2013

What a fabulous party we had on Friday, 20^th December 2013 here at our Farnborough Jazz Club, with the DART VALLEY STOMPERS providing the entertainment. The Sports Club Committee had worked hard and managed to have the new floor installed during the week, working right up to the day before! Yes, a tight squeeze (especially as they also had a booking on that Thursday evening too), so thanks guys for all your hard work – & girls for the Xmas décor as well.

It was our last gig of the year – our Xmas Party and as predicted, we certainly did ‘live it up’ with a ‘full house’. So, first of all, Keith and I wish to thank everyone for pre-booking, needed for food ordering. Only a handful of you had to cancel on the day. However, a few more of you took ‘pot luck’ and just turned up anyway! One of our regulars said there were faces he didn’t know. I told him Keith and I knew everyone (bar two new faces) some from way back in ‘Badgers Mount’ days and as having said on previous occasions, thank goodness clubs do have a nucleus of visitors. Now to tell you about the evening. The food was produced by our friend Peter (a London pro chef) and his young protégé, Dan. I think all who participated, would agree, the spread was splendid, so thanks you two.

Now what about the band. As mentioned last week, they hail from Devon, but are extremely popular throughout the Country. Their first visit to us was back in December 2011. JEREMY HUGGETT, their founder/leader (clarinet, Saxes & vocals) was joined by GRAHAM TREVARTON (cornet, trumpet & vocals), RON MILFORD (trombone & vocals), EDDIE EDWARDS (banjo), LUKAS DRINKWATER (bass) and CHRIS STOCKINGS (drums). I said last week, I had to sleuth for Eddie on the internet to check what he played, saying he just might be ‘Eddie the Eagle’. What was so spooky is I had prepared last week’s message during the morning, but wanted to update the previous Friday’s news before publishing it. What’s spooky, you say? Well, if any of you had watched ‘Egg Heads’, you would have known Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards was a Challenger in that afternoon’s programme! Yes, I know it’s a coincidence, but I mean to say, wow! Anyway, to continue…. I was so busy, it was very hard to make my notes of the evening, but what an overall feel I was soaking in – what a band. There was so much dancing going on. Their first number began with a drum start to ‘Willie the Weeper’, a lovely ‘trad’ jazz favourite. I’d like to mention ‘Jambalaya’, just great to dance to aye. Then there was ‘Birth of the Blues’, sung by Ron and lots of us in the audience too. Graham also sang, his number being ‘I Would Do Anything for you’. Of course the food was served during the first break, so I’m not sure what number followed, but I know ‘Hello Dolly’ was sung by Ron and ‘Streets of the City’ was a brilliant tune that changed key a couple of times – brilliant. There were few requests, which the band kindly agreed to play, those being ‘Sweet Lorraine’, ‘Down in Honky Tonk Town’ and ‘Blueberry Hill’. I can’t remember when we did our line-dance. However, Steve (a regular), having been to New Orleans, had asked some weeks ago, for a Brolly Parade. Keith hadn’t heard me mention anything on the mike the week before, plus hadn’t notice any brollies being brought in, so it was a complete surprise to him (I think there were about 30 of them). Obviously ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ was the number and was sung by both Jeremy and Ron. Keith said it was the highlight of the evening – what a parade. It has been four or five years since we last had one, so was great fun (thanks Steve for suggesting it). Several photos were taken, so please may I ask you for copies to put here on this website, ta. Just one extra point, the band didn’t leave till gone 12.30am and would not have got home till at least 6.00am!

Now before closing, we would also like to thank Ian (Sports Club’s President) who rushes home after work (in central London) every week, to unlock the club house early for us, plus to get the bar ready and on occasions run it too. Also to thank our bar staff, Val and Harry, Barb and Cath, for their hard work (including helping to clear up afterwards) and not leaving until at least 1.00am and all with cheery smiling faces.

Yes, also a thanks to everyone, you did make it one of our most memorable Christmas parties to end 2013 out in style. We surely did ‘keep on dancing’ and yes, we did have the correct music!

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who have managed to support us throughout 2013, including all the wonderful jazz bands who have appeared here. Of course we wish everyone a very Healthy and Happy New Year in 2014. This includes all our jazz media friends (Just Jazz Magazine, Jazz Guide and Kent Jazz News etc.)

Don’t forget, our next gig will be 10^th January 2014 (8.30pm-11.30pm), with PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND to celebrate my 17^th birthday (now then, stop laughing!!!!!).

Diane and Keith

(Phew, I know, I do go on, don’t I – sorry!)

