Mike Barry’s XXL Jazz Band, 26th September 2014

MIKE BARRY’S XXL JAZZ BAND made our audience really pleased to be here at our Farnborough Jazz Club in Kent on Friday, 26^th September 2014. Leader and trumpeter Mike’s band consisted of reeds player GOFF DUBBER, trombonist REX O’DELL, banjo & guitarist JOHN STUART, double bassist ROGER CURPHEY and drummer PAUL BUDD. It was lovely to see them all again.

Mike Barry’s XXL Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, 26th September 2014.
MIKE BARRY (trumpet), GOFF DUBBER (reeds), REX O’DELL (trombone), JOHN STUART (banjo & guitar), ROGER CURPHEY (double bass) and PAUL BUDD (drums).
Photo by Mike Witt.

To start with, there was plenty of laughing coming from the band BEFORE you (our audience) all arrived, always a good sign they will enjoy entertaining you. They chose a great number to begin with, being (amongst many top stars) Johnnie Ray’s big hit ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’. Rex, who has a super voice, sang it and of course lots of us joined in, knowing most of the words. ‘Beale Street Mama’ had a couple of superb solos, one from John on guitar, plus Roger on double bass. Continuing with my next choice, which was ‘When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam’. This was also sung by Rex, to which several of us chose to do our line-dance. I’m not sure if our bands enjoy us doing it, nor our audience, but we enjoy do the dancing – ha! Next number Mike Witt (who took this super photo) emailed to me, and I quote “It was good to hear Mike Barry’s vocal rendition of “Marching through Georgia”, which is often played by bands of all types, from military through to Trad jazz but which is rarely sung. It commemorates General Sherman’s troops’ epic march through the US state of Georgia during the American Civil War, during which the city of Atlanta was burned”. He continued “Then followed civilian casualties and damage to property as Sherman’s men foraged the local land for food and supplies. Perhaps that’s why it is not often sung publicly, especially in the American south where even whistling the tune can result in a punch-up. Resentment still burns hot there!” Quite a statement, that I had to include it in this newsletter. Mike (B) sang it, with the rest of the band ‘Ahh, Ahhing’ along too. Plenty of dancers out for this one. After a break, they continued with an old favourite of trad jazz lovers, ‘Dr Jazz’, sung by Goff. It’s amazing how many talented jazz singing musicians there are within the Trad’ world. John took to the guitar for ‘Brown Skin Girls’, again plenty of dancers. Obviously, ‘Ice Cream’ is another bigtime favourite. What they did with their rendition, was to interject with that tune ‘Good Morning’ (from the film ‘Singing In The Rain’) – fabulous. I recall Paul giving a terrific drum solo. Then came a brilliant situation of the evening, when they played overtime on the first section, which was fine. But when they began to do the same with their second break, I called out (so we could do the raffle draw). However, Mike called back “what’s up, we have another three hours to go!” So when it came to the end of the evening and it was all over, I took the ‘mike’ and said “hey, you have another couple of hours to go!” (Then to the audience) “You all witnessed Mike saying they had three hours to do”. It’s marvellous that a band enjoys themselves, so much they do not want to end – just as much as we love listening to their wonderful talent.

Meeting of the Maestros
Colin Dobson, well known on trumpet with the Billy “Wakey, Wakey” Cotton band and a jazz legend in his own right, is a regular visitor to Farnborough Jazz Club where his opinions are often sought by other trumpet virtuosos with regard to their performances. Here Mike Barry, trumpet man with his own XXL band, discusses technical points with Colin over a friendly pint of Spitfire bitter. Photo by Mike Witt.

Now, I have often mentioned we have the delight of receiving in our audience, Colin Dobson (well known on trumpet with ‘Billy Cotton’s Band’ for many years).

‘That will cost you a pint Mike’.
Colin Dobson (well known on trumpet with Billy “Wakey, Wakey” Cotton Band) talking to Mike Barry (left) at Farnborough Jazz Club.
26th September 2014
Photo by Mike Witt.

This evening, Colin was accompanied by his delightful wife, Jo, and lovely family. I loved it that Mike Witt captured these two photos for our website.

Keep jazzing.

