Category Archives: Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, Friday, 14th February 2020 being St. Valentine’s Night

It’s MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG who will be entertaining you at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) tomorrow night, Friday, 14th FEBRUARY 2020 – ST. VALENTINE’S NIGHT. 

MIKE BARRY plays trumpet and in his happy band he will have TIM HUSKISSON on reeds, ‘WHISPERING’ MIKE HOLT on trombone (who also sings), JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar, ROGER CURPHY on double bass and PAUL NORMAN on drums.  Last time Mike had his Uptown Band, we were apologising for cancelling the week prior and the fact that we have only had to do so twice in 30years (always due to extreme bad weather) and that was two years ago. Since then, we have cancelled both Januarys and sod’s law, we have had the warmest Januarys – NO SNOW!!!! Anyway, ‘live’ jazz is what we offer, so just in case of snow in February March and April, come and join us for some fun – we do enjoy ourselves.

Neil Osborne has generously given a sponsorship to the Farnborough Jazz Club, so our very special thanks Neil, for your warm-heartedness.

Your hosts, Diane and Keith

 

‘That will cost you a pint Mike’.
Colin Dobson, well known on trumpet with Billy “Wakey, Wakey” Cotton Band) talking to Mike Barry (left) at Farnborough Jazz Club.
26th September 2014
Photo by Mike Witt.

Mike Barry, seen here with his XXL Band 26 September 2014 at Farnborough Jazz Club. Photo by Mike Witt.

Tim Huskisson (clarinet) and Denny Islett (trumpet), two of George Tidiman’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz on 19th December 2014 Club Party Night at Farnborough. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang (Front Line) at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (LtoR) ‘Whispering Mike’ Holt (tmb), Mike Barry (trp),      Goff Dubber (alto sax). Photo by Mike Witt.

Smiley John Stewart on Banjo with Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Roger Curphey plays double bass with Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (just showing John Stewart on banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Paul Norman plays drums for ‘Bill Phelan’s Muscrat Ramblers’ at Farnborough Jazz Club on 27th May 2016.     Photo by Mike Witt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, Friday 21st June 2019

MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG are here tonight, Friday, 22nd June 2019. So get your best bib and tucker on, plus your dance shoes and join us here at our  FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent),  Trumpeter MIKE has got GOFF DUBBER on reeds, ‘WHISPERING’ MIKE HOLT on trombone & vocals, JOHN STEWART’s on banjo & guitar, with ROGER CURPHEY on double bass and GRAHAM COLICOTT on drums.  There you go, what a lovely line-up that is.  I can almost smell the atmosphere already/  Sorry I know I was a bit optimistic with that heatwave I mention last week – some weather forecaster quoted 25degrees somewhere, then we never saw that quoted again , but it certainly looks lovely today, so we may even be able to have the doors open for you tonight.  Lovely…. So come and join us – your hosts Diane and Keith.

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, Friday 28th April 2019

It’s MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG on Friday, 28th April 2019, here at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent),  Trumpeter MIKE will be joined by TONY TEAL on reeds, ‘WHISPERING’ MIKE HOLT on trombone & vocals, JOHN STEWART on banjo & guitar, KEITH DONALD on double bass and BRIAN STAPLEY on drums.   I must mention I actually cut-n-pasted most of the following info about a year ago’s weather, I was apologising then to you all we had cancelling the previous week, having only had to do so twice in about 37years (and always due to extreme bad weather – regarding being snowed out of the club!).  I also said it was quite weird that we had the hottest (probably the longest) summer ever recorded too!  Now here we are a whole year later and to mention how we have had severe weather in this Feb, nearly needing to cancel again due to snow.  Now in recent weeks (and still only in April) isn’t it great we’re enjoying extremely beautiful and hot weather.  Anyway, here comes Mike and the boys – ready to give us a ding-dong again.  I just love this lot’s smiling faces – as well as their choice of tunes.   My apologies, but due to some personal time consuming events – so sorry but photos will have to wait a little longer please, but one day! Your hosts, Diane and Keith

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, Friday 17th August 2018

So Sorry, Life is so hectic – photos to follow (hopefully perhaps this afternoon!!!!!!)

MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG will be playing for you tonight, Friday, 17th August 2018, here at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  Last time Mike’s ‘Uptown’ band was here, he had fallen, and his injuries had meant he was unable to play, but he is back tonight.  Band leader, MIKE will be joined by GOFF DUBBER on reeds, ‘WHISPERING’ MIKE HOLT on trombone & vocals, JOHN SMITH on banjo & guitar, ROGER CURPHY on double bass and GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums.  Also, their last appearance (in March 2018), I was apologising to you all about cancelling the previous week, having only had to do so twice in nearly 30years (and always due to extreme bad weather – being snowed out of the club!).  So quite weird that we have had the hottest (probably the longest) summer ever recorded too aye!  It was nice to see a decent crowd here last week, so please see if you can come again tonight.  By the way, we are offering free entry for 25year-olds and under for a limited period (please bring proof of age, so you don’t make it difficult for me, thanks ).  I promise you wont have to kiss me!

Your hosts, Diane and Keith

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, Friday 9th March 2018

Mike Barry, Band leader & trumpeter singing at Farnborough Jazz Club(Kent) in 2017. Photo by Mike Witt.

Dave Rance on trumpet with his Rockin’ Chair Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 12th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

It’s FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) calling and YIPPEE – WE ARE OPEN TONIGHT, Friday, 9th March 2018 and it’s with MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG. 

Oh dear, I have just heard MIKE has had a nasty fall, badly hurting his knee and sadly will not be with us tonight.  However, he has got hold of band leader &trumpeter DAVE RANCE to take his place.  Dave will have the usual UPTOWN GANG, namely TIM HUSKISSON on reeds, WHISPERING’ MIKE HOLT on trombone (who also sings), JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar, ROGER CURPHY on double bass and GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums.  Thank goodness that very cold spell looks like it has gone and Spring is on its way – those lovely little flowers are appearing.  Don’t you just love this time of year, when we have something to look forward to.  Sorry about cancelling last week, but we have only had to do so twice in nearly 30years (always due to extreme bad weather), not bad aye!  Let’s hope we don’t have to resort to that again this year.  Anyway, we’re sure you will all be back feeling hungry for some jazz and Dave, with Mike’s band, is just what you (and I) need.  Hey, ‘live’ jazz is what we offer, so get down here (or up, depending on where you live!) and join us for that fix.

Your hosts, Diane and Keith

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, Friday 10 March 2017

Mike Barry, band leader, (with Roger Curphey) seen here with his XXL Band 26September2014

 MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG is set to play again for us this Friday, 10th March 2017 here at the Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent).  Band leader, MIKE BARRY, who plays trumpet & sings, has booked GOFF DUBBER on reeds, ‘WHISPERING’ MIKE HOLT on trombone (who also sings), JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar, ROGER CURPHY on double bass and GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums.  I just can’t believe it has been almost a year since this particular band has played for us.  However, don’t forget Mike has four bands who play here, so that is why it doesn’t seem that long ago since we saw ol’ smiley face.  Anyway, I can’t wait to see this band of greats on Friday.  Come and join us, to make it another fabulous fun evening – the weather is on the up, so we expect to see more of you – lighter evenings and all that jazz!

Nothing like ‘live’ jazz,

Diane and Keith

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, 8th April 2016

MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG played on Friday, 8th April 2016 here at the Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent)MIKE BARRY (leader, trumpeter & vocals) had his usual band with him, namely GOFF DUBBER on reeds, WHISPERING’ MIKE HOLT on trombone & vocals, JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar, ROGER CURPHY on double bass and GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums.  The week prior, I advertised the evening by saying Mike is a wonderful band leader and this bunch of guys together will be for great entertainment, of that you can be sure.  They didn’t let me down.  I also said ‘Whispering Mike’ is such a funny guy, so him just on his own, would give you a warm happy glow inside you on leaving the club.   I added that together they would have you in peals of laughter throughout the evening, plus you would certainly love the music they produced!  Again, I wasn’t wrong.  Almost a full house can verify this (nice to see Mary and Bob back from Australia – with Beverley, a pretty young Japanese friend with them).

