Monthly Archives: October 2015

Golden Eagle Jazz Band, 30th October 2015

Hey, it was the GOLDEN EAGLE JAZZ BAND who turned up to play on Friday, 30th October 2015 at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB.  Band leader KEVIN SCOTT (tenor banjo) had brought with him MIKE SCROXTON on trumpet, ALAN CRESSWELL on clarinet, ROY STOKES on trombone & vocals, MIKE BROAD on double bass and PETE JACKMAN on drums.  Before I begin telling you about all the fun making of this evening, I must stop for a while and tell you, the band played their second tune, In The Sweet Bye and Bye’, especially for a lovely trombonist.  It was such a shock to hear that on 17th October 2015, Russell Bennett had sadly died.  He was an especially talented musician, as is his family, whom we all have such sympathy and feeling for – including his very personal friends.  In his terribly short life, Russell gave so much enjoyment to so many, with his talent and tremendous sense of humour.  Russell (aged just 43yrs) was snatched from this world, but grabbed into the next place we go to (I’m sure with much glee) to join that huge band of all ages in the sky.  ‘You won’t need an audition Russell, you left your ‘stamp; here for all to see’.   I know he would love me to follow on with what we got up to tonight– he was so full of fun.  Hey Russell, I think Kevin chose ‘In The Sweet Bye and Bye’ because could the lyricist perhaps have been a distant relative?

Last week, when telling you of this week, I said we’ll have Trad’ jazz at its best, because it is sure to include lots of smiling faces on people having fun.  It was just that, with all the fun of Halloween fancy dress.  I’m sure the ‘Golden’ boys won’t mind me putting us girls’ pictures here first – you better not, we might put a hex on you – ha.

Don't we have beautiful Witches in this Coven! It's actualy Anita having fun in fancy dress at our Halloween Party on 30th October 2015. Golden Eagle Jazz Band came to entertain us here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). Photo by Mike Witt.

Don’t we have beautiful Witches in this Coven! It’s actually Anita having fun in fancy dress at our Halloween Party on 30th October 2015. No wonder Golden Eagle Jazz Band came to entertain us here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). Photo by Mike Witt

Here's one of our beautiful Witches, photographed at our Coven. It's actually June having fun in fancy costume. No wonder Golden Eagle Jazz Band didn't mind entertaining us at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) for our Halloween Party on 30th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here’s one of our beautiful Witches in our Coven. It’s actually June having fun in fancy costume. No wonder Golden Eagle Jazz Band didn’t mind entertaining us at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) for our Halloween Party on 30th October 2015.  Photo by Mike Witt.

This is me (Diane) Sorry I have spoilt the scene, but I did have to tell them who's boss. Well, we did have some beautiful Witches at our fancy dress Holloween Party and I couldn't let them get too big for their boots! Party was here at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday 30th October 2015. Golden Eagle Jazz Band entertained us. Photo by Kevin Scott

This is me (Diane) Sorry I have spoilt the scene, but I did have to tell them who’s boss. Well, we did have some beautiful Witches at our fancy dress Halloween Party and I couldn’t let them get too big for their boots! Party was here at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday 30th October 2015. Golden Eagle Jazz Band entertained us. Photo by Kevin Scott

Here's a couple more beautiful Witches we had in our Coven, who are the Witches from Gillingham. Actually, it is Phil and Sandra in fancy dress enjoying the fun. No wonder Golden Eagle Jazz Band didn't mind entertaining us at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) for our Halloween Party on 30th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here’s a couple more beautiful Witches we had in our Coven, who are the Witches from Gillingham. Actually, it is Phil and Sandra in fancy dress enjoying the fun. No wonder Golden Eagle Jazz Band didn’t mind entertaining us at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) for our Halloween Party on 30th October 2015.                   Photo by Mike Witt.