Diane and Keith

‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’ – Irving Berlin (1911)

‘Brown Skin Girl’ – Norman ‘King Radio’ Span (1956)

‘Beale Street Mama’ – J Russel Robinson & Roy Turk (1922)

‘Dr Jazz’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver & Walter Melrose (1926)

‘Good Morning,’ – Nacio Herb Brown, (l) Arthur Freed (1952)

‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream’ – Howard Johnson, Billy Moll & Robert A. K. King (1927)

‘Marching through Georgia’ – Henry Cray Work (1865)

‘When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam’ – Irving Berlin (1912)

Roger Marks, Chris Walker & The Pedigree Jazzband with their ‘Tribute to Trad’, 19th September 2014

ROGER MARKS & CHRIS WALKER’s ‘Tribute to Trad Jazz’ with THE PEDIGREE JAZZBAND made Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) part of their tour to our part of the world on Friday, 19^th September 2014. The musicians were, of course, (co-leader) ROGER MARKS on trombone and (co-leader) CHRIS WALKER on clarinet. Graham Trevarton, their usual trumpeter was unable to make it to us. However, ANDY DICKINS was a guest on trumpet & vocals. The rest of the band were ok and was KEN AMES on banjo, TONY MANN on double bass and COLIN LARN on drums.

Pedigree-Jazz-Band-cropped

I said last week, this promises to be a highly entertaining evening and it certainly was. Roger has played for us before, with his Armada Jazz Band and was very popular with you all, as too with Andy Dickins (remember he, Julian Marc Stringle and Dave Hewitt knelt down and played to my little 4½yr old granddaughter, who was dancing to ‘Fidgety Feet’ (see www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIZGXLVs7fM) whilst with Dave’s Condonians back in 2010 (although has played for us many times since). However, it was the first time for Chris and the Marston’s Pedigree Jazzband from the West Country. If you click on the ‘band page’ at top of this website, you will find more information (from their own website http://pedigreejazzband.co.uk ), showing how they arrived at their idea for this show, plus see the band’s C.V’s too. Also, you can see them in action on a video taken at Risley Park Jazz Club, Risley, Derbyshire (curtesy of Apple County) on www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTMNu8aQOKs.

Pedigree-Jazz-Band_5978-cropped

They chose some pretty famous songs, so once again I have found it very difficult to decide what numbers to include in my write-up, not wanting to leave great numbers out, but here goes. I shall start with ‘Chimes Blues’, which was performed perfectly (the bells I mean) and thoroughly enjoyable. It is a number performed by many bands, but not always quite right (although I’m not complaining to those bands – that’s what’s lovely about ‘live’ jazz, with warts and all). Chris mentioned being a friend and fan of Monty Sunshine and so featured one of his hit numbers, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’. A wonderful old ‘trad’ number and certainly they did it ‘justice’. For the next number Ken changed from banjo to guitar and joined the front line for ‘That’s My Home’, also showing he has a good jazz voice too. Before everyone arrived, I enjoyed the ‘boys’ warming up, with a little practice of that classical number ‘Santa Lucia’ and even more pleasing to see them add it to their repertoire. We all know classical and jazz music is very much affiliated. Next Chris was featured playing ‘Summer Set’ and brilliantly too. It was a big hit for Acker Bilk. ‘Margie’ was sung by Roger and I recall he did a bit of scat vocals (I would describe as ‘Danny Kaye style’, terrific) and we (well, just four of us) did our little of line-dancing -Charleston style. Then Andy was featured. His intro to the number was so beautiful and then he gave such a lovely performance with ‘Georgia On My Mind’. I cannot leave out the next number made famous by Kenny Ball. They played it so well, just like Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen – and the number? Of course, ‘Midnight In Moscow’ Yeah! They completed their show with ‘Ice Cream’. A stupendous performance by all, but especially the ‘mind blowing’ drum solo from Colin – wow. I do hope you enjoyed playing for us as we in the audience enjoyed you. We wish you a great success in future tours. Before closing Chris and Roger, please could you send a big ‘thankyou’ from us, to the Marston’s Brewery, for donating some of their (must be wonderful) beer towards our raffle. It was very much appreciated. Keith & Diane xx

‘Chimes Blues’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver (1923) (Chris Barber hit)

‘Georgia on My Mind’ – (m) Hoagy Carmichael, (l) Stuart Gorrell (1930)

‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream’ – Howard Johnson, Billy Moll & Robert A. K. King (1927)

‘Margie’ (m) Con Conrad & J. Russel Robinson, (l) Benny Davis (1920)

‘Midnight In Moscow’ – Василий Соловьев-Седой, Михаил(m) Vasily Solovyov-Sedoi,

(l) Mikhail Matusovsky (1955)