Mike Barry's Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (LtoR) 'Whispering MIke' Holt (tmb), Mike Barry (trp), Graham Collicotte (drms), Goff Dubber (alto sax), (hidden, Roger Curphey (d.bass), John Stewart (bnjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (LtoR) ‘Whispering MIke’ Holt (tmb), Mike Barry (trp), Graham Collicotte (drms), Goff Dubber (alto sax), (hidden, Roger Curphey (d.bass), John Stuart (bnjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

The band’s repertoire started with a couple of fast numbers and then, my first number to mention (sung by Mike, with Goff on alto sax) is ‘Beale Street Mama’, ‘Louis Armstrong’s version and just such a cool number.

The 'Engine' of Mike Barry's Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club. (LtoR) Graham Collicotte - drums, Roger Curphey, double bass and John Stewart - banjo on 8th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The ‘Engine’ of Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club. (LtoR) Graham Collicotte – drums, Roger Curphey, double bass and John Stuart – banjo on 8th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

They all showed off their ‘stuff’ with my next choice ‘Kid’ Ory’s ‘Creole Song’.  Fabulous solos from everyone, showing that the ‘engine’ doesn’t just drive a band, but can hold their own, when playing solo – luverly!  We chose to dance our ‘Charlton style’ line-dance to Bix Beiderbecke’s ‘Oh Baby’, obviously, I was too busy to make notes – certainly fun for us dancing – ha.

Goff Dubber plays clarinet with Mike Barry's Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (Goff to centre, Mike Barry & Graham Collicotte to left, John Stewart to right.) Photo by Mike Witt.

Goff Dubber plays clarinet with Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (Goff to centre, Mike Barry & Graham Collicotte to left, John Stuart to right.) Photo by Mike Witt.

I loved Goff singing next (in true ‘Louis Armstrong’ style) to ‘Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans’.  They played it beautifully and brought everyone onto the dance floor (such a romantic lot).  Next they played a wonderful rendition of ‘Everybody Loves Friday Night.  Oh what a certainly fun for us dancing – ha.   Oh what a marvelous bit of fun and with everyone in the audience joining in singing at the top of their voices.  Yes, really, oh, what was that?  Yes, you’re right, it was actually ‘Everybody Loves Saturday Night’ – ha.  Then came a brilliant swinging number ‘Clarinet Marmalade’, fabulous.

Mike Barry's Uptown Gang (Front Line) at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (LtoR) 'Whispering MIke' Holt(tmb), Mike Barry (trp), Goff Dubber (alto sax). Photo by Mike Witt.

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang (Front Line) at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (LtoR) ‘Whispering MIke’ Holt(tmb), Mike Barry (trp), Goff Dubber (alto sax). Photo by Mike Witt.

‘Whispering Mike’ had everyone in fits of laughter with his party piece, singing to ‘March Dominique’.  He sings it in pigeon French (complete with beret).  Oh he is wonderful.  I had a hard time finding who wrote this tune, only finding ‘Dominique’- Jeannine Deckers’ (‘Sister Smile’ or ‘The Singing Nun’) tune, not believing it could be this tune, being a Nun.  But if I had listened to it on You Tube, I would have realised it was the same tune.  However, Mike shows his wonderful talent, because he added a New Orleans ‘marching’ touch to it and hence a fantastic result.  His talent didn’t end there, because the following tune was his own composition.  He took the idea from pianists, during the Great Depression of 1929, who (unable to get band work) took individual jobs and to jazz things up, ‘Boogie’ was invented.  Mike wrote this tune and called it ‘Bluin’ the Eighths’ (musicians will understand how and what that means).  I absolutely loved the result and strongly believe Mike should record it – it was super.

Smiley John Stewart on Banjo with Mike Barry's Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Smiley John Stuart on Banjo with Mike Barry’s Uptown by Mike Witt.

