Category Archives: Tony Pitt’s All Stars

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday, 25th October 2019

TONY PITT’S ALL STARS will be performing for us again this FRIDAY, 25th October 2019, here at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  TONY, who plays banjo and guitar, has some pretty fabulous musicians joining him again (as always). They will be ALAN GRESTY on trumpet &vocals, TIM HUSSKISON on clarinet &soprano sax, GRAHAM HUGHES on trombone (& possibly vocals), ANDY LAURENCE on double bass and JOHN TYSON on drums. The evening starts at the usual time of 8:00pm, ending at 11:00pm. We have a Shepherd Neame bar at club prices (with Kath and Barb to ‘pour the pints’), plus a dance floor for our dancers (hey, please note ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ lovers, we play the right music here too!!!!).  We only charge £10.  Must mention too, we have free off-road parking.  All are welcome – your hosts, Diane and Keith

Tony Pitt at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) October 25, 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Alan Gresty (trumpet) and Al Nicolls (tenor sax) are driven by John Ellmer on drums with ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

 

 

Tim Huskisson

Graham Hughes (trombone), one of Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Keith’s special birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club, 14th August 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Andy Lawrence plays double bass and John Ellmer plays drums for Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Tyson plays drums for Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, 26th July 2019

The fabulous TONY PITT’S ALL STARS are here tonight, FRIDAY, 26th July 2019, at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  I’ve always said TONY (banjoist/guitarist) brings nothing but the best with him and again, it hasn’t changed.  ALAN GRESTY is on trumpet &vocals, AL NICHOLLS is on soprano &tenor sax, ALISTAIR ALLAN is on trombone, plus  ANDY LAURENCE on double bass and yes, my KEITHIE is playing drums, but don’t let that put you off, he’s promised to try harder and catch his stick – good boy! Thank goodness the weather has cooled down – TONY was playing at Lords in that heat yesterday, so I won’t be wearing a hat tonight (taken it off to him). I had intended having this newsletter done yesterday, but sooooo hot, I was so shaky and couldn’t think straight, so how he and whoever played yesterday managed, well done. One more thing, I think it is a long time since ALISTAIR was here, let’s light up the room with our welcome applause and make him feel at home and if we are lucky, he might do his party piece for us. Join us tonight, your hosts, Diane and Keith. P.S. Sorry no photos, I haven’t time, but if some are done tonight, I will add them in the week.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 9th November 2018

 

Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014 – with Tony pictured. Photo by Mike Wit

When the TONY PITT’S ALL STARS come to play for us, we are always rewarded with their excellent performances … absolute sheer brilliance..  Excitingly, we can tell you they’ll be here again (tonight) FRIDAY, 9th November 2018, here at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent)TONY, who plays banjo, has booked that exciting trombonists – you’ve guessed it, none-other than ROY WILLIAMS.  Roy was voted No.1 jazz trombonist of the year, on four consecutive years during the ‘80s (see newsletter 30/8/2013).  Joining them,  we have ALAN GRESTY on trumpet &vocals, plus AL NICHOLLS on soprano &tenor sax, ANDY LAURENCE on double bass and JOHN TYSON on drums.   You must admit, that is one hell of a line-up, so make sure you don’t miss this evening, starting at 8:00pm.  (Non-members are always welcome).  There is a Shepherd Neame bar and we have free parking.

Your hosts, Diane and Keith

Front line of Tony Pitt’s All Stars Jazz Band, playing for co-promoter, Keith Grant’s birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), Alan Gresty (trumpet), Al Nichols (soprano sax) plus Andy Lawrence behind (d.bass). Photo by Mike Witt (also a b’day boy).

Roy Williams (trmb) and Trevor Evans (bass) with Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What an ‘engine’ aye? Andy Laurence on double bass, John Tyson on drums and the man himself, Tony Pitt on banjo with ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 18th May 2018

