GEORGE ‘KID’ TIDIMAN’S ALL STARS returned on Friday, 1st April 2016 at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB. What a brilliant evening we had. GEORGE (our ‘Kid’) had that brilliant trumpeter, DENNY ILETT with him. Did you see the write-up in Just Jazz Magazine (April 2016 issue – on sale here)? Also completing a top-class front line, he also had that superb clarinettist, TIM HUSKISSON, what a trio! He also had his usual and great ‘engine’, namely fabulous bass singer and banjoist ‘SOUTHEND BOB’ ALLBUT, super double bassist JOHN SIRETT and great drummer BILL FINCH. Last week I told you that you probably needed to get rid of those pounds (weight) gained from Easter eggs and what better way, but to bring your dancing shoes and dance those inches away. Some of you couldn’t get out of the chair could you – too heavy aye? Those who came had a wonderful evening and you just have to know me to know I don’t tell fibs, or exaggerate!
George ‘Kid’ Tidiman’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club on 1st April 2016. (LtoR) Tim Huskisson (clt), John Sirett (d.bass), Denny Ilett (trp), Bill Finch (drms), George ‘Kid’ Tidiman (trmb) & ‘Southend Bob’ Allbut (bnj). Photo by Mike Witt.
Here’s a little insight of the beauty we enjoyed. ‘Southend Bob’ sang the first number ‘You Always Hurt The One You Love’, with an echo from the rest of the band of ‘at all, at all, at all’, great fun. George sung the next number (sporting sea captain’s hats) ‘Down by the Sheltering Palms’. Absolutely fabulous and then an equally marvellous number was a tune called ‘San’. They played ‘Kid’ Ory’s version and I gave it three ticks and wrote that everyone performed solos fantastically! George mentioned it was in a ‘Zeigfeld Follies’ Broadway Show back in the 1920’s.
George ‘Kid’ Tidiman’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club on 1st April 2016. (LtoR) Tim Huskisson on clarinet, with Denny Ilett (trumpet) and George ‘Kid’ Tidiman (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.
I do have to mention the next one, ‘Hiawatha Rag’. It is such a wonderful tune, made famous by Chris Barber. George, what a band – you were all brilliant, lovely playing by everyone. Oh, we did our line dance to the following number (sung by Bob) ‘Move Your Body Over’ and yes we did move our bodies over – ha. I know, I was aching so much afterwards. Next choice to mention was sung by ‘Southend Bob’ and the number was ‘My Little Bimbo Down on Bamboo Island’. George also played ‘swanee whistle’ and of course he is so gifted at playing it too. George mentioning dear Bill Brunskill and the Lord Napier Pub, where he played for years. [I have found and also acquired some old photos recently, some of Bill, so soon, I shall be starting up a special ‘page’ for old photos of the jazz world (please email any you might wish to be displayed).] Their next tune was ‘Ace In the Hole’ again sung by Bob and with audience participation in all the right places. Again such fun.
‘Southend Bob’ Allbut on banjo. One of George ‘Kid’ Tidiman’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club on 1st April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.
Bill Finch (drummer) takes a breather (probably enjoying one of George’s jokes) with George ‘Kid’ Tidiman’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club on 1st April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.
John Sirett plays double bass and enjoys the fun with George ‘Kid’ Tidiman’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on1st April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.
Denny Ilett plays an intro’ to ‘Stardust’. enjoyed by George ‘our Kid’ (with his George ‘Kid’ Tidiman’s All Stars band) at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 1st April 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.
I requested their next one, because the last time they played it here, it was breathe-taking, the number was ‘Stardust’. Denny did it again, with a wonderful intro and they all joined in with such sensitive playing. Gorgeous … and then the next number! What a one to go out on – awesome – it was ‘South Rampart Street Parade’, with brilliant solos by everyone. Keith said it was the very first record he ever bought.
Before I close, I wish to say how very sad to learn of the passing of the fabulous Ronnie Corbett, one of our great British comedians of all times, whom I had the great pleasure of a brief meeting. I told him that he made me laugh so very much, it gave me a pain at the base of my head. I’m sure he must have wondered what I meant – ha!
Always your hosts for the evening of ‘live jazz’ – all are welcome
Diane and Keith