Before I mention my last number, I want to point out how most musicians suffer aches and pains in silence, playing their hearts out.  One such person is  John Stewart (capture here by Mike Witt)  was suffering with severe back pain, but this photo doesn’t show a note of this (the only notes he showed were musical ones!).  Well done John.  Plus cannot leave out this photo of our loveable Roger.

Roger Curphey plays double bass with Mike Barry's Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (just showing John Stewart on banjo. Photo by Mike Witt.

Roger Curphey plays double bass with Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang at Farnborough Jazz Club on 8th April 2016. (just showing John Stewart on banjo. Photo by Mike Witt.

They finished up in style with ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ a splendid way to go home – wow!  I need say no more  ……. just brilliant!

Diane and Keith

‘Beale Street Blues’ – W.C. Handy (1916)
‘Bluin’ the Eighth’s’ – Mike Barry (2016)
‘Bourbon Street Parade’ – Paul Barbarin (c. 1953)
‘Clarinet Marmalade’ – Larry Shields & Henry Ragas (1918)
‘Creole Song’ – Edward ‘Kid’ Ory (1944)
‘Dominique’ – Jeannine Deckers [sold 2mil copies] (1961)
‘Do You Know What It means to Miss New Orleans’ – Eddie DeLange (1947)
‘Everybody Loves Saturday Night’ – Nigerian Folk (made famous Aldwyn ‘Kitch’ Roberts (1940’s)
‘Oh Baby’ – (m) Walter Donaldson & Owen Murphy, (l) Buddy DeSylva (1924)

Diane and Keith

WARNING FOR TRAVELLERS

Eight 430-tonne electrical transformers to descend on Dartford Crossing.  Go to ‘Page’ above for more information.

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, 24th April 2015

It was MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG who played again for us on Friday, 24th April 2015 here at the Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). MIKE BARRY (leader, trumpeter & vocals) was joined by GOFF DUBBER on reeds, ‘WHISPERING’ MICK HOLT on trombone & vocals, GRAHAM BARTON on piano, ROGER CURPHY on bass and GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums. They were on top form as ever. It is a great shame, Mike Witt took some photos on a small camera, but none came out successfully, all but one, that is. Quite eggstraordinary really, because Val (behind our bar) brings us wonderful freshly laid eggs and this week, she brought a huge goose egg. I asked Mike to take a picture of it – yes you guessed, this one came out (well it was an egg ha). What is eggtraordinary is the news this morning on BBCTV showed a special pre-historic egg – one of a 500yr old Madagascan elephant bird which is to be auction at Christies – coincidence I know! See it on:

https://youtu.be/6BEQrwPHYDM

Now see Ours:

Photo of Val's special fress goose egg brought in to Farnborough Jazz Club (the night of Mike Barry's Uptown Gang) on 23rd April 2015. We thought it was a wopper!. Photo by Mike Witt.

Photo of Val’s special fresh goose egg brought in to Farnborough Jazz Club (the night of Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang) on 23rd April 2015. We thought it was a wopper!. Photo by Mike Witt.

Back to Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, my first choice of song to mention was sung by Mike, ‘Blow My Baby Back To Me’ and on came the dancers immediately. I jotted down great solo trombone from ‘Whispering’ Mike. Next came Stan Kenton’s hit ‘Harlem Folk Dance’, with absolutely brilliant playing by all of them, in particular, fabulous playing from Roger on bass and Graham (C) on drums. About a dozen of us managed to dance our line-dance to a Latin American rhythm. The tune was ‘Brown Skinned Girl’, great fun, thanks boys, you played it fabulously for us. Then Goff sang ‘Saving All My Love For You’. So many musicians have great jazz voices, as he has. Did you choose to sing this song because of the composer (could he be a relative Goff?) ‘My Monday’s Date’ followed on with Goff on tenor sax and fab bass from Roger (I noticed an interjection from you of ‘Fascinating Rhythm’ – see these little things don’t go unnoticed – ha). Graham was featured next and performed his own Boogie composition (obviously named ‘Graham’s Boogie’) which he played last time they were with us. Mike told me then, Graham composed it that night? Next came ‘Whispering’ Mike, singing (as well as performing a super bit of trombone playing) to ‘Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams’, (a Bing Crosby hit) to which Graham (B) also performed a great piano solo to. We did a second line-dance to ‘I Found A New Baby’, well they were playing it brilliantly.  What happened next, shows how much relaxed fun occurs at jazz evenings. Mike hiccupped at the beginning of his intro with ‘Bugle Boy March’ – hiccupped? Well, he couldn’t get it right and so took a couple of stabs at it, with so much heckling from us audience in his ears. Then after another re-try, got it perfect to a huge cheer – lovely bit of fun – that’s jazz. Mike is back again on 26th June with his Yerba Buena Celebration Band, so put it in your diaries.