‘Birth of the Blues’ – (m) Ray Henderson. (l) Buddy G. DeSylva & Lew Brown (1926)

‘Blueberry Hill’ – (m) Vincent Rose, (l) Al Lewis & Larry Stock (1940)

‘Bourbon Street Parade’ – Paul Barbarin (c. 1953)

‘Down in Honky Tonk Town’ – Chris Smith & Charles McCarron (1916)

‘Hello Dolly’ – Jerry Herman (1964)

‘(I Would Do) Anything for You’ – (m) Claude Hopkins, (l) Alex Hill (1932)

‘Jambalaya (on the Bayou)’ – Hank Williams (1952)

‘(We Shall Walk Through the) Streets of the City’ – traditional

‘Sweet Lorraine’ – (m) Cliff Burwell, (l) Mitchell Parish (1928)

‘Willie the Weeper’ – Frankie ‘Half Pint’ Jaxon (1927)

Chez Chesterman’s Band Of Brothers, 13/12/2013

CHEZ CHESTERMAN’S BAND OF BROTHERS at the Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on Friday, 13^th November 2013 were wonderful. The dance floor was packed for most of the evening. I said last week “ooh, what a fabulous line-up”. They were leader and trumpeter CHEZ, with JOHN CROCKER on clarinet & sax, GEOFF COLE on trombone, ROY JAMES on banjo, ANDY LAWRENCE on double bass and BILL FINCH on drums. There was tons of dancing and fun (and Keith, having said last week “and drinking – his is a pint” did have some of you oblige him, cheeky, isn’t he!) The evening began with that great number called ‘Should I Reveal’ (recorded in 1931 by Mitja Nikisch Tanz Orchester), which brought on the dancers immediately. Chez sung the next song ‘Down by the Riverside’, accompanied by many of us (my cousin-in-law, Bill and I were certainly harmonising together – he belongs to a ‘Barber-Shop’ choir), plus again there was plenty of dancing. Chez reminisced about the next number called ‘Baby Doll’, which was from the first X-rated film he had seen (of the same name). He was too young and so he remembers borrowing his mum’s eyebrow pencil, drew a line over his lip and managed to get in (I’m sure it didn’t fool anyone)! He recalls something about nightwear??? I don’t know what he is talking about. Our Len called out ‘Beautiful Dreamer’ ha! Again, dance floor full. By the way Chez, you can buy the film from Amazon, staring Carroll Baker, although probably quite tame now! Another number they played was ‘My Blue Heaven’ sung so well by Geoff and you’ve guessed it, the dancers were out again. The next number ‘2:19 Blues’ (also known as ‘Mamie’s Blues) was recorded by Jelly Roll Morton in 1937. Jelly had said it was among the very first blues number he had ever heard (1902). Chez sang it for us, plus he played a muted trumpet, beautiful. Now the next number was Kid Ory’s ‘Savoy Blues’ a great number he produced in 1937 and of course Geoff gave it great credit. Next to mention was ‘Exactly Like You’. This number got us all up to do our line-dance to. It was probably too fast, but certainly a lot of fun (I hope all our audience appreciate our fun too)!!!! Now the next number was a corker. It was called ‘Fisherman’s Blues’ and certainly not a blues. Lovely to dance to. I think the last number I must mention, was I think their last number too. ‘Shimmy Sha Wabble’. Oh I can tell you, my feet were aching after that dance and I was (as is usual) definitely ‘done for’ the next day as well. I have to say this band is brilliant and fun too.

Keep Smiling.

Diane & Keith

‘Baby Doll’ – Kenyon Hopkins (1956)

‘Down By the Riverside’ – Gospel song first published 1918

‘Exactly Like You’ – (m) Jimmy McHugh, (l) Dorothy Fields (1930)

‘Fisherman’s Blues’ – ‘Champion Jack’ Dupree (1945)

‘My Blue Heaven’ – (m) Walter Donaldson, (l) George A. Whiting (1924)

‘Savoy Blues’ – Edward ‘Kid’ Ory (1927)

‘Shimmy-Sha-Wabble’ – Spencer Williams (1917)

‘Should I (Reveal Exactly How I Feel)’ – (m) Nacio Herb Brown, (l) Arthur Freed (1931)

‘2:19 Blues’ (also known as ‘Mamie’s Blues) – (composer(s) & year unknown (pre 1902) (l) Jelly Roll Morton (1937)

Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band, 6/12/2013

The famous ‘LAURIE CHESCOE’S REUNION BAND’ appeared on Friday, 6^th December 2013 here at the Farnborough Jazz Club. Drummer Laurie had his usual band of musicians with him, namely ALLAN (aka ‘LORD ARSENAL’) BRADLEY on trumpet, piano & vocals, JOHN LEE on reeds, DAVE HEWITT on trombone, COLIN BRAY on piano/soprano sax, JIM DOUGLAS on guitar & banjo and PETER SKIVINGTON on bass ukulele. What a super line-up aye? Not so many of you turned up. I suppose Xmas parties, or perhaps a pantomime are to blame. Our own dear bar managers, Val & Harry were in ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ pantomime in Knockholt. I saw them last Saturday and very professional and funny it was too. Well done to all the cast. However, all those who missed Laurie, missed a very entertaining evening, quite our very own variety performance. Lord Arsenal was very entertaining as compere and they started off with a rip-roaring version of ‘At the Jazz Band Ball’ just to set the standard. Allan then introduced the next number as ‘On the Sunny Side of the Street’. Our audient comedian, Len, called out “or ‘Just Wishful Thinking’ aye”. Allan played a lovely muted trumpet. Another number to mention was a Southern Ragtime one called ‘Memphis Blues’. Plus a Louis Armstrong number called ‘Bill Bailey’, sung by Allan. Dave played his baritone horn next to ‘Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider’, what a lovely sound too. Their next number was ‘L-O-V-E’. Allan changed places with Colin with Allan on piano and Colin on soprano sax. Colin was amazing, with his legs akimbo, what rhythm he has in his body, as well as being so talented – quite a genius. Nat King Cole recorded this number in 1964, who sadly died just one month later. The next number I want to mention just happens to be one of my all-time jazz favourite, called ‘Christopher Columbus’. If that wasn’t enough, John Lee was featured in the next number, ‘Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out to Dry’ and this number’s composer went on to composed for both Sinatra & Streisand, both my all-time favourite singers. ‘Move your Body Over’ came next, again with Colin on soprano sax and Alan on piano and vocals. I wondered why there was an ironing board amongst their kit, but then forgot it. However, it became obvious it was for the next number! Colin showed us once again what a performer he is! He proceeded to set up this ironing board, then out came a Xylophone and Colin played it magnificently to ‘China Boy’ (again with Allan on piano). My last number to mention was Jim featured on guitar with ‘That’s All’. Just another evening of great music and dancing once again. Laurie certainly kept the whole evening going with his drumming (and continual smiling). That’s why I said ‘yippee’ last week!

Diane & Keith

‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ – (m) Nick LaRocca, Larry Shields (1917) (l’s added 1950 by Johnny Mercer)

‘Bill Bailey’ – Hughie Cannon (1902)

‘China Boy’ – Phil Boutelje & Dick Winfree (1922)

‘Christopher Columbus’ – Glen Miller, Joe Garland & Andy Razaf (1959)

‘Guess I’ll Hang My Tears out to Dry’ – (m) Jule Styne, (l) Sammy Cahn (1944)

‘Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider’ – (m) Eddie Munson, (l) Eddie Leonard (1903)

‘L-O-V-E’ – (m) Bert Kaempfert, (l) Milt Gabler (1963)

‘Memphis Blues’ – (m) W.C. Handy (1912), (l) George A. Norton (1913)

‘Move your Body Over’ – (George Lewis?)

‘On The Sunny Side of the Street’ – (m) Jimmy McHugh, (l) Dorothy Field (1930)

‘That’s All’ – (m&l) Bob Haymes, (l) Alan Brandt (1952)

Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, 29/11/2013

MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG entertained us on Friday, 29^th November 2013 here at Farnborough Jazz Club and brilliantly too. The musicians were (leader) MIKE on trumpet, JOHNNY ROGERS on reeds, ‘WHISPERING’ MIKE HOLT on trombone and vocals, JOHN STUART on banjo and guitar, ROGER CURPHEY on string bass and GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums. Last week, I asked for everyone to make it another humdinger evening and that you all did. Again, there was plenty of dancing with this happy band. I didn’t mention on the mike, but must say now. Before our audience arrive and after the band were all set up, all I heard from the band were peals of laughter. Nice to hear the band enjoying themselves before they started. The first number they played was ‘Zing Went the Strings of my Heart’ (although Mike called it ‘………. Strings of my Vest’. Yes, a lovely number with dancers on the floor straight away. This was followed with another great dancing number called ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’, with great solos from everyone. Their next number was ‘Oh Baby’, which brought out our line-dancers. Drummer Graham left his drums and joined us in the dance, to everyone’s amusement. Now the next number was sung by Johnnie (R). It was called ‘As Long as I Live’ (a number played for the last show at the famous Cotton Club Parade), well done Johnny. Kid Ory’s number called ‘Creole Love Call’ followed, (a mambo I think which I just love). Again fabulous solos from all. Then ‘Harlem Folk Dance’ was another brilliant number – I put a huge asterisk against it. Then ‘Whispering’ Mike sang the next tune ‘You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me’. Don’t you just love his humour? Another fab number was ‘Johnson Rag’, a lovely dance beat and would you believe it, lyrics updated by Jack Lawrence in 1940 (the lyricist I talked about two weeks ago in newsletter for the Muskrat Ramblers, 15^th November). Johnny (R) had a special feature next with ‘Wild Cat Blues’ (of both Sidney Bechet and Monty Sunshine fame). What a lovely player Johnny is and he sang too. It is hard to choose the next numbers played, I really don’t want to give too many numbers, as it is not fair on the band to mention all their repertoire, but I will tell you of the next two. My Keith took over drums (whilst I danced with Graham). It took a bit of coaxing to get Keith on the drums, because you might recall, he fell down the stairs at home a few months ago, broke his ankle, so he wasn’t sure he would be able to play. However, with his old mates, Roger and John (S) in the band, he felt a little easier, but as you guessed, he was (well I think) terrific. The two numbers he played with the band were that marvellous number ‘At the Jazz Band Ball’, followed by ‘Am I Blue’. I think ‘Whispering’ was singing! There you go, another super evening, with everyone leaving the club on ‘a high’.

See you next week.

Diane and Keith

‘Am I Blue’ – Harry Akst and Grant Clarke (1929)

‘As Long as I Live’ – (m) Harold Arlen, (l) Ted Koehler (1934)

‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ – (m) Nick LaRocca, Larry Shields (1917) (l’s added 1950 by Johnny Mercer)

‘Creole Love Call’ – James ‘Bubber’ Miley, © Duke Ellington (1928) (lost court case by Joe ‘King’ Oliver (1923)

‘Everybody Loves My Baby’ – (m) Spencer Williams, (l) Jack Palmer (1924)

‘Harlem Folk Dance’ – Stan Kenton and his Orchestra (circa 1940’s)

‘Johnson Rag’ – (m) Guy Hall, (l) Henry Kleikauf (1917) & updated Jack Lawrence (1940)

‘Oh Baby’ – (m) Walter Donaldson & Owen Murphy, (l) Buddy DeSylva (1924)

‘Wild Cat Blues’ – Clarence Williams & Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller (1923)

‘You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me’ – (m) Sammy Fain, (l) Irving Kahal & Pierre Connor (1930)

‘Zing! Went the Strings of my Heart’ – James F. Hanley (1934)

New Orleans Heat, 22/11/2013

‘NEW ORLEANS HEAT’ returned to us again at the Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 22nd November 2013 A 7-piece band, with leader BARRY GRUMMETT on piano, GWYN LEWIS on trumpet, MIKE TAYLOR on trombone, JOHN SCANTLEBURY on reeds, TONY PEATMAN on banjo, COLIN BUSHALL on drums and HARRY SLATER on double bass. Barry travels from Loughborough, Glyn from Swansea, Mike from Sheffield, John from Cardiff, Tony from Lincoln, Colin from Gloucestershire and Harry from Long Eaton in Derbyshire, pretty amazing lot aren’t they. We had a good turn out for them, with a newish unexpected group of six ladies, plus another new group of four ladies. Of course that helps to make our male audience happy (better not say it makes the band happy, their wives may not like it – ha)! With a bigger audience, it was not easy to catch names of the tunes. I do know the dance floor was certainly very busy all the time, me too! I first jotted down ‘Salute to Ohio Blues’. Then ‘Oh Lady Be Good’, which was sung by John. Then a lovely dancing number I haven’t heard in a while, called ‘Ti-Pi-Tin’, wonderful. ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ was next. Now you have guessed, plenty of singing from the audience, but lots of dancing too. ‘New Second Line (Jo Avery’s Piece)’ was one of those numbers you just know, but can’t recall its name – fabulously played. Then came Gordon’s request, called ‘All the Girls Go Crazy’ famously played by trumpeter William ‘Bunk’ Johnson. Then there was a special feature of Gwyn’s, accompanied by Tony. The number was ‘This Moonlite Power’. Gwyn also sang this so powerfully, he was terrific. My last number to mention is ‘Should I’, again marvellous. I then was so busy dancing, I failed to write down anymore – just enjoying every moment. I think all that were present would agree with me.

Diane and Keith

‘All the Girls Go Crazy about the Way I Walk’ – Kid Ory (1945) disputed earlier by Buddy Bolden (1944)?

‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ – (m) Leo Friedman, (l) Beth Slater Whitson (1910)

‘New Second Line (Jo Avery’s Piece)’ – Joseph ‘Kid’ Avery (circa 1920)

‘Oh Lady Be Good’ – (m) George Gershwin, (l) Ira Gershwin (1924)

‘Salute To Ohio Blues’ – (need to find out more!)

‘Should I’ – (m) Nacio Herb Brown, (l) Arthur Freed (1929) (Film: Lord Byron of Broadway)

‘This Moonlite Power’ – (need to find out more!)

‘Ti-Pi-Tin’ – (m) Maria Grever, (l) Raymond Leveen (1938)

Bill Phelan’s Muskrat Ramblers, 15/11/2013

‘BILL PHELAN’S MUSKRAT RAMBLERS’ returned on Friday, 15^th November 2013 at Farnborough Jazz Club. They played as a six-piece band, with leader BILL PHELAN on trumpet, what a lovely guy. The rest of the gang were ALAN CRESSWELL on reeds (Alan was with Max Collie Rhythm Aces for 18months), GRAHAM WISEMAN on trombone, CHRIS THOMSON on double bass, JOHNNY MCCALLUM on banjo (who was with Kenny Ball for 20years), plus PAUL NORMAN on drums. Of course, they began their repertoire with ‘Muskrat Ramble’, which was followed with ‘Beale Street Blues’. To begin with, our audience were all more talkative than usual, but I think the band felt a little mystified as to why it was only the usual four dancers for a bit. It was our first really cold Friday evening of the year, so I think they were all trying to warm themselves up. The band just kept playing their wonderful music. However, the audience soon relaxed and got up to dance and our real atmosphere blossomed. The next number I wish to mention is Alan’s feature song, namely ‘Petite Fleur’. How beautifully he played it too. Another great number was ‘Buona Sera’. Johnny sung this and certainly our dancers flooded the dance floor (I jotted down ‘lovely muted trombone from Graham’). ‘The Loveliest Night of the Year’ came next. This song was adapted for the film ‘The Great Caruso’ sung by Mario Lanza. Obviously, we all remember this song well, so we all sang it too. Bill asked us to take our partners for a waltz. Then the tempo stepped up to a quickstep. Lovely jubbly. They also played Buddy Bolden’s number called ‘Careless Love’. Then came ‘Ciribiribin’, a beautiful number and when it ended, I asked to speak on the mike. I told everyone that whilst doing my research, I came across the song writer (good looking too) called Jack Lawrence (www.jacklawrencesongwriter.com ). Aged 95yrs, Jack was still answering commenters. I am not in the habit of commenting on websites, but felt compelled to do so (was it his age, or his good looks!). Unfortunately I realised as I pressed ‘send’ that Jack had died two years earlier in 2009 (one month off his 97^th). I quickly sent an apology in case of any upset to his family members. Back came a reply from a dear friend of Jack’s who said it had been like a time-warp. I am now in contact with this lovely lady – also called Diane. To continue … Bill himself, featured beautifully with the next Hoagy Carmichael number called ‘Stardust’. I remember Johnny played a wonder solo on guitar. It is such a fabulous number, with plenty of audience participation and at the end, they called out for ‘more’. It’s been a long time since that was called out (even if many wanted to do so on previous occasions, they haven’t!). Fats Waller’s ‘Black and Blue’ came next, then they ended the evening with ‘Creole Love Call’. Again, such a lovely evening and once again, due to the magic, I forgot to record.

Diane & Keith

‘Beale Street Blues’ – W.C. Handy (1916)

‘Black and Blue’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf (1929)

‘Buona Sera’ – Peter DeRose & Carl Sigman (circa 1956)

‘Careless Love’ – Obscure origins (first association found Buddy Bolden Band (circa 1890’s)

‘Ciribiribin’ – (m&l) Harry James&Jack Lawrence (1939) (based on melody by Alberto Pestalozza -1889)

‘Creole Love Call’ – © Duke Ellington (1928) (lost court case by Joe ‘King’ Oliver (1923)

‘Muskrat Ramblers’ – (m) Edward ‘Kid’ Ory (1926), (l) Ray Gilbert (added 1950)

‘Petite Fleur’ – Sidney Bechet (1952)

‘Stardust’ – (m) Hoagy Carmichael (1927), (l) Mitchell Parish (with Hoagy) (1929)

‘The Loveliest Night of the Year’ – (m) originally Juventino P Rosas (1888), then (m) adapted by Irving Aaronson, (l) Paul Francis Webster (1950) for film ‘The Great Caruso’

So sorry to tell you, we lost a dear friend, Graham, (friend of Stella and Doug). “Enjoy all those lovely musicians in the greater playing fields Graham”. I’m very sorry not to have let everyone know about Graham before now. Also, lovely Adrian Cox attended his funeral and I just want to say ‘Hi Adrian, glad to hear you look in at our website and well done for paying your respect to Graham’.