‘Santa Lucia’ – Teodoro Cottrau (1850)

‘Summer Set’ – Acker Bilk & Dave Collett (1960)

‘That’s My Home’- Malcolm John “Mac” Rebennack

‘The Old Rugged Cross’ – George Bennard (1912)

Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Jazz Band, 13 September 2014

SARAH SPENCER’S TRANSATLANTIC JAZZ BAND made their annual appearance at our Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on Friday, 12^th September 2014. I said it all last year, but will repeat it. SARAH is a brilliant New Orleans tenor sax player, who must have a huge pair of lungs. What a strong performance she gives. Sarah moved to live in America some 16years ago. Since 2009, she has made an appearance at Farnborough during her annual tour back home. She has a wonderful dynamic personality and her playing certainly depicts this. Since the first time Sarah appeared with us back in our ‘Badgers Mount Jazz Club’ days in the 1980’s, she has played at The Purcell Rooms within London’s Festival Halls, plus world-wide festivals and of course, USA (www.sarah-spencer.com). STEVE GRAHAM was on trumpet, MIKE OWEN on trombone (he was here three weeks ago with ‘Baby’ Jules Jazzaholics), DEREK JONES on double bass (he, I think, experience his first visit here – poor thing!), ANDY MAYNARD on banjo and CHRIS MARCHANT on drums. Last week I said “Sock it to them Sarah” and of course, she did just that. I mentioned Sarah must have an enormous pair of lungs, well she also has a heart the size of a pumpkin, because she tries to please everyone, playing with all her heart and soul, which the whole band did. They began the evening with ‘Smiles’ with the intention of putting smiles on all our faces, which obviously did. Next I noted down ‘Breeze’, being a nice, fairly slow romantic number for dancers. Mike, in particular, excelling with it. This was soon followed on by ‘C’est Magnifique’, keeping the dancing going. Then ‘Bouncing Around’ was absolutely wonderful, with the dance floor packed. Sarah sang the next number ‘Don’t You Feel My Legs’, certainly it showed an influence of living in New Orleans, what a great strong and controlled voice she has. This is quite a fun naughty number (remember Christine Tyrell singing it here? I know Keith would recall, ha). The next number I noted, was ‘Should I (Reveal Exactly How I Feel)’ and such a brilliant rip roaring performance was given by everyone. Sarah then dedicated the next tune to her boyfriend, George as he was unable to come. It was called ‘I’m Alone Because I Love You’ – lovely George. Mike sang the next song, (one of Judy Garland’s) ‘Under the Bamboo Tree’, he’s another musician with a terrific voice. Next number was performed with such a ‘wow’ factor and as I was dancing, have no note of what it was called – sorry. I mention this because it always shows that they are enjoying themselves too. Anyway, their last number which was played way after time and was called ‘Silver Bells’. Sarah, you are a star with a big love of your music, play on. [Video of the band when they appeared here in 2013 can b found on Youtube as follows: http://youtu.be/PuC4eKvV1Bk]

Thank goodness for ‘live’ music

Diane and Keith

‘Bouncing Around’ – Armand John “A.J.” Piron & Peter Bocage (1923)

‘Breeze (Blow My Baby Back To Me)’ – (m) James F Hanley, (l) Ballard McDonald & Joe Goodwin (1919)

‘Don’t You Feel My Legs’ – Blue Lu Barker & Danny Morton (1938)

‘I’m Along Because I Love You’ – (m) Ira Schuster, (l) Joe Young (1930)

‘C’est Magnifique’ – Cole Porter (1953)

‘Should I (Reveal Exactly How I Feel)’ – (m) Nacio Herb Brown, (l) Arthur Freed (1929)

(See online) Mitja Nikisch Tanz Orchester (Film: Lord Byron of Broadway)

‘Silver Bells’ – Jay Livingston & Ray Evans (1950)

‘Smiles’ – (m) Lee S Roberts, (l) J Will Callahan (1917) (Judy Garland also wrote version)

‘Under The Bamboo Tree’ – (m&l) Bob Cole, (m) J. Rosamond Johnson (1903) (from film ‘Meet Me In St. Louis)

Sarah with the Harold Dejan’s Olympia Brass Band of New Orleans (Freddie Kemp and Harold) with some of the Ambrosia Brass Band in the background (Luciano, Bacchiocchi and Marco).

Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 12th August 2014. Photo by Steve Moyse.

