Koehler (1933)
‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’ – (m) Sam H Sept & Bee Palmer, (l) Sidney Clare (1930)
‘Postman’s Lament’ – Jonny Wiggs (1952/1961?)
‘The Charleston – (m) James P. Johnson, (l) Cecil Mack (1923)

 

Mahogany Hall Stompers, 13th March 2015

MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS entertained us here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday, 13th March 2015 and everyone showed they really enjoyed the music and banter that was created by band leader BRIAN GILES (cornet) and the boys. Brian had booked TIM HUSKISSON on reeds, REX O’DELL on trombone & vocals, ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALLBUT on banjo & vocals, CHRIS MARCHANT on drums and EDDY JOHNSON on double bass. I asked for everyone to come with dance shoes to the fore, for a wonderful evening of happy jazz. Well you judge for yourselves – cos yes, we had fun. For a start, Brian (with his lovely Yorkshire sense of humour and accent, not forgetting his cornet playing) is always a joy and manages to bring a great choice of tunes to play. They don’t often play repeats, unless especially requested to do so, but still managing to choose great favourites.  Their first number, sung by Bob, was ‘Cake Walking Baby’, one loved by most bands and a favourite of dancers too, due to its jaunty tempo.

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 13th March 2015. Leader BRIAN GILES (crnet), TIM HUSKISSON (rds), REX O’DELL (trmb&vocs), ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALLBUT (bnjo&vocs), CHRIS MARCHANT (drums) & EDDY JOHNSON (d.bass). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 13th March 2015. Leader BRIAN GILES (crnet), TIM HUSKISSON (rds), REX O’DELL (trmb&vocs), ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALLBUT (bnjo&vocs), CHRIS MARCHANT (drums) & EDDY JOHNSON (d.bass). Photo by Mike Witt.  (tap on photo to bring up sharp picture)

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 13th March 2015. (LtoR) Chris Walker (drums), Tim Huskisson (clarinet), Brian Giles (trumpet) & 'Southend Bob' Allbut (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club on 13th March 2015. (LtoR) Chris Walker (drums), Tim Huskisson (clarinet), Brian Giles (trumpet) & ‘Southend Bob’ Allbut (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

I’ve got to mention ‘One Sweet Letter From You’, because I jotted down ‘great clarinet playing from Tim’, well he is terrific. My next jotting was Rex singing ‘Everywhere You Go’. Rex is another talent we are lucky to enjoy at Farnborough – am I gushing? Sorry! Well, I can still gush some more, because the next song ‘Just Squeeze Me’, brought on the dancers – in fact the dance floor was packed.  That’s just what I like to see. Rex sang the next number too, ‘You Always Hurt the One You Love’ (I’m sure he never has – he’s too nice – ha). Then we came to the dance floor to enjoy our line-dance to ‘Moose March’, really fabulous. Next came everyone’s favourite by Bob, ‘I Wanna Be A Dog’. He composed his own version and is not allowed to go home now, without singing it for us and yet, still there are people who haven’t heard it – it’s a real fun number.

Chris Marchant (drums) & 'Southend Bob' Albutt (banjo) of Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club, 13Mar2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Chris Marchant (drums) & ‘Southend Bob’ Allbut (banjo) of Mahogany Hall Stompers at Farnborough Jazz Club, 13Mar2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Rex followed on with singing a mixture of ‘The Charleston’ tunes and we loved performing our line dance again to this. Well, it is a great tune for the dance. More and more people are joining in – it’s a little bit of fun, nothing fancy and nothing intricate, just beaming faces from the dancers. I put two big stars against the next song ‘I’ve Got Them Too Good To Be True Blues’, because there were some brilliant solos from everyone. It was strange they played the next number ‘When the Midnight Choo-Choo Leaves for Alabam’, because it was played by last week’s band and I hadn’t written their newsletter, till after this evening. It is always weird like that, just how tunes do follow on by chance, when you think how many millions of popular jazz tunes there are to choose from. But then that is what is wonderful about composers – to think they can still come up with something ‘new’. So please come back for more, won’t you? The Martyn Brothers with their magic are here next Friday AND wowie, don’t get too excited, one of our raffle prizes will be an Easter Egg, now we’re spoiling you – ha.