Diane & Keith
‘Breeze (Blow My Baby Back To Me)’ – Ballard MacDonald, Joe Goodwin & James F. Hanley (1919)
‘Brown Skinned Girl’ – Harry Belefonte
‘Bugle Boy March’ – Francis Meyers ((1907)
‘Graham’s Boogie’ – Graham Barton (2014)
‘Harlem Folk Dance’ – Stan Kenton (1941)
‘I Found A New Baby’ – Jack Palmer, Spencer Williams (1926)
‘My Monday’s Date’ – (m) Earl Hines, (l) Sid Robin (1928)
‘Saving All My Love For You’ – (m) Michael Masser, (l) Gerry Goffin (1978)
‘Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams’ – (m) Harry Barris, (l) Ted Koehla & Billy Moll (1931)

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, 28th November 2014

With MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 28th November 2014, we had another happy evening. I said last week, they are a very entertaining and relaxed band, with such lovely choices of music to set the dancers going. They didn’t let us down. They looked good, they were so professional and again everyone had smiles of enjoyment on their ‘boat races’.

MIKE BARRY'S UPTOWN BAND seen her at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 28th November 2014. LtoR: MIKE BARRY (leader, trumpeter (& vocals), BRIAN WHITE (clarinet), ‘WHISPERING’ MICK HOLT (trombone& vocals), TREFOR WILLIAM (d.bass), JOHN STEWART (banjo) and GRAHAM COLLICOTT (drums). Photo by Mike Witt

MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 28th November 2014.  MIKE BARRY (leader, trumpeter,  vocals), BRIAN WHITE (clarinet), ‘WHISPERING’ MICK HOLT (trombone& vocals), TREFOR WILLIAMS (d.bass), JOHN STUART (banjo) and GRAHAM COLLICOTT (drums). Photo by Mike Witt

MIKE BARRY (leader, trumpeter & vocals) had booked BRIAN WHITE on clarinet, ‘WHISPERING’ MICK HOLT on trombone & vocals, TREFOR WILLIAMS on bass, JOHN STUART on banjo and GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums. A lovely line-up. They began the evening with ‘River, Stay ‘Way From My Door’ and was sung by Mike, a number recorded by Frank Sinatra, which I loved. Oh yes Mike, don’t worry, I loved you singing it too, ha. They carried on with a foxtrot number ‘I’ve Found A New Baby’, with all of them performing fabulous solos.

 

MIKE BARRY (trumpeter & vocalist) with his Mike Barry's Uptown Gang seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 28th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

MIKE BARRY (trumpeter & vocalist) with his Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 28th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

 

 

TREFOR WILLIAMS (d,bass) with MIKE BARRY'S UPTOWN BAND seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 28th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

TREFOR WILLIAMS (d,bass) with MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 28th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JOHN STEWART on banjo with MIKE BARRY'S UPTOWN GANG at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 28th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

JOHN STUART (banjo) with MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG at  Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK        on 28th November 2014.                Photo by Mike Witt.