‘Martyn Brothers Jazz Band’, 5 September2014

Martyn Brothers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 25th August 2014. Photo by Mike Witt

‘MARTYN BROTHERS JAZZ BAND’ once again,were fabulous when they played for us on Friday, 5^th September 2014, here at our Farnborough Jazz Club. As mentioned before, co-leaders, Emile and Ben, are the sons of that wonderfully flamboyant drummer and band leader, Barry Martyn. Barry moved to New Orleans many years ago, so Emile and Ben were brought up there. BEN MARTYN plays double bass and EMILE MARTYN plays drums (both sing). They were joined by JULIAN WEBSTER GREAVES on sax, harmonica & vocals, JEFF WILLIAMS on trombone & vocals, JOHN ‘radio’ RUSCOE on guitar and HENRI HERBERT on piano (I said last week, Henri is an exciting boogie woogie player and is new to our club). It was a brilliant evening with their unique style of jazz, combining certainly New Orleans, a little bit of 60’s and a little bit of ‘country’, very entertaining. One of our regular visitors, Mike Witt, took these wonderful photos, which shows just how they ‘delivered’ (shame the ‘band’ one misses Emile and Henri and only got Ben’s head, but thanks a mill’ Mike, for taking the photos). Oh again, how I wished we had filmed some of the evening. I have so much going on in my private life and if things were normal, we would have booked someone regularly to film for us. But there you go, disappointingly we haven’t. So here’s how the evening went, although as usual, I’m finding it so difficult to pick out the numbers to tell you about, as all were good. I have by-passed some great numbers (as they were played by other bands recently) and move forward to mention they played ‘Statesboro Blues’. Julian was on harmonica and also sang and what a number. Julian is another extremely talented musician. Henri was to feature next with ‘Sweet Lorraine’. I’m not sure how old he is (he seemed very unassuming), but boy, oh boy, can he play the ivories – he certainly has a voice there! ‘Pennies From Heaven’ followed next, with Jeff’s great singing, then Ben joined in singing in a high pitch. I’m sure he has been having lessons from his 10mth-old baby (Lorelai) great fun Ben. The number to come next was a rip roaring number ‘Oh Marie’, to which Emile lent his vocalisation to (yep, he also has a great voice). The pièce de résistance was Julian playing sax, whilst moving all around the club, up on the table (see photo for evidence) and then sitting on Susan’ lap (sorry Susan, no photo), definitely one of the highlights of the evening. See photos for evidence!!

Julian Webster Greaves in action at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, 5th September 2014, with Martyn Brothers Jazz Band.
Photo by Mike Witt

Julian Webster Greaves in action at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, 5th September 2014, with Martyn Brothers Jazz Band.
Photo by Mike Witt

Another popular song ‘St. Louis Blues’ lured the dancers out on the floor (I recall they mixed a bit of Glen Miller’s ‘Pennsylvania 6500’). Then before the dancers could return to their seats, with Ben singing, they played ‘You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie)’ and so were lured back to dance some more. Would you believe it, the same happening with ‘Honest I do’. I’m sure you were all exhausted, but exhilarated. Ben sang again – he has a marvellous voice and it is obvious from my description, the band played (without a break) as a marathon! What followed sounded like a big band when playing ‘Lester Leaps In’. Emile performed a marvellous drum solo (although I called out ‘Keep practising Emile’ – joking of course). Henri gave us a fabulous exhibition of his own composition ‘Henri’s Blues’ (see there’s where we needed to film), thank you Henri. [Since writing these words, I asked Ben what year did he write it and have just learnt Henri wrote it that evening – now that’s talent. We will have to have a copy of the song on our website, when he records it.] ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ (surely chosen, being eleven years to the day of Johnny Cash’s death) came next. I danced with Gordon and am sure I lost a few pounds of fat. An explosive number. Julian played harmonica and sang next. His American lady friend came to hear the band, so they played this one, ‘Route 66’, to make her feel at home. I don’t think there are many people who dislikes hearing that number either, especially how they perform it. They began the second set with ‘The Sheik of Arabi’ sung by Ben. We chose to do our line dancing. Marie-Ann and Susan were doing something different to the rest of us and Ben asked me ‘aren’t you suppose to do the same thing’. I told him they were already on ‘the advanced course’, ha. Well, I was unable to choose any fewer numbers (sorry boys, to give too much away for your other gigs). What another ‘wow’ session. Cannot lose this club, can we.