Tony Pitt plays banjo as one of Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 12th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 I just love it when TONY PITT’S ALL STARS come to play for us and they are here tonight, FRIDAY, 18th May 2018, at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  TONY (banjoist) always brings nothing but the best with him.  Judge for yourself, how’s this for a brilliant star-spangled bunch of musicians!  ALAN GRESTY on trumpet &vocals, AL NICHOLLS on soprano &tenor sax, GRAHAM HUGHES on trombone &vocals (hope he brings his harmonica too), ANDY LAURENCE on double bass and CHRIS NICHOLS on drums.  I think this is the first time for Chris, so come along with your huge Farnborough welcoming mat to make him feel at home and if you haven’t been to our jazz club before, then Chris will make you feel at home.  I am late again with this newsletter, but must mention last night!  We were invited to Jacquie and David’s new and highly successful ‘Foot Tappers Jazz Club’ at Seasons Restaurant, Knights Garden Centre, Chelsham, Surrey.  They had JJ (Jonathan Vinten Trio) with Bobby Worth and Stevie Thompson, who were superb as expected.  Their guest star was that magical singer, Sara Dowling.  Oh what a knockout she is.  I hate her …. Seriously, she is a delight.  She is a lovely looking young lady with a mind-blowing jazz voice.  Spit, spit, spit!  Keep your eye out for her … she is going places.  Well done Jacquie and David.

From Diane and Keith

P.S.  Just a little brag for Tony, not that he needs it –  but just to let you know that tomorrow, he is playing at Windsor!!  He will be playing in the King Edward Centre with the Silk Street Trio.  He hasn’t a clue how he is going to manage to get there.  Obviously, they won’t be able to go by car with traffic.  Anyway, we must let him leave promptly – no screaming for ‘more’!  He will need to leave early tomorrow morning (and I dont mean from us!) –  Keith said isn’t it nice to play for royalty two days running! Enjoy it Tony.

And….

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Farnborough Jazz Club wish to add to all the worldwide congratulations and huge wishes for a wonderful wedding day to THE happy couple, Meghan and Prince Harry.  Don’t let anything mar your special day.  It is plain for all to see you love each other.  Such an exciting day to look forward to tomorrow.

USA Flag | National Flag of United States of America

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And….

Keith has Chelsea in the Cup Final too – hmmm.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 1st December 2017

Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. (LtoR) John Tyson (drums), Al Nichols (tenor sax) and Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

 

 

Giants Pete Rudeforth (trumpet) and John Tyson (drums play at Farnborough JC, Kent 11sep2015

Dave Hewitt plays baritone horn, with Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough JC, Kent 29may2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Day, double bass (photo from Kenny Ball Junior and his Jazz Band’s website (www.kennyball.co.uk)

We really are thrilled to have TONY PITT’S ALL STARS play for us again, because the musicians Tony gets truly are ‘stars’ in their own right.  They return this FRIDAY, 1st December 2017 at our happy FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) I can’t believe we are already reaching December – when did our ‘summer’ happen?  TONY (banjoist) will have with him this time  PETE RUDEFORTH (trumpet&vocals), DAVE HEWITT (trombone) and AL NICHOLLS (soprano & tenor sax) and JOHN TYSON (drums).  Plus we have JOHN DAY (double bass) who, like Tony and Pete, has played in the Kenny Ball, Acker Bilk and Chris Barber Bands (Tony also played in The Alex Welsh Band).  Tony was here just five weeks ago with a few different stars and what an evening we had then (as he says – hot foot tapping traditional jazz and as I say ‘at its best’ to listen to, or dance to).  I told you they were all top notch guys and to get here early, because we would expect a great turnout.  You did and even with several regulars missing (due to illnesses and late holidays etc.), we still had a fabulous turnout winning evening.  Obviously, with many regulars back, we’ll surely have a mind-blowingly exciting evening again – so come on one and all, join us again – enjoy ….

with your hosts,

Granties Di & Keith

P.S. So sorry I was absent last Friday, without a letter from my mum too.  I know, I always insist one from all of you, but I couldn’t find a pen before rushing off to my brother in A&E.  Keith had a hard evening, coping with many problems.  But cope, he did and was grateful for those of you who helped – thanks everyone.  By the by, thanks to the Premier Inn, off M1’s J9 (next to Harvester) who were so kind to my sister and to me.  If you need to stop anwhere in that area, use them.  The staff were all wonderful, every one of them.

P.P.S.  Also, thanks for not forget our smooth Dinner Jazz gig last Sunday (‘4-IN-A-BAR+1’ at YE OLDE WHYTE LYON, LOCKS BOTTOM, Kent).  It was packed out and it sounds like I wasn’t missed at all, well, apart from driving Keith home, ha ha.  Reminder on that one, we will be back Christmas Eve 3-6pm, for a Special (still free too).   I’ll try harder to learn my words …. hmm.  This Sunday is instead of New Year’s Eve day Sunday, which is the last one in December.

P.P.P.S Our Farnborough Jazz Club’s Christmas party will be £15 entry.