Keep jazzin’

Diane and Keith

‘Cake Walking Babies’ – Clarence Williams, Henry Troy and Chris Smith (1924)
‘Everywhere You Go’ – (m&l) Larry Shay, Joe Goodwin & Mark Fisher
‘I Wanna Be A Dog’ – Barry Louis Polisar (1979) & re-vamped by ‘Southend Bob’ Allbut
‘I’ve Got Them Feelin’ Too Good Today Blues’ – (m) Mike Stoller, (l) Jerry Leiber (1975)
‘Just Squeeze Me’ – (m) Duke Ellington, (l) Lee Gaines (1941)
‘One Sweet Letter from You’ – (m) Harry Warren, (l) Lew Brown & Sidney Clare (1927)
Moose March’ – Hans P. Flath (1910)
‘The Charleston’ – (m) James P. Johnson, (l) Cecil Mack (1923)
‘When the Midnight Choo-Choo Leaves for Alabam’ – Irvin Berlin (1912)
‘You Always Hurt the One You Love’ – (m) Doris Fisher, (l) Allan Roberts (1944)

Mahogany Hall Stompers, 13/06/2014

MAHOGANY HALL STOMPERS’ entertained us on Friday, 13th June 2014 at the Farnborough Jazz Club. Band leader & trumpeter BRIAN GILES had booked BRIAN WHITE on clarinet, REX ODELL on trombone, FRED ETHERINGTON on banjo, EDDIE JOHNSON on double bass and completing the engine was CHRIS MARCHANT on drums. The World Cup had started and I asked if you could please record it and come to the club – well Keith had to miss it! I promise I wouldn’t divulge the results on the microphone (like I did last time Peter) Oops! Some of you came and what another super evening of music we had. It started with Rex singing (Louis Armstrong style) ‘On the Sunny Side of the Street’. I loved the little bit of fun Rex instilled popping in the line “Rich as Brian Giles” (instead of Rockefeller). They continued with ‘Jazz Me Blues’. I noticed Rex inserting a quote of Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, just great. Then he sang ‘A Kiss to Build a Dream On’. The dance floor became packed – Oh yes, romance is not dead. Another good ol’ trad favourite, ‘Mama’s Gone, Goodbye’ followed in which Eddie gave us a super bass solo.  The whole band made a wonderful job with ‘Tangerine’ sang by Rex (in his own voice!). Brian (W) also has a good jazz voice and sang the next number, ‘Jelly Roll Blues’ (said to be the first jazz number). I must also mention ‘Bei Mir Bist Du Shon’, or as I call it – ‘My Dear Mr Shane’ (I know, no class! Who said that?) It is an often played number as it is such a favourite of many audiences, Mahogany did it justice. Brian played a wonderful intro, Rex sang it and they all played fantastically, with a great solo from Chris. ‘When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam’ was another song sung by Rex and the evening was completed with ‘What a Wonderful World’ with Rex’s brilliant ‘Louis’ imitation again. Oh, another lovely evening.

Diane and Keith, Jazz lovers signing off for another week.

‘A Kiss to Build a Dream On’ – (m) Harry Ruby, (l) Bert Kalmar & Oscar Hammerstein II (1935)
‘Bei Mir Bist Du Shon’ – (m) Sholom Secunda, (l) Jacob Jacobs (1932)
                                 Re-written by Sammy Cahn &Saul Chaplin (1937)
‘Jazz Me Blues’ – Tom Delaney (1921)
‘Jelly Roll Blues’ – ‘Jelly Roll Morton (1910)
‘Mama’s Gone, Goodbye’ – A J Piron & Peter Bocage (1924)
‘On The Sunny Side of the Street’ – (m) Jimmy McHugh, (l) Dorothy Field (1930)
‘Rhapsody in Blue’ – George Gershwin (1924)
‘What a Wonderful World’ – Bob Thiele & George D Weiss (1968)
‘When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam’ – Irvin Berlin (1912)