Diane and Keith

‘Folsom Prison Blues’ – Johnny Cash (1955)

‘Henri’s Blues’ – Henri Herbert (5thSeptember 2014)

‘Lester Leaps In’ – Lester Young (1939)

‘Oh! Marie’- (m) Eduardo Di Capua, (l) Vincenzo Russo (circa 1890) (l) Louis Prima version (1958)

‘Pennies From Heaven’ – (m) Arthur Johnston, (l) Johnny Burke (1936)

‘Route 66’ – Bobby Troup (1946)

‘Saint Louis Blues’ – W.C. Hanley (1914) inspired the Foxtrot

‘Statesboro Blues’ – ‘Blind’ Willie McTell (1928)

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

‘You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie)’ – Chuck Berry 1964

‘You Send Me’ – Sam Cooke (1959)

‘Barry Palser’s Super Six’, 29th August 2014

‘BARRY PALSER’S SUPER SIX’ once again came to Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, on Friday, 29^th August 2014.

Barry Palser

Trombonist BARRY’s band of musicians were PETE RUDEFORTH (trumpet), JOHN CROCKER (reeds/vocals), TONY PITT (banjo), HARVEY WESTON (double bass) and JOHN TYSON (drums). Before you all turned up, Keith and I enjoyed John (C) warming up and boy oh boy, he was better than most during those practice moments (don’t be offended all you clarinettists – it’s just true, ha). Well if that was any indication of what was to come, we were not wrong. They had to follow on from the previous two fantastic Fridays (especially as one of them was Tony’s own band). However, they did just that. Once again, I will give you the picture of what you missed if you were not there. With numbers such as ‘All of Me’, which was sung by John (C), who has a wonderful voice. I love the next number being ‘Running Wild’. Pete sang it and John (T) gave a marvellous drum solo with Harvey and Tony doing their bit too. Then Barry said their next number ‘I’m Crazy ‘bout My Baby’ is dedicate to Dave Wasket (trumpet player of ‘Vintage Jazz’ fame), “because Davy loved it”. I have found some old info on ‘Vintage Jazz’ (lost off website when it went ‘down’, so have loaded it again). It was our turn to do our line-dance to ‘My Blue Heaven’, which Barry sang. Once again, John (C) commented about us being the ‘Roly Polys’. Thanks John, quite a compliment, I know we are all amazing dancers. However, it’s alright girls, I think he was referring to my size only (cheeky – John I mean, not my derrière, hmmm). Anyway, my next choice of song was played beautifully by them all, that being ‘Creole Love Call’, a great number. John followed on to be featured on tenor sax with ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, such a talent, so superb. Then it was Pete’s turn to be featured on trumpet. He played fabulously ‘Davenport Blues’. I wrote the word ‘Brilliant’ against ‘Oh Lady Be Good’. George Gershwin songs always bring on the dancers and I remember everyone excelled, need I say more? I finish up though with ‘Just a Little While to Stay Here’. It was sung by Barry and what I particularly loved, was halfway through, the three front liners singing in harmony. Yes another excellent evening.

See you this coming Friday, 5^th September 2014 (doors open to you at 8.00pm, time to relax for music at 8:30pm). Don’t forget we have ‘The Martyn Brothers’ and another wonderful evening expected!

Keep supporting us, so we can keep giving you this great entertainment every week.

Cheers,

Diane and Keith

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

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

‘Davenport Blues’ – Bix Beiderbecke (1925) – named after his hometown.

‘I’m Crazy ‘bout My Baby’ – Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller & Alex Hill (1931)

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

‘Just a Little While to Stay Here’ – Eugene Monroe Bartlett (1884-1941)

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

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

‘Running Wild’ – (m) A. Harrington Gibbs, (l) Joe Grey & Leo Woods (1922)

Baby Jools’ Jazzaholics, 22nd August 2014

‘BABY’ JOOLS JAZZAHOLICS gave us yet another wonderful evening here at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 22^nd August 2014.Leader and drummer JULYAN ALDRIDGE was given the stage name of ‘BABY’ JOOLS by Max Collie (after famous drummer ‘Baby’ Dodds). He was joined by DENNY ILETT on trumpet, KARL HIRD on saxes, MIKE OWEN on trombone, ‘GENTLEMAN’ JIM McINTOSH (over from Germany) on banjo (+ intros on ‘mike’) and TREFOR ‘FINGERS’ WILLIAMS on double bass, what a great line-up (certainly brought back our Phil Mason days, with Jim and Trefor on board – also keeps Phil’s memory alive). Another brilliant evening of wonderful traditional jazz ensued and once again a good appreciative audience. The boys played ‘Why Don’t you all Go, Down to New Orleans’ (‘Baby’ Dodds influence?). Mike sang it and certainly was marvellous. The next numbers were ‘Roses of Picardy’, followed by ‘Ciribiribin’, with plenty of dancers already enjoying the magic. You may recall I sent a comment to composer, Jack Lawrence, not my usual thing, but felt compelled. I found out he was actively replying in his late nineties. So I love to hear his number played. After last week, once again the band had a request for ‘Bourbon Street Parade’. Obviously the ‘brolly’ parade occurred, which always adds a little bit of colour. It was Denny’s turn to sing and he chose ‘I’m Alone Because I Love You’, a lovely number I don’t think has been sung at our club before. ‘The Sheik of Araby’ followed and what an exciting rendition from everyone, especially the drum solo from Jools. Next one to recall was ‘Jambalaya’ another brilliant one and nicely sung by Denny. ‘Mr Pawn Broker’ has to have a mention, with Mike singing it, plus his trombone, Denny’s trumpet, Karl’s sax and of course Jim’s banjo playing were excellent, oh hell, they all excelled. Their last and very apt number was ‘Get Out of Here and Go on Home’. I’m sure they wanted to escape to their homes (afar) as they were playing in Penzance the next day, but still they put their ‘all’ into the number. Well done boys and thanks.

When I write these newsletters, I worry that as a reader, you will find it boring, but I like to give a picture of what the evening was like, to conjure up the scene for you. However, there is nothing like being at a performance ‘live’, so check it out for yourselves and see you next Friday for Barry Palser’s Super Six (they really are six super stars).

Diane and Keith

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

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

‘Get Out Of Here and Go on Home’ – Buddy Bolden

‘I’m Along Because I Love You’ – (m) Ira Schuster, (l) Joe Young (1930)

‘Mr Pawn Broker’ – B. B. King (1960)

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

‘Roses of Picardy’ – (m) Haydn Wood, (l) Frederick E. Weatherly (1916)

‘The Sheik of Araby’ – (m) Ted Snyder, (l) Harry B. Smith & Francis Wheeler (1921)

‘Why Don’t you all Go, Down to New Orleans’ – Paul Barbarin (1950)

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, 15th August 2014

TONY PITT’S ALL STARS certainly is a most exciting band and entertained us here ‘big time’ at the Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 15^th August 2014. Wherever you see this band advertised, definitely go see them, you won’t regret it. Tony always books some of the top musicians in British Jazz. This evening Tony brought with him ALAN GRESTY on trumpet, GRAHAM HUGHES on trombone, AL NICHOLS on soprano and tenor saxes, ANDY LAWRENCE on double bass, JOHN ELMER on drums and of course TONY again ‘solid as a rock’ on banjo. Tony does a wonderful job of introducing everything, quite a natural on the ‘mike’. The band began the evening with Graham singing ‘All of Me’, such a great start. My next choice of song was ‘Tishomingo Blues’, with Graham playing harmonica and Al on soprano sax. ‘Alice Blue Gown’ gave us the chance to do our line dance (including a few jivers on the floor too). Alan has a wonderful voice and sung to ‘When I Grow Too Old to Dream’. I wrote ‘fab clarinet’, although I know they were all fabulous (am I gushing too much, sorry can’t help it). ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ was certainly a temptation for a brolly parade, so Steve, one of our regulars, got out his collection of ‘umbrellas’ from the car, which produced another bit of fun. Al (Nichols of course) featured on sax with an Al Jolson hit, ‘(I met my love in) Avalon’, Oh what a performance, just superb. Talented Graham was next to be featured with ‘Just a Gigolo’ he played harmonica and also sang. I remember dancing, when John played a magnificent drum solo (you don’t forget drum solos if you are dancing – and I love to dance to drum solos!), anyhow a lovely number. ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’ must be mentioned, with Alan playing flugelhorn (I just love that instrument), plus he also sang. They once again played way past time and finished up with ‘Dixie (I Wish I was in)’ intermingled with a rendition of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’. Oh what an ending. Certainly everyone left with huge smiles of appreciation and plenty of praise, not wanting it to end. That is how we love it, everyone leaving wanting more, so see you next Friday, with ‘Baby’ Jools’ Jazzaholics.

Nothing like ‘live’ music, especially jazz.

Diane & Keith

‘Alice Blue Gown’ – (m) Harry Tierney, (l) Joseph McCarthy (1919)

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

‘Avalon’ – (m&l) Al Jolson, Vincent Rose & Buddy DeSylva (1920)

‘Bourbon Street Parade’ –

*‘Dixie (I Wish I was in Dixie)’ – Daniel Decatur Emmett (circa 1860)

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

‘Just a Gigolo’ – Irving Caecar (1929) [adapted from ‘Schőner Gigolo, Armer Gigolo – (m) Leonello Casucci, (l) Julius Brammer (1928)

‘Tishomingo Blues’ – Spencer Williams (1917)

‘When I grow too Old to Dream’ – (m) Sigmund Romberg, (l) Oscar Hammerstein II (1934)

*‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ – origins unknown (derived from (l) Katherine Purvis, (m) James Milton Black 1896) re-publ 1927.

*played together!

‘Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces’, 8th August 2014

‘BOB DWYER’S BIX & PIECES’ appeared on Friday, 8^th August 2014 here at the Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent. Leader BOB, on trombone & vocals, was joined by MAX EMMONS on trumpet, harmonica & vocals, BERNIE HOLDEN on clarinet & sax, HUGH CROZIER on piano & vocals, JOHN BAYNE on double bass & bass sax, NICK SINGER on banjo & vocals and DENNIS SMITH on drums. So how did it go? Well, they gave us such a wonderful variation of music. When I look at my notes, once again I had ticked too many tunes to mention, so I hope Bob and the gang like my choices. They started off with a good old trad number which immediately brought on a couple of dancers, ‘Canal Street Blues’. Another fabulous number was sung by Max, who also played his harmonica, with John choosing bass sax to the number ‘Me and the Devil’ (written by Robert Johnson, whose life was short-lived – 27yrs – did he have a sixth sense? I hope not!) Hugh had a bad journey and arrived a little late, but went ‘straight on’ without a breather, featuring both great vocals and piano with ‘Oooh! Look-A There, Aint She Pretty’, a lovely jaunty dancing tempo. Bob followed up with his vocals to ‘No Regrets’. I’ve said it before, Bob also has a lovely voice. Another vocalisation came from Nick with ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’, with again John playing bass sax (‘Big Bertha’ as I call it). Nick has a brilliant rough trad jazz voice. ‘Puttin on the Ritz’ was obviously the tune that brought us (Charleston) line-dancers onto the floor (probably about 12 of us this time – tons of fun, cos we don’t care if some of us don’t know what we are doing, thereby getting it wrong sometimes!) The continuing number Max sang brilliantly, being ‘If You’re a Viper’ and again with ‘Freight Train’ too. Once again, he played harmonica, with Bob and Bernie, including the ‘engine’ boys (literally-ha) making the sounds of a train- we just loved it. My last number to tell you of is a famous number of Humphrey Lyttleton’s band, namely ‘Elephant Stomp’. Oh, and that is when John is featured on bass sax. He is spectacular and I aim to video him next time – yes, still working on sorting out videos!!!!! Oh well, when I sort it all out, I shall have to put lighting up for one or two numbers to get better filming. Keep on smiling.

Diane and Keith, jazz lovers, signing off.

‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’ – Irving Berlin (1911)

‘Canal Street Blues’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver (1923)

‘If You’re a Viper’ – Stuff Smith (1936)

‘Freight Train’ – Elizabeth ‘Libba’ Cotton (circa 1906)

‘Elephant Stomp’ – Al Ferreri & Yannick Singery (circa 1953)

‘Me and the Devil’ – Robert Leroy Johnson (early 1930’s)

‘No Regrets’ – (m) Roy Ingraham (l) Harry Tobias (1936)

‘Oooh! Look-A There, Aint She Pretty’ – (m) Carmen Lombardo, (l) Clarence Todd (1933)

Golden Eagle Jazz Band, Friday, 1st August 2014

GOLDEN EAGLE JAZZ BAND returned to play for us at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday 1^st August 2014. The band is led by KEVIN SCOTT, who plays tenor banjo, with MIKE SCROXTON on trumpet, ALAN CRESSWELL on clarinet, ROY STOKES on trombone & vocals, MIKE BROAD on double bass and PETE JACKMAN on drums. They soon got into the swing and Kevin was once again on form with his jokes (I shan’t quote any, so he can repeat them at other gigs, if he so wants to). The dancing began with the first number, ‘Yes, Yes in Your Eyes’. Another one was sang by Mike (S), namely ‘Ting-a-Ling (The Bells’ll Ring)’ and was enjoyed by musicians and audience alike. Then that great number (recorded by Benny Goodman, plus many more) ‘The World is Waiting for the Sunrise’. My next jotting was a lovely easy to listen and also dance to, namely ‘Barefoot Boy’ with Mike (S) singing. We performed our line-dance to ‘Nobody’s Sweetheart Now’. The number was played at quite a fast tempo, so not quite sure what our audience thought of us, but we all enjoyed dancing it (hmmm). The next number ‘Walking with the King’, was sung by Roy and is a good ol’ trad favourite, so we all sung along too, band and audience alike. Then Mike (S) sang ‘Trombone Blues’ and then ‘Running Wild’ was played spectacularly by everyone. I danced, so couldn’t remark in my notes, but ticked tune big time (when I returned out of breath!) Last number to mention was ‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream’ Kevin sang and of course once again, we all joined in the usual place, completing another evening with everyone saying they enjoyed and loved the band.

They will be playing at ‘Ye Olde Whyte Lyon’ Pub at Locks Bottom, on the A21 (Kent) on 24^th August Bank Holiday Sunday (2014), 3.00-6.00pm. The garden has been beautifully refurbished and there will be a barbeque (including usual menu). There is some parking and Sainsbury’s car park at the rear is free on Sundays & Bank Holidays (walk thru slipway to pub). Bus routes from all directions (ask us if you need to know).

Before closing and just a mention, I thought Sunday’s World War One Remembrance Services showed such tremendous organisation by everyone and yes, I lit a candle and blew it out at 11.00pm, but it made me feel so sad. However, the Commonwealth Games were brilliant though, don’t you think. Well done Glasgow and well done the England Teams.

Keep smiling.

Diane and Keith

‘Barefoot Boy’ – John Boylan (1967)

‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream’ – Howard Johnson, Billy Moll & Robert A. K. King (1927)

‘Nobody’s Sweetheart Now’ – (m) Billy Meyers & Elmer Schoebel, (l) Gus Kahn & Ernie Erdman (1924)

‘Running Wild’ – (m) A. Harrington Gibbs, (l) Joe Grey & Leo Woods (1922)

‘The World is Waiting for the Sunrise’ – (m) Ernest Seitz (l) Eugene ‘Gene’ Lockhart (Pub 1919)

‘Ting-a-Ling (The Bells’ll Ring) – Irving Berlin (1926)

‘Trombone Blues’ – Fred Jewell (1919)

‘Walking with the King’ – pop gospel, origins unknown.

‘Yes, Yes in Your Eyes’ – T Pastor Ork (1949)

N.B. I mentioned this information on the ‘mike’ last year, which was published in our local St. Giles Farnborough Parish Church magazine:

‘This month (August 2014) will have 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays, and 5 Sundays and the phenomenon will only happen once in your lifetime, because it won’t happen for another 823 years!

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band, 25th July 2014

PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND was our band on 25^th July 2014 at the Farnborough Jazz Club. Leader ROBIN COOMBS had an excellent line-up with PAUL HIGGS 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. Their performance was as expected just wonderful, they all compliment one-another so well. So how did the evening progress? Well, their first number was ‘Strutting with some Barbecue’. I do hope you are not getting too bored with any repeat adjectives, because here comes one! They started brilliantly! Next number I jotted down was ‘Georgia On My Mind’, sang by Bill, who has a very pleasant jazz voice. The dancers certainly enjoyed my next choice, ‘Jazz Me Blues’and then Dave gave the ragtime number ‘Wolverine Blues’ a great run for our money. Bill sang ‘White Cliffs of Dover’, with everyone playing fantastically, encouraging more dancing too. Paul, with his shiny green coloured trumpet gets better (if that is at all possible) every time we hear him. ‘West End Blues’ was one he wowed us with – a wonderful melodic trumpet. As for Alan’s drumming with ‘Caravan’, his solo was full of excitement and one can see why he is also a drum teacher. The rest of the engine and front line were superb too. As I said last week, nothing like ‘live’ entertainment. It was lovely to see a couple of new faces (hope you come back), especially as some regulars were unable to make it (for very good reasons), although they all forgot their letters from their mums!

Diane and Keith