Fancy Dress – Your choice (& optional).

      Final P.P.P.P.S.  DON’T FORGET, WE ARE CLOSED ALL THROUGHOUT JANUARY 2018

(First time in over 25yrs at Farnborough – and before that, never at Badgers Mount Hotel)

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 27th October 2017

Tony Pitt on banjo, Al Nichols on tenor sax, Andy Lawrence on double bass and John Ellmer on drums as part of Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, playing for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016.     Photo by Mike Witt.

Hey Ho, it’s non-other than  TONY PITT’S ALL STARS back again and appearing this FRIDAY, 27th October 2017 at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent).  Band leader TONY (banjoist) has booked stars ALAN GRESTY on trumpet, DAVE HEWITT on trombone and AL NICHOLLS on soprano & tenor sax, plus joining him in engine are ANDY LAWRENCE on double bass and JOHN ELLMER on drums. (See newsletter 28th October 2016). They’re top notch, so get here for 8:00pm kick off.

Plus don’t forget our Sunday gig too, ‘4-IN-A-BAR+1’, who play ‘Smooth Dinner Jazz’ at YE OLDE WHYTE LYON, LOCKS BOTTOM, Kent this SUNDAY, 29TH OCTOBER 2017, 3:00PM-6:00PM,  The musicians playing will be JOHN LEE (tenor), TIM HUSKISSON (piano), ROGER CURPHEY (double bass), with KEITH GRANT (drums) and me (DIANE), singing a few songs.  (Always the last Sunday of each month).  Treat yourself and book a roast lunch (Tel: 01689-852631) served between 12:00 & 5:00pm.  Last time everyone loved the music, with many enjoying the newish 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 Sainsbury’s) with a walk-thru to pub at far right corner (face Sainsbury’s).

Your hosts for this ‘live jazz’

Are the Granties

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 26th May 2017

Tony Pitt’s All Stars (Tony on banjo) at Keith’s special birthday, Farnborough Jazz Club 14th August 2015.    Photo by Mike Witt.

We at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) take tremendous pleasure in telling you we have the very talented  TONY PITT’S ALL STARS back again and appearing this FRIDAY, 26th MAY 2017.  Band leader TONY (banjoist) has SIMON NELSON (cornet & vocals), DAVE HEWITT (trombone) and AL NICHOLLS (soprano & tenor sax), plus ANDY LAWRENCE (double bass) and JOHN ELLMER (drums).    Simon is new to Farnborough, so I looked him up to learn what I could about him and found a write-up about him, having guested with the band ‘Stars of British Jazz’ (www.starsofbritishjazz.com/guest-artistes.html).  Anyway, if you read last October 28th’s newsletter, then you are sure to have enjoyed that evening and will be back again for more of this professional and fun-loving entertainment too.  If you didn’t make it that night, be sure not to miss this one.  We would like a sell-out to show these great stars we love them.  See you for 8:00clock start.

Your hosts for this ‘live jazz’

Diane and Keith

P.S.  Another reminder for you, once again, it is this Sunday, 3:00pm-6:00pm, 28th May 2017 that ‘4-In-A-Bar+1’, who play ‘smooth Dinner Jazz’, are appearing again at Ye Olde Whyte Lyon, Locks Bottom, Kent.  We have a change of musicians (for May and June) and will be John Lee (tenor), Dave Barnes (piano), Tim Pharoah (double bass), with Keith Grant (drums) and Diane, singing a few songs.  (Always the last Sunday of each month).  Why not book a roast lunch (tel: 01689-852631) served between 12:00 & 5:00pm.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 28th October 2016

Tony Pitt at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). Photo by Mike Witt.

TONY PITT’S ALL STARS will be back again here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) on FRIDAY, 28th October 2016.     Band leader TONY (banjoist) has ALAN GRESTY (trumpet/vocals), DAVE HEWITT (trombone), AL NICHOLLS (soprano/tenor sax), plus ANDY LAWRENCE (double bass) and JOHN TYSON (drums).  By the way, Tony doesn’t brag, but has played with the great Alex Welsh Band for many year, then with Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band.  He was also with Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen, plus the fantastic bands of Alan Elsdon, Mike Cotton, Laurie Chescoe, Terry Lightfoot and Phil Mason – quite a C.V. aye?  The guys with him have similarly good résumés, so you know you’ll enjoy this evening.  If you haven’t visited us here  before, get your glad-rags on and join us for a music start of 8:00pm.  We have a friendly atmosphere, dancing, a Shepherd Neame bar with club prices, plus plenty of free parking.

