FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB enjoyed the booking with DAVE RANCE’S ROCKIN’ CHAIR BAND on Friday, 12th June 2015. They looked great, played great and sang great. DAVE RANCE (trumpet&vocs) was joined by DEREK SCOFIELD (sax & clarinet),BRIAN WEBB (trombone), HENRY HARRISON (drums), MIKE BREWERTON (d.bass) and DOUG PARRY (banjo).
Dave Rance’s Rockin’ Chair Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 12th June 2015. (LtoR) Mike Brewerton (d.bass), Derek Scofield (reeds), Dave