This terrible storm in the Philippines is so very upsetting and have donated for myself. I am also asking you all, if you haven’t done so yourself, to bring a £1 or two and we will donate it to Red Cross from Farnborough Jazz Club. They need as much help as possible. We are all feeling the pinch, but they have been conducting themselves so gracefully, even in their terrible plight, but they are desperate now. We must help … please … thank you.

See you all Friday.

Diane and Keith

Barry Palser’s Super Six, 8/11/2013

BARRY PALSER’S SUPER SIX on 8^th NOVEMBER 2013 certainly was (as I predicted last week) an exciting evening’s entertainment here at Farnborough Jazz Club. BARRY (trombonist) had booked ALAN GRESTY (trumpet), JOHN CROCKER (reeds), TONY PITT (banjo), HARVEY WESTON (double bass) and JOHN TYSON (drums). What a plethora of stars aye? Certainly not too much for me! I was so enjoying it, I forgot to do some filming. I suppose I’m not so perfect as I think I am, ha! Anyway, here’s how the evening went. They started their programme with Barry singing ‘When You’re Smiling’. This used to be a signature tune when Harvey played in the band years ago. Nice sentiment in the lyrics to kick off with. Next came a Bix Beiderbecke number called ‘Jass Me Blues’, which again brought on the dancers straight away and we certainly didn’t go away with the next number, ‘Nagasaki’ either, I think it was our line-dance number. John (C) was featured on tenor sax with ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, brilliant. Then Alan sang ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’ and I read somewhere that John (C) can, on occasions, be tempted to sing and he did just that, singing ‘All of Me’. John, you have a lovely jazz voice, so please be tempted to sing more often. They also played ‘Riverboat Shuffle’, a number written by Hoagy for Bix Beiderbecke. A slow happy little number called ‘Mama’s Gone, Goodbye’ came next, enticing dancers on to the floor. Now Barry often plays the last number, dedicating it to our Len, who started the song being called ‘Please Don’t Talk About Me, One Eye’s Gone’, a nice bit of humour against himself. There you go, we enjoyed the evening with friends and so sets us up for the rest of the week (good or bad). Thanks guys.

Diane and Keith

P.S. I had another weird thing happen to me as I was writing this! The film ‘The Alamo’ was on TV and whilst looking up ‘Jass Me Blues’ song (on Wikipedia), I found it was recorded by The Original Dixieland Band. Jimmy Durante heard them playing and asked them if they would play with him at The Alamo Club in Harlem (coincidence aye!)

‘All of Me’ – Gerald Marks & Seymour Simons (1931)

‘Everybody Loves My Baby’ – (m) Spencer Williams, (l) Jack Palmer (1924)

‘Honeysuckle Rose’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Andy Razaf (1928)

‘Jass Me Blues’ – Tom Delaney (1921)

‘Mama’s Gone, Goodbye’ – A J Piron & Peter Bocage (1923)

‘Nagasaki’ – (m) Harry Warren, (l) Mort Dixon (1928)

‘Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone’ – (m) Sam H Sept & Bee Palmer, (l) Sidney Clare (1930)

‘Riverboat Shuffle’ – (m) Hoagy Carmichael, (l) Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish & Dick Voynow (1924)

When You’re Smiling’ – Larry Shay, Mark Fisher & Joe Goodwin (1929)