Hosted by Diane and Keith

Here is the video of Tony Pitt’s All Stars taken with Keith tap dancing on his birthday, 12th August 2016.  Click on: 

 https://youtu.be/QjvcJbcwqvA   

Please leave your comments on it as to what you think!  The band were superb.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 12th August 2016

TONY PITT’S ALL STARS came to help us celebrate Keith birthday, here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) on FRIDAY, 12th August 2016.  We were celebrating with a capitol C, as always.   Band leader (and banjoist) TONY had manage to get those fabulous stars (well Tony is an extra special musician), ALAN GRESTY on trumpet &vocals, DAVE HEWITT on trombone, AL NICHOLLS on soprano & tenor sax, ANDY LAWRENCE on double bass and JOHN ELLMER on drums.  What more can I say, but with these fantastic musicians, I told you to expect some humongous fun and that we did!

Tony Pitt's All Stars came to Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), (hidden) Andy Lawrence (double bass), Alan Gresty (trumpet), (hidden) John Ellmer (drums), Al Nichols (tenor sax) and Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars came to Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), (hidden) Andy Lawrence (double bass), Alan Gresty (trumpet), (hidden) John Ellmer (drums), Al Nichols (tenor sax) and Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

With so many photos, I have put them all at the end of the write-up this time.  Now about their first tune, it was Mama’s Gone, Goodbye’ and what a tremendous job they did, especially Al, being it was the first time he had played it – what a pro’ aye.  Then came ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie’ and did they give it their all (I recall Tony played a fabulous solo), especially as it was a hot night).  This was followed on with ‘Pennies From Heaven’ and brought on all the dancers – well, it was very hot evening and this was such a lovely slow number.  I believe Alan sang, although we had so many friends arriving for Keith’s birthday and hadn’t written it down.  Now, my next choice was ‘Carry Me Back to Ol’ Virginie’.  (I recall Tony saying Alan had requested this number be played.)  We did our line-dance to this, although not ideal, plus I had my ankle ‘go’ on me, so had a hard job, but we enjoyed it.   John was brilliant with a great drum solo intro to ‘Hindustan’, a fabulous favourite with so many trad bands.  Next, Tony made an announcement, telling us the next number was dedicated especially to Keith.  It was ‘When I Grow Too Old To Dream’.  Yes, everyone had a laugh at that.  Another tune to mention (written by Lovie Austin, a famous 1920’s band leader ranked alongside Lil Harding Armstrong) was ‘Traveling Blues’.  Al played super tenor sax.  I was so fed up I couldn’t dance, it is such a great one to dance to.  Oh, I must mention ‘Saint Louis Blues’, what a great jazz song and I put several ticks – to make sure I’d mention it.  Wow, they were all excellent, playing – all of them, I mean! Great trumpet, fabulous tenor sax, super trombone (Tony, you surely can pick ‘erm – musicians aye).  Keith got me up to dance, pretty impossible really with my ankle keep ‘giving way’ on me, but Keith ended up dancing a duo with John’s drum solo.  Keith is actually doing his own form of tap dancing (he had impossible shoes on too), but being a drummer, he is wonderful with his footwork.  Everyone thought he was brilliant – the band thought he might have a heart attack at any moment – ha.   (I haven’t told Keith yet, but my son-in-law (Scott) filmed this and hopefully it will look as good as it did on the night.  Scott promised to get it to me soon and I shall put it here for you to see,)  Their last number was Blue, Turning Grey Over You’, which is Tony’s theme song.  Keith joined me on the dance floor – awhh, how romantic again.  You must put Tony’s next date here in your diaries, being Friday, 28th October 2016.

Here is the video of Tony Pitt’s All Stars taken with Keith tap dancing on his birthday, 12th August 2016.  Click on:

https://youtu.be/QjvcJbcwqvA   

Please leave your comments on it as to what you think!  The band were superb.