To continue, I think these ‘Golden’ boys decided they had better keep the smiles on our faces, so they played extra nice, beginning with ‘Bourbon Street Parade’.  Had Kevin played it to parade us up and down to perhaps even tempt us to ‘fly now’?  We liked it – ha.  As for ‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’, would we ever, I mean.  Their next tune was beautifully sung by Kevin, on behalf of Keith (who is bald), but for me (who is a bottle-fed brunette – well a young witch cannot be silver really, can she! What are you all laughing for?).  The tune was ‘Silver Threads Among The Gold’ and joking apart, what a lovely song.  Alan featured next and being so soft hearted, he played the next one for our cats, called ‘Wild Cat Blues’.  The boys couldn’t get them off their laps, purring so much – the cats I mean.  Mike (S) sang to us next and being under our spell, he sang to us There’s Yes, Yes In Your Eyes’, don’t worry Mike, you’ll feel better soon – we are dreadful, aren’t we?  That’s why they had to quickly sing the next one, to wrap our knuckles, or something – he he.  The tune?  ‘Up Jumped The Devil’!  Kevin does find them, doesn’t he, I don’t think it has been played here before, well it wasn’t needed before, was it!  As for the next tune, did they really think we could be ‘sweet’?  – arhh.  Well, I suppose playing it helped … ‘In The Sweet By and By’ – and the dance floor was absolutely packed.  Then, a good 10 or 12 of us got up to enjoy our line-dance to ‘The Sheik Of Araby’.  I suppose we thought we could lure back into the mood, well you men were all getting syrupy.  I think our mood had slipped though, because we found ourselves singing at the top of our voices to ‘It’s A Long Way To Tipperary’, such comradery, aye?  Being near the bewitching hour, we forgot and joined in with the band, singing their last song, ‘Smiles’.  What a wonderful evening and thanks to everyone for making it so much fun, especially Kevin & the boys,  for choosing such fun numbers.

It's Halloween Party time. The guys are trying so hard to avoid our gaze. (LtoR) Roy Stokes (trombone), Pete Jackman (drums), Mike Scroxton (trumpet), Alan Cresswell (clarinet), Mike Broad (d.bass), & Kevin Scott (banjo) who are the Golden Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 30th October 2016. Photo taken by Mike Witt.

It’s Halloween Party time. The guys are trying so hard to avoid our gaze. (LtoR) Roy Stokes (trombone), Pete Jackman (drums), Mike Scroxton (trumpet), Alan Cresswell (clarinet), Mike Broad (d.bass), & Kevin Scott (banjo) who are the Golden Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 30th October 2016. Photo taken by Mike Witt.

It's still Halloween Party time. The guys are still trying so hard to avoid our gaze. (LtoR) Roy Stokes (trombone), Pete Jackman (drums), Mike Scroxton (trumpet), Mike Broad (d.bass), Alan Cresswell (clarinet) & Kevin Scott (banjo) who are the Golden Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 30th October 2016. (LtoR) Photo taken by Mike Witt.

It’s still Halloween Party time and the guys are still trying so hard to avoid our gaze. (LtoR) Roy Stokes (trombone), Pete Jackman (drums), Mike Scroxton (trumpet), Mike Broad (d.bass), Alan Cresswell (clarinet) & Kevin Scott (banjo) who are the Golden Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 30th October 2016. (LtoR) Photo taken by Mike Witt.

 

It's Halloween at Farnborough Jazz Club. We are nearing the bewitching hour and Golden Eagle Jazz Band can resist us no longer, we have them under our spell! he he, Photo taken by Mike Witt.

It’s Halloween at Farnborough Jazz Club. We are nearing the bewitching hour and Golden Eagle Jazz Band can resist us no longer, we have them under our spell! he he, Photo taken by Mike Witt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that’s Jazz – cheers from

Witchy poo Diane – and Keith too!

‘Bourbon Street Parade’ – Paul Barbarin (c. 1953)
‘In The Sweet Bye and Bye’ – (m) Joseph P. Webster, (l) Sanford Filmore Bennet (1868) recorded by Louis
‘It’s A Long Way to Tipperary’ – (m/l) Henry James ‘Harry’ Williams, (l) Jack Judge (1912)
‘It’s A Sin to Tell a Lie’ – Billy Mayhew (1936
‘Silver Threads Among The Gold’ – Hart Pease Danks, (l) Ebon Eugene Rexford (1873)
‘Smiles’ – (m) Lee S. Roberts, (l) J. Will Callahan (1917)
‘The Sheik of Araby’ – (m) Ted Snyder, (l) Harry B. Smith & Francis Wheeler (1921)
‘There’s Yes! Yes! In your Eyes’ – (m) Joseph H. Santly, (l) Cliff Friend (1924)
‘Up Jumped The Devil’
‘Wild Cat Blues’ – Clarence Williams & Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller (1923)

Please Note:  See above Page about internationally famed saxophonist & vocalist, Jonny Boston, with a wonderful array of stars, who will be on tour here in England next year – March 2016 (to include us on 4th) .