GRAHAM COLICOTT (drums) with MIKE BARRY'S UPTOWN BAND seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 28th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

GRAHAM COLLICOTT (drums) with MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 28th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Next came ‘Panama Rag’ famously recorded by the three ‘Bs’ – Barber, Ball and Bilk. This was followed on with ‘Whispering’ Mike who sang, ‘It’s Only A Paper Moon (both Ella and Nat had hits with it). Then Brian, who also has a super jazz voice, sang ‘Buddy Bolden’s Blues (Funky Butt)’ (remember Hugh Laurie sang it?). After a break, they played a lovely fun number called ‘The Yama Yama Man’. I could be wrong, but I don’t recall it being played here before, (I wonder if it influenced the writing of ‘The Yawning Man’ from Tom Thumb? I must show my granddaughter that one). Anyway, it was a Broadway number from a Show ‘The Three Twins’ (an odd title). Again, another number I don’t think has been played for us before, being a Sidney Bechet hit number ‘Blues in Thirds (Caution Blues)’. I loved it.  Of course I just love to hear ‘Whispering’ Mike sing and act the Bing Crosby hit song ‘Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams’, what a star. He then harmonized with Mike, to ‘Down By the Riverside (Study War No More)’, which ended another truly enjoyable evening and can tell you one for your diaries, they will be back on 13th February 2015.

Cheers as always, Diane and Keith.

‘Blues in Thirds (Caution Blues) – Earl Hines (1928)
‘Buddy Bolden’s Blues (Funky Butt)’ – (m) Buddy Bolden (pre 1900?), (l) Jelly Roll Morton (1905?)
‘Down By the Riverside (Study War No More)’ – traditional/Gospel song first published 1918
‘I’ve Found A New Baby’ – Jack Palmer & Spencer Williams (1926)
‘It’s Only A Paper Moon – Harold Arlen, (l) Yip Harburg & Billy Rose (1933)
‘Panama Rag’ –   Charles Seymour (1904)
River, Stay ‘Way From My Door’ (m) Harry Woods, (l) Morton Dixon (1931)
The Yama Yama Man’ – (m) Karl Hoschna, (l) Colin Davies (1908)
‘Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams’ – (m) Harry Barris, (l) Ted Koehla & Billy Moll (1931)

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, 2nd May 2014

MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG was the band here at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on 2nd May 2014 Band leader Mike (trumpet/vocals) had booked GOFF DUBBER on clarinet/saxes/vocals, ‘WHISPERING’ MIKE HOLT on trombone/vocals, GRAHAM BARTON on piano, ROGER CURPHEY on string bass and GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums. The evening was another success, with such songs as Louis Armstrong’s hit number, ‘East Coast Trot’, (they played it up-tempo) and ‘Fidgety Feet’. Keith has an infected toe, so Mike introduced this tune as ‘Fidgety Foot’. It is cheeky subtle one-liners like this that make our evenings at Farnborough. The atmosphere is always fun and the music always professional, with bands like Mike’s. Some of their repertoire included their own version of ‘Isle of Capri’ which was excellent. To follow was the wonderful and unique sounds of ‘Whispering Mike’s vocals with ‘Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams’ (a Bing Crosby hit). ‘Dippermouth Blues’ is a great jazz favourite, with audiences calling out “Oh play that thing”, however, we did our line-dance, so missed that moment of jumping to ones feet at that point. Loved the dancing though, always lots of fun. The next number ‘The Gettysburg Address’ was terrific and must mention impressive drumming by Graham. Mike featured next, accompanied by Roger and Graham with ‘Davenport Blues’. What a beautiful effort too. My last number is ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ and just loved the trio harmonising vocals of both Mikes and Goff. It finished another wonderful evening with everybody leaving wearing huge smiles on their faces and that is what it’s all about, always good jazz.

See you next week.

Diane and Keith

‘Davenport Blues’ – Bix Beiderbecke (1925) – named after his hometown.
‘Dippermouth Blues’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver & Louis Armstrong
‘East Coast Trot’ – Jimmy Blythe (1926) (Johnny Dodds may have co-written)
‘Fidgety Feet’ – Nick LaRocca & Larry Shields (1919)
‘Isle of Capri’ – (m) Wilhelm Grosz (aka Hugh Williams), (l) by Jimmy Kennedy (1934)
‘The Gettysburg Address’ – (m) Peter Morgan Thall (1957), (l) Abraham Lincoln (1863)
‘Bourbon Street Parade’ – Paul Barbarin (c. 1953)
‘Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams’ – (m) Harry Barris, (l) Ted Koehler & Billy Moll (1931)