Your hosts, Diane and ol’ Keith

‘Blue, Turning Grey Over You’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Andy Razaf (1929)
‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me’ – Charles McCarron, Casey Morgan & Arthur Swanstrom (1919)
‘Carry Me Back to Old Virginny’ – James A. Baland (1878) – re-written in 1940, but retired
‘Hindustan’ – (m) Harold Weeks, (l) Oliver G Wallace (1917)
‘Mama’s Gone, Goodbye’ – A J Piron & Peter Bocage (1923)
‘Pennies From Heaven’ (m) Arthur Johnston, (l) Johnny Burke (1936)
‘Saint Louis Blues’ – W.C. Hanley (1914)
‘Traveling Blues’ – Lovie Austin (1924)
‘When I Grow Too Old To Dream’ – (m) Sigmund Romberg, (l) Oscar Hammerstein II (1935)

Andy Lawrence on double bass and John Ellmer on drums of Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, playing for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Andy Lawrence on double bass and John Ellmer on drums of Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, playing for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Andy Lawrence plays double bass and John Ellmer plays drums for Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Andy Lawrence plays double bass and John Ellmer plays drums for Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Dave Hewitt plays trombone, with Alan Gresty on trumpet and Al Nichols on tenor sax, front line of Tony Pitt's All Stars, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Dave Hewitt plays trombone, with Alan Gresty on trumpet and Al Nichols on tenor sax, front line of Tony Pitt’s All Stars, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The 'Engine' of Tony Pitt's All Stars play for Keith Grant's birthday (co-promoter of Farnborough Jazz Club) on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (double bass), John Ellmer (drums) & Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt (also a b'day boy).

The ‘Engine’ of Tony Pitt’s All Stars play for Keith Grant’s birthday (co-promoter of Farnborough Jazz Club) on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (double bass), John Ellmer (drums) & Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt (also a b’day boy).

 

Tony Pitt plays banjo with his own 'Tony Pitt's All Stars and John Ellmer on drums, They were here at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt plays banjo with his own ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars and John Ellmer on drums, They were here at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Andy Lawrence (d'bass) and John Ellmer (drums) play for (jazz co-promoter) Keith Grant's birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club with Tony Pitt's All Stars on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt (also b'day a boy)

Andy Lawrence (d’bass) and John Ellmer (drums) play for co-promoter Keith Grant’s birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club with Tony Pitt’s All Stars on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt (also b’day a boy)

 

Front line of Tony Pitt's All Stars Jazz Band, playing for co-promoter, Keith Grant's birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), Alan Gresty (trumpet), Al Nichols (soprano sax) plus Andy Lawrence behind (d.bass). Photo by Mike Witt (also a b'day boy).

Front line of Tony Pitt’s All Stars Jazz Band, playing for co-promoter, Keith Grant’s birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), Alan Gresty (trumpet), Al Nichols (soprano sax) plus Andy Lawrence behind (d.bass). Photo by Mike Witt (also a b’day boy).

 

My granddaughter Zianna, joins me with the raffle draw at Farnborough Jazz Club with Tony Pitt's All Stars on Keith's birthday, 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt (also a b'day boy)..

My granddaughter Zianna, joins me with the raffle draw at Farnborough Jazz Club with Tony Pitt’s All Stars on Keith’s birthday, 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt (also a b’day boy).

 

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 6th May 2016

TONY PITT’S ALL STARS came to entertain us again at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) on FRIDAY, 6th May 2016 and what entertainment and a half it was!.   Banjoist TONY had his great friends with him, being  ALAN GRESTY on trumpet, DAVE HEWITT on trombone &baritone horn, AL NICHOLS on reeds, ANDY LAWRENCE on double bass and JOHN ELMER on drums.   Brilliant evening from brilliant musicians.  It was a hot evening, both weather-wise and music-wise.  They began wearing their lovely white jackets, looking very professional as always, but it was too hot to keep them on.

 

'Tony Pitt's All Stars' on a hot evening (heat-wise & jazz-wise) at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (d.bass), Dave Hewitt (trombone), John Ellmer (drums), Alan Gresty (trumpet), Tony Pitt (banjo) and Al Nicholls (tenor & alto saxes). Photo by Mike Witt.

‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ on a hot evening (heat-wise & jazz-wise) at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016.  (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (d.bass), Dave Hewitt (trombone), John Ellmer (drums), Alan Gresty (trumpet), Tony Pitt (banjo) and Al Nicholls (tenor & alto saxes).             Photo by Mike Witt.

'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Band leader Tony Pit - rightt (banjo). then (LtoR) Al Nicolls (alto sax), Alan Gresty (trumpet), Andy Lawrence (d.bass) and John Ellmer (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016.           Band leader Tony Pit – rightt (banjo). then (LtoR) Al Nicolls (alto sax), Alan Gresty (trumpet), Andy Lawrence (d.bass) and John Ellmer (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

My first choice of songs to mention is ‘Farewell Blues’.  I was busy with people coming in to the club, so took no notes.  However, Django Reinhart does a wonderful recording of it on You Tube, so was able to recall them playing it.  I also recall our dance floor was flooded with everyone dancing to the next tune ‘When Everyone Thinks You’re Wonderful’.  Dave played baritone horn and Al on tenor sax – fabulous – a lovely sound.