‘Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces’, 1/11/2013

‘BOB DWYER’S BIX & PIECES’ played for us on Friday, 1^st November 2013 here at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB. Band members with trombonist BOB were MAX EMMONS on trumpet, BERNIE HOLDEN on clarinet, HUGH CROZIER on piano, JOHN BAYNE on double bass/bass sax, JOHN STUART on banjo, plus GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums. Before I look at my notes, I must mention my favourite number of the evening! It was a song from Irvin Berlin’s film ‘Carefree’ staring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’. You’ve guested it, ‘Change Partners and Dance with Me’. I remember there were plenty of dancers on the floor. I didn’t have a partner and I couldn’t help it, I found myself dancing around the outskirts of the dance floor and over to Keith at the bar, you know, how one does in your own home, when you are completely on your own! It was such a lovely old favourite song, one that you have to dance to (sorry folks, I’m such an ol’ romantic!). The other memory was of John Bayne playing bass sax, which I call ‘Big Bertha’ – anyone else refer to that instrument with this name? Maybe I got that name from someone else, I can’t remember! Well John, it has a wonderful rich sound and makes the hairs on my arms come up. Now back to my notes – ‘Piove (Ciano, Ciano Bambina)’, (translated ‘Chow, Chow Bambino’) was sung by Bob, with some audience participation, as one would expect. It was followed with ‘Minnie the Moocher’ and ‘Careless Love’. John (B) played big Bertha (bass sax) in both songs, fantastic. Then came a good old favourite ‘Hiawatha Rag’ and there was plenty of dancing going on. John (B) had a feature song with ‘China Boy’. What a splendid piece of playing from him, he is marvellous. Hugh sang the next one, ‘Puttin on the Ritz’ (from the musical of the same name). Would you believe it, Keith danced this one with me, he really can dance well, being a drummer (rhythm, legs, etc.). The next song featured Hugh on piano with ‘The Naked Dancers’ (also known as Hootchy-Kootchy Dance) and was introduced with such a story, because of the subject. We were asked if any of us ladies in the audience wanted to join in. Len offered our services, but Colin called out ‘No please, thank you very much’. Then Sandy (she’s such a sport) climbed up on a table and pretended to take part, much to everyone’s delight & laughter – well done Sandy. Hugh then sung his party piece ‘Caldonia’. He has a great voice and certainly can play those ivories. Well, once again a fun-filled happy evening of jazz.

They certainly did keep smiles on our faces.

Diane and Keith

‘Caldonia’ – (believed) Louis Jordan, but credited to his wife, Fleecie Moore (1945)

‘Careless Love’ – Obscure origins (first association found Buddy Bolden Band (circa 1890’s)

‘Change Partners and Dance with Me’ – Irving Berlin (1938)

‘China Boy’ – Phil Boutelje & Dick Winfree (1922)

‘Hiawatha Rag’ – (m) Chas N Daniels aka Neil Moret (1901), (l) James O’Deo (added 1903)

‘Minnie the Moocher’ – Cab Calloway & Irving Mills (1931)

‘Piove (Ciano, Ciano Bambina)’ – Domenico Modugno & Eduardo Verde (1959)

‘Puttin On the Ritz’ – Irving Berlin (1929)

‘The Naked Dancers’ – Sol Bloom (1893), pos from 1719!

Jubilee Jazz Band 25/10/2013

JUBILEE JAZZ BAND played for us on Friday, 25^th October 2013 here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB. The guys in the band were KEN REESE (trumpet), BARRY PALSER (trombone), JOHN LEE (reeds), HUGH CROZIER (piano), GERRY INGRAMS (double bass) and DOUG HIGGINS (drums). Many of our audience were missing, having gone away to a jazz weekend. Fortunately, a few ‘not so regulars’ turned up. Keith and I have often thought one day, you will all turn up together and we will have to turn some of you away – only joking! The wonderful thing was we had a guest artist. None-other than the lovely jazz singer, MARY WILKINSON. We have known Mary for best part of twenty five years (her husband, Mick has played in a couple of bands with Keith, including Keith’s own band ‘The KGB’). All the band were playing well and the first number I jotted down was Barry singing ‘I Can’t Believe that You’re In Love With Me’. Next was a great ‘Bix’ Beiderbecke number called ‘From Monday On’, sung by Hugh. Barry told us the next two numbers were known for different names. ‘Apex Blues’ (a jaunty little number) was also known as ‘Wibbly Wobbly Blues’ and a number I just love, ‘Fidgety Feet’, was originally called ‘War Cloud’. Don’t you just love Barry’s little extra bits of information? Hugh had a feature on piano with a beautiful tune from the film ‘The Great Zeigfeld’ called ‘You’, he is a brilliant pianist. Then Hugh sang a marvellous duet with Mary, with a Bessie Smith number called ‘Oh! Daddy Blues’. Mary then sang with the band to the next number, ‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’, (a song originally by Fats Waller, also of Billie Holiday). Mary does sing a lot of Bessie Smith songs, so we all think of her voice being Bessie’s type, but Mary has her own unique voice and can sing any song beautifully (especially her cheeky songs too). I filmed the next three numbers. One, sung by Barry, was another ‘Bix’ number called ‘Louisiana’. Mary sang a couple of great blues number called ‘Organ Grinder Blues’ (original singer Eva Taylor) and ‘Down Hearted Blues’. It was great to have captured Mary’s singing on film, but I was disappointed you couldn’t see her too clearly, being too dark. I have been too busy (as usual), but with a bit of luck, I will be purchasing ‘the real McCoy’ video camera, so hopefully will be able to put some good videos on this website. Meanwhile, I can’t even send my films by email to the bands to check if they like them enough to allow them to be published here! It seems they are too big to send! Technology! Who’d have it? Seriously, I will get it right soon, but here it comes, my usual remark- hmmm! Well at least with technology, you can look up numbers on the internet, listen to them and remind yourselves. I don’t know about you, but I cannot remember names of songs (jazz, or otherwise) until they start playing. No! I’m not getting old!