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band, 23rd October 2015

PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND played for us at the Farnborough Jazz Club on 23rd 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 Stewart (guitar), Bill Todd (trumbone) 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.

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 28 March 1958

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.

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 Sherwood (clarinet) and Dave Barnes (piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

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), Allan Clarke (drums), Charles Sherwood (clarinet) and Roger Curphey (double bass). (out of picture-John Steward (banj&guit) and Dave Barnes (piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

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) and Paul Higgs (trumpet). Photo by Mike Witt.

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.

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.

‘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)

Lord Napier Hot Shots, 16 October 2015

The LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS appeared on Friday 16th October 2015, here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB.  They have been a hot favourite for a long time at the Lord Napier and I’m sure most of us have frequented this lovely pub at one time, or another.  Keith played (drums) there many years ago, with the Manhatton Jazz Band (‘standing in’ for Bill Brunskill’s Jazzmen, when they played abroad) – in the days of Trish and Doris (do you remember them?).  The Lord Napier Pub has been one of London’s most favourite jazz venues since the early 1960’s.  That certainly takes most of you back, doesn’t it?

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. (LtoR) Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax), Pat Glover (reeds), Bill Traxler (drums), Mike Jackson (trumpet), Lyn Saunders (banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. (LtoR) Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax), Pat Glover (reeds), Bill Traxler (drums), Mike Jackson (trumpet), Lynn Saunders (banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

The musicians were  MIKE JACKSON (trumpet),   MIKE DUCKWORTH (trombone), PAT GLOVER (reeds), LYNN SAUNDERS (banjo), MICK SCRIVEN (double bass & bass sax) and BILL TRAXLER (drums).  Many of you asked for us to get them back as they play such lovely happy trad jazz.Here’s a smattering of what they played.  Their first number of the evening was sung by Mike (J) being ‘Don’t Give Up The Ship’.  Mike is another jazz musician with a super voice.

 

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. (LtoR) Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax), Pat Glover (reeds), Bill Traxler (drums), Mike Jackson (trumpet), (not pictured- Lyn Saunders - banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. (LtoR) Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax), Pat Glover (reeds), Bill Traxler (drums), Mike Jackson (trumpet), (not pictured- Lynn Saunders – banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16oct2015. Wot about those fab socks of Mike Duckworth (trombone)! Photo By Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16oct2015. Wot about those fab socks of Mike Duckworth (trombone)! Photo By Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015 with Mick Scriven on double bass & bass sax (Big Bertha as I call it), with Bill Traxler on drums and Lyn Saunders on banjo. Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015 with Mick Scriven on double bass & bass sax (Big Bertha as I call it), with Bill Traxler on drums and Lynn Saunders on banjo. Photo by Mike Witt.

Then came a beautiful Fat’s Waller number ‘A Porter’s Love Song To A Chamber Maid’ and sung by Mick, yes, ANOTHER great singer.  Would you believe it, Lynn also has a top-notch voice, but didn’t sing tonight – unless I was out of the room at the time. Their third number was ‘Is It True What They Say About Dixie’, (Tommy Dorsey had a Number 1 hit with it).  Our Pat sang this one (I call him ‘our Pat’, because Keith and he played together in the Manhatton Jazz Band).  He also did a little scat vocalising too! Fabulous.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. with Bill Traxler on drums and Lyn Saunders on banjo (both showing lovely tans!). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. with Bill Traxler on drums and Lynn Saunders on banjo (both showing lovely tans!). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015 with Pat Glover (reeds) and Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015 with Pat Glover (reeds) and Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax). Photo by Mike Witt.

Here’s one I don’t recall having been played here before – ‘Floating Down to Cotton Town’.  A great one to dance to, the way they played it – up beat.  Now of course my next choice to tell you about is a good ol’ favourite of mine – my sister and I (aged 8 & 10) used to perform (harmonising it) to all the kids in the street – and they paid to see us!! Ha.  The number is ‘For Me and My Gal’, a great Judy Garland and Gene Kelly number.  I had noted that Mick played Big Bertha (bass sax to you) to this one.  Our line dancers came on the floor next for ‘When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver’, obviously played a bit more up tempo than usual. What came next was a number that Red Nichols and his Five Pennies made famous in 1930 – what a fabulous tune – ‘Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble’ and these guys did it proud too.  Mick got out ‘Big Bertha’ (Bass sax) for ‘You Always Hurt the One You Love’.  Pat sang, as only he can – romantically.   Sorry, I’ve probably embarrassed Pat now – ha.  I must finish on a note – the notes that make up ‘Shake That Thing’.  It was a lovely evening, which left us with a wonderfully happy feeling to go home with.  Lord Napier, you are one lucky pub.  Still, we have them back here on Friday 26th February 2016.

Your hosts,

DIANE & KEITH

‘A Porter’s Love Song To A Chamber Maid’ – (m) James P. Johnson, (l) Andy Razaf (1930)
‘Don’t Give Up The Ship’ – (m) Harry Warren, (l) Al Dubin (1935)
‘Floating Down To Cotton Town’ – (m) F. Henri Klickmann, (l) Jack Frost (1919)
‘For Me and My Gal’ – George W. Meyer, Edgar Lesley & E. Ray Goetz (1917)
‘Is It True What They Say About Dixie’ – Gerald Marks, Irving Caesar & Sammy Lerner (1936)
‘Shake That Thing’ – traditional
‘Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble’– Spencer Williams (1917)
‘You Always Hurt The One You Love’ – (m) Doris Fisher, (l) Allan Roberts (1945)
‘When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver’ – (m) Peter De Rose, (l) Charlie Tobias (1930)

 

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 9th October 2015

We had some of Britain’s top jazz musicians with TONY PITT’S ALL STARS at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on FRIDAY, 9th October 2015.   Banjoist TONY was joined by DENNY ILETT (SNR) on trumpet (he has a famous guitarist son), DAVE HEWITT on trombone, AL NICHOLS on reeds, ANDY LAWRENCE on double bass and JOHN TYSON on drums.

Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborouh Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. (LtoR) Andy Laurence (d.bass), Dave Hewitt (trombone), Denny Ilett (trumpet), John Tyson (drums), Al Nichols (tenor sax) and Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. (LtoR) Andy Laurence (d.bass), Dave Hewitt (trombone), Denny Ilett (trumpet), John Tyson (drums), Al Nichols (tenor sax) and Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

They looked and played brilliantly and just to show you, here is a sample of what they played.  The first number was ‘When You’re Smiling’ and in my notes, I had written ‘you should hear that trumpet’.  Says a lot, doesn’t it!  They were all absolutely amazing – there’s playing and there’s playing, if you know what I mean.  These guys ‘have it’.  Gushing? Of course! Denny sang the next tune, ‘Look Down That Lonesome River’ and I noted that Al played tenor sax.  Denny also sang ‘When You and I were young Maggie’ and of course a great jazz voice.

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.

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.

Denny Ilett sings, seen here with John Tyson (drums), Al Nichols (tenor sax) and Tony Pitt (banjo) with 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

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

Here's the man! Tony plays banjo for his own band 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here’s the man! Tony plays banjo for his own band ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. 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.

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

We were all ‘flying’ (dancing I mean) to their wonderful rendition of ‘Bourbon Street Parade’, with fabulous changing of key.  Tony’s banjo playing shows why he has the best wanting to play with him.  John was featured on drums next, and what terrific drumming to ‘I Found A New Baby’.  He is a brilliant drummer and I had written in my notes ‘fab-u-lous’, so no need to write anything else.

Great action photo of Dave Hewitt, Denny Ilett, Andy Laurence and John Tyson four of Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Great action photo of Dave Hewitt, Denny Ilett, Andy Laurence and John Tyson four of Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Next they featured Denny with ‘Bad Penny Blues’.  Denny is such an exciting player and with this number, he also added some playing on his mouthpiece only.  Not many would be able to achieve doing that so brilliantly.  I must mention ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ and how wonderful Al was, playing tenor sax.

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.

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.

Al Nichols plays alto sax with Denny Ilett on trumpet and Tony Pitt on banjo, all seen here with 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Al Nichols plays alto sax with Denny Ilett on trumpet and Tony Pitt on banjo, all seen here with ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Dave Hewitt playing trombone (Denny Ilett just in view) two stars of 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Dave Hewitt playing trombone (Denny Ilett just in view) two stars of ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Several ‘ticks’ against the next number, meant I mustn’t miss this out either.  The wonderful Hoagy Carmichael’s ‘Riverboat Shuffle’ being the tune (recoded first by Bix Beiderbecke).  Al played alto and I had no other notes because we were all out on the dance floor, having tons of fun.  As for their last number, if we had to all go home, it was exhilarating to go with ‘West End Blues’ still ringing in our ears.  Denny played a stunning intro and Dave was fabulous on trombone.  I personally cannot wait for their next gig here.

Diane and Keith

Farnborough Jazz Club enjoy 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' on 9th October 2015. Seen playing are Denny Ilett (trumpet), Dave Hewitt (trombone) and John Tyson (drums).  Photo by Mike Witt.

Farnborough Jazz Club enjoy ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ on 9th October 2015. Seen playing are Denny Ilett (trumpet), Dave Hewitt (trombone) and John Tyson (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Seen here are Keith and Diane, Colin Dobson (of Billy Cotton Band Show fame), his wife Jo and their son-in-law having just enjoyed 'Tony Pitt's All Stars' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Seen here are Keith and Diane, Colin Dobson (of Billy Cotton Band Show fame), his wife Jo and their son-in-law having just enjoyed ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 9th October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

‘Bad Penny Blues’ – Humphrey Lyttelton (1956)
‘Bourbon Street Parade’ – Paul Barbarin (c. 1953)
‘I Found a New Baby’ – Jack Palmer and Spencer Williams (1926)
‘Look Down That Lonesome Road’ – (m) Nathaniel Shilkret, (l) Gene Austin (1927)
‘Riverboat Shuffle’ – (m) Hoagy Carmichael, (l) Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish & Dick Voynow (1924)
‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ – (m) Ben Bernie & Maceo Pinkard, (l) Kenneth Casey (1925)
‘West End Blues’ – Joe ’King’ Oliver, (l) Clarence Williams (1928) (famed by Louis Armstrong)
‘When You and I Were Young Maggie’ – (m) James Butterfield (1866), (l) George W Johnson (1864) [derived from George Johnson’s poem (1820)]
‘When You’re Smiling’ – Larry Shay, Mark Fisher & Joe Goodwin (1929)

Bill Phelan’s Muskrat Ramblers, 2nd October 2015

BILL PHELAN’S MUSKRAT RAMBLERS’ made a return journey to our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday, 2nd October 2015. It was exactly a year ago they were exciting us (see back to that newsletter).   You were all having such fun and screaming for more at the end of that evening, likewise the same this time.  Band leader, BILL PHELAN (trumpet & flugelhorn) had joining him ALAN CRESSWELL (clarinet), along with JOHN FINCH (trombone/vocals),  ANDY LAWRENCE (double bass), JIM HEATH (banjo/vocals) and PAUL NORMAN (drums).  I said last week, all the more reason for joining us – being you called out for more last time!  Well, our audience was a little thin on the ground, but that didn’t deter this lovely band from playing their hearts out.

Bill Phelan's Muscrat Ramblers played at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (double bass), John Finch (trombone&vocals), Paul Norman (drums), Bill Phelan (trumpet&flugalhorn), Alan Cresswell (clarinet) and Jim Heath (banjo&vocals). Photo by Mike Witt.

Bill Phelan’s Muscrat Ramblers played at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (double bass), John Finch (trombone&vocals), Paul Norman (drums), Bill Phelan (trumpet&flugalhorn), Alan Cresswell (clarinet) and Jim Heath (banjo&vocals). Photo by Mike Witt

Those who came, enjoyed every minute, because the band played many favourite tunes.   Bix Beiderbecke’s ‘Royal Garden Blues’ for one, with some great trumpet and clarinet playing from Bill and Alan.  We performed our line-dance to Alan’s fabulous clarinet notes and ‘Hiawatha Rag’ – we were exhausted afterwards, ha!  Then we continued dancing with the band’s rendition of ‘Magnolia’s Wedding Day’ – as we were still on the dance floor.

Bill Phelan on trumpet, John Finch on trombone, Alan Cresswell on clarinet, Andy Laurence on double bass and Paul Newman on drums playing as Bill Phenan's Muscrat Ramblers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friady, 2nd October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Bill Phelan on trumpet, John Finch on trombone, Alan Cresswell on clarinet, Andy Laurence on double bass and Paul Newman on drums playing as Bill Phenan’s Muscrat Ramblers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friady, 2nd October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Bill Phelan's 'engine' to his band 'Bill Phelan's Muscrat Ramblers' seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (double bass), Paul Norman (drums) and Jim Heath (banjo&vocals). Photo by Mike Witt.

Bill Phelan’s ‘engine’ to his band ‘Bill Phelan’s Muscrat Ramblers’ seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (double bass), Paul Norman (drums) and Jim Heath (banjo&vocals). Photo by Mike Witt.

Here's Andy Lawrence playing double bass for Bill Phelan's Muscrat Ramblers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here’s Andy Lawrence playing double bass for Bill Phelan’s Muscrat Ramblers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Alan Cresswell is featured on clarinet, backed by Andy Lawrence on double bass, Paul Norman on drums and Jim Heath on banjo with Bill Phelan's Muscrat Ramblers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Alan Cresswell is featured on clarinet, backed by Andy Lawrence on double bass, Paul Norman on drums and Jim Heath on banjo with Bill Phelan’s Muscrat Ramblers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. Photo by Mike Wit

Then Alan was featured next to George Lewis’ composition of ‘St Phillips Street Breakdown’ (George renamed it ‘Burgundy Street Blues’).  Lovely job Alan.  Their next tune chosen was ‘Ciribiribin’, to which I have a special warm feeling about, having written to one of the composers, Jack Lawrence.  Bill played it beautifully.

Here is Jim Heath, playing for Bill Phelan's Muscrat Ramblers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here is Jim Heath, playing for Bill Phelan’s Muscrat Ramblers at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Their next tune they dedicated to me, hmmm, the number was ‘Dinah’, sung by Jim – thanks Jim.  My next choice to mention is Louis’ ‘That’s My Home’, such a lovely tune and I had put three ticks against it, which meant everyone excelled playing it.

John Finch on trombone, Paul Norman on drums and Jim Heath on banjo play with Bill Phelan's Muscrat Ramblers here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. Photo By Mike Witt.

John Finch on trombone, Paul Norman on drums and Jim Heath on banjo play with Bill Phelan’s Muscrat Ramblers here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 2nd October 2015. Photo By Mike Witt.

We were up with a line-dance again to the next tune, ‘Move The Body Over’, sung by John (another great singer of the band), such a ton of fun again.  Their last number of the evening was ‘Buena Sera’, yes a lovely up-tempo number to ‘go out’ on.  Thanks for entertaining us so wonderfully boys – lovely jubbly

P.S.  I wrote the following, when I advertise this week’s gig, so still wish to include it:  “You probably will have read it was the first time last year for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.  Yes and here I am moaning.  I watched once more to my horror, either the Band, or the Producers have chosen the wrong music again.  The very first number of the competition, was for a Tango – what did they use for the music? Namely THE KINKS “You Really Got Me Now” – not even a real tango beat AND IT’s NOT EVEN A POP NUMBER NOW!  I so want to watch the programme, but I fear I shall have to give it up!  (Oh, I know… I won’t though, but see you this Friday, for some real music.

Your hosts, Diane and Keith

‘Buena Sera’ – Peter DeRose & Carl Sigman (1950)
‘Ciribiribin’ – (m&l) Harry James &Jack Lawrence (1939) (based on melody by Alberto Pestalozza -1889)
‘Dinah’ – (m) Harry Akst, (l) Sam M. Lewis & Joe Young (1923)
‘Hiawatha Rag’ – (m) Chas N Daniels aka Neil Moret (1901), (l) James O’Deo (added 1903)
‘Magnolia’s Wedding Day’ – (m) Jimmy McHugh, (l) Dorothy Fields (1928) (Chris Barber)
‘Move The Body Over’ – traditional (composer unknown, possible ‘Fats’ Waller or George Lewis?)
‘Royal Garden Blues’ – Clarence Williams & Spencer Williams (1919) (not related)
‘St Phillips Street Breakdown’ – George Lewis (circa 1944) (re-named Burgundy Street Blues)
‘That’s My Home’ – Otis René, Leon René & Ben Ellison (1932)