‘LAURIE CHESCOE’S REUNION BAND’ always do it right – entertain us, I mean and Friday, 20th March 2015 at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB was no exception. Drummer and leader, Laurie, with his fellow musicians, ALLAN (‘Lord Arsenal’) BRADLEY on trumpet, piano & vocals, JOHN LEE on reeds, DAVE HEWITT on trombone & Baritone Horn, JIM DOUGLAS on banjo & guitar and PETER SKIVINGTON on bass guitar & bass ukulele, I did advertised they can’t help but delight you all. Well, although you didn’t arrive by the coach-load, it was quite a good turnout. Unfortunately COLIN BRAY was not with us – hurry up and get well Colin, so you can join us on the next Reunion.
Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on Friday 20th March 2015. (LtoR) Jim Douglas (gtr), Dave Hewitt (trmb), Laurie (drums), Allan ‘Lord Arsenal’ Bradley (trmp), Pete Skivington (bass) & John Lee (clrnt&sax). Photo by Mike Witt.
Dave Hewitt (baratone horn), accompanied by Jim Douglas (guitar) and Laurie (drums) in Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 20th March 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
I will begin this newsletter with the mention of Dave’s Baritone Horn, which he played when they did ‘Riverboat Shuffle’ (Allan mentioned Dave’s nickname for the horn, being his “valued bed pan!” hmmm. I can assure you it doesn’t sound like one – ha). They were all playing with such brilliance (his Lordship with muted trumpet and John on clarinet). What a team. Dave then began with a super intro (again on b.horn) to the next number ‘Sleepy Time Gal’. John had changed to Tenor sax and Allan sang. We were being spoilt for sure and to follow came ‘Taps Miller’, with John still on tenor, but with Dave on trombone this time.
John Lee (sax), Laurie (drums) & Pete Skivington (bass) in Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 20March 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
The next number I wish to mention was John’s Special. I don’t have to tell you how special John is, it goes without saying, but I must mention Laurie gave his all. Yes, what a brilliant drum solo. Keith was standing with his mouth agape. The number was ‘Back Home in Indiana’ – wonderful. They played one more number before the break, ‘Oh Marie’ and Allan sang. We audience got up and enjoyed doing a line-dance. When they returned from their break, they all sang ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ led by Allan and what a great rendition from all of them (including us audience of course). I know I have said it before, but must emphasise what a lovely voice Allan has, which shows when he sings ‘I Thank You Mr Moon’, need I say more. It was Jim Douglas who came up next with his special, ‘God Bless the Child’, with Pete backing him. What a performance. The bands last number to end the evening was sung by Allan (Bing Crosby’s hit) ‘Pennies from Heaven’. This song was a big hit with so many top stars, including Louis Armstrong and a great number to end the evening with. Sorry to be so repetitive, but another happy ending to a lovely evening, leaving you wanting for more.
You have to agree, ‘live’ jazz is fun.
Diane and Keith