Cheers.

Diane & Keith

‘I Can’t Believe that You’re In Love With Me’ – (m) Clarence Gaskill (l) Jimmy McHugh (1925)

‘From Monday On’ – (m) Harry Barris, (l) Bing Crosby (1928)

‘Apex Blues’ – (conflicting) Hoagy Carmichael, Sidney Arodin & Joe Poston OR Earl Hines & Jimmie Noone (1928)

‘Fidgety Feet’ – Nick LaRocca & Larry Shields (1919)

‘You’ – Walter Donaldson & Harold Adamson (1935)

‘Oh! Daddy Blues’ – Ed Herbert and William Russell (1921)

‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’ – Billy Mayhew (1936 ‘All Of Me’ – Gerald Marks & Seymour Simons (1931)

‘Louisiana’ – (m) James Johnson, (l) Andy Razaf & Bob Schaefer (1928)

‘Organ Grinder Blues’ – Clarence Williams (1928)

‘Down Hearted Blues’ – (m) Lovie Austin, (l) Alberta Hunter (1922)

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, 18/10/2013

TONY PITT’S ALL STARS ‘blew everybody minds’ here at Farnborough Jazz Club on 18^thOctober 2013. TONY (banjo) obtained those brilliant stars, DENNY ILETT on trumpet, ADRIAN COX on clarinet, DAVE HEWITT on trombone, PETE ‘Dave’ BAKER on double bass and JOHN ELLMER on drums. Howzat! I said last week that we were definitely in for an exciting evening of jazz. What an understatement! I have to tell you they were so much more than brilliant, well Ken in the audience said to me, and I quote “There is only one word for it, matchless! Then he said” unbelievable”, that’s two words Ken. Tony chose to put this line-up together for the first time and pretty amazing they were. I will not decry the previous bands or line-ups, but together were certainly among the crème de la crème. Those of you who witnessing the evening, please post your comments on our website. It would show my darling Keith (who is a Luddite) that you ARE reading these newsletters. Hmmm, are you? Just in case you are reading this, let me remind you of some of the numbers played. They started the evening with that rip-roaring number called ‘Jazz Me Blues’. Not sure why it should have been called a blues, it is such a happy number. ‘Original Dixieland One Step’ had brilliant solos. First solo by Adrian was incredible, but then each in turn came Denny, Dave and then John (all incredible too), all backed by Pete and Tony – fantastic. Denny sang the next number ‘When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful’ loved by plenty of dancers. Adrian sang the next couple of songs ‘Nobody Loves You When You’re Down and Out’ and ‘The Curse of the Aching Heart’ (nearly fainted dancing to it – hmmm getting old – who said that!). ‘Panama Rag’ was another amazing number (I didn’t want them to stop playing it), followed by another old standard called ‘When You and I were young Maggie’. I managed to film next couple of numbers. The filming is very dark (club atmosphere) and the music is never as good as being there ‘live’, but still great for a memory boost. First number captured was ‘Shimmy Like my Sister Kate’, sung by Adrian. Then ‘Bad Penny Blues’ featured Denny on trumpet, he also sang, plus played mouth piece only, what a talent. Then came ‘Blue Turning Grey Over You’, ‘South Rampart Street Parade’ and ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’. There was plenty of dancing throughout the evening and that says it all, so don’t be shy if you want to join us and enjoy yourselves, it doesn’t matter how well or badly you can dance, we don’t watch you, were too busy dancing ourselves. Of course all are welcome, don’t stay lonely at home, we have such fun.

Keep jazz ‘live’ in Farnborough!

Diane and Keith

N.B. Sorry, still not able to download videos, it seems they are too long – I will try to find a way at a later date!

‘Bad Penny Blues’ – Humphrey Lyttelton (1956)

‘Blue, Turning Grey Over You’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Andy Razaf (1929)

‘Jazz Me Blues’ – Tom Delaney (1921)

‘Nobody Loves You When You’re Down and Out’ – Jimmy Cox (1923)

‘Original Dixieland One Step’ (First jazz record known as ‘Dixie Jass Band One Step’ by Original Dixieland Jazz Band (1917). After court case – changed to ‘That Teasing Rag’ (ragtime song by Joe Jordon-1909)