Alan Gresty (trumpet) and Al Nicolls (tenor sax) are driven by John Ellmer on drums with 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Alan Gresty (trumpet) and Al Nicolls (tenor sax) are driven by John Ellmer on drums with ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

Dave Hewitt plays baritone horn (sorry cant see his face) with 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Behind him are Andy Lawrence (d.bass) and John Ellmer (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Dave Hewitt plays baritone horn (sorry can’t see his face) with ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Behind him are Andy Lawrence (d.bass) and John Ellmer (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Following came ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’ and was sung by Alan.  We all got up to perform our line-dance.  We do have a lot of fun (Charleston style), because we don’t care if we make mistakes, it’s all about loving the music.  Well, our next number, again had the floor full of dancers, Alan sang, with Dave (again) on baritone horn and Al on alto sax.  That tune was ‘Curse Of An Aching Heart’, I don’t think it has been played recently, if at all at the club – certainly a ‘hot’ tune.

Tony Pitt takes a solo at Farnborough Jazz Club with his own band - 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' on 6th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt takes a solo at Farnborough Jazz Club with his own band – ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ on 6th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Then Tony played a wonderful introduction to ‘The Sheik of Araby’ and what a fabulous five minutes of brilliance came from the boys – fantastic drumming (solo) from John, well fabulous solos from all of them.

Al Nicholls on alto sax, one of the stars in 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6h May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Al Nicholls on alto sax, one of the stars in ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6h May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

After the break, they began with ‘Way Down Yonder In New Orleans’.  Dave on baritone horn and Al on tenor sax this time.  Plus with the next number, Al did a splendid job on tenor again to ‘Black & Blue’ and our dance floor was chock-a-block with dancers.  I can couple the last two numbers together, because I had put three ticks against both tunes, I also wrote ‘fab solos from everyone’, again against both numbers (with tenor on first and alto against the last one).  The numbers were ‘Blue, Turning Grey Over You’ and Louis Armstrong’s 1938 version of ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’.  I can remember standing with Keith and we both had our mouths agog, thrilled to bits and loving every minute of it all.  Just one thing to add and that is they will be back on Keith’s actual birthday, Friday, 12th August 2016.  FAB-U-LOUS.

Tony's two Al's - Alan Gresty (trumpet) and Al Nicholls (saxes) with 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony’s two Al’s – Alan Gresty (trumpet) and Al Nicholls (saxes) with ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

What about the 'Engine' too - of 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. (LtoR) Andy Laurence (d.bass), John Ellmer (drums) and Tony Pitt (Band Leader & banjo) Photo by Mike Witt.

What about the ‘Engine’ too – of ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. (LtoR) Andy Laurence (d.bass), John Ellmer (drums) and Tony Pitt (Band Leader & banjo) Photo by Mike Witt.

How's that for a great front line? (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), Alan Gresty (trumpet) and Al Nicholls (tenor sax) with 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

How’s that for a great front line? (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), Alan Gresty (trumpet) and Al Nicholls (tenor sax) with ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 6th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

P.S.  You can catch up with the Newsletter for Golden Eagle Jazz Band, dated Friday, 5th July 2015.  It contains a fantastic photo of our two 007’s on raffle duty.

Diane and Keith

‘Black and Blue (What Did I Do To Be So)’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf (1929)
‘Blue, Turning Grey Over You’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Andy Razaf (1929)
‘Curse Of An Aching Heart’ – (m) Al Piantadosi, (l) Henry Fink (1913)
‘Everybody Loves My Baby’ – (m) Spencer Williams, (l) Jack Palmer (1924)
‘Farewell Blues’ – (m) Paul Mares, Leon Roppolo & Elmer Schoebel (1922)
‘The Sheik of Araby’ – (m) Ted Snyder, (l) Harry B. Smith & Francis Wheeler (1921)
‘Way Down Yonder In New Orleans’ – (m) John Turner Layton jnr, (l) Henry Creamer (1922)
‘When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful’ – Harry M Woods (1935)
‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ – origins unknown (derived from (m) James Milton Black (l) Katherine Purvis (1896) re-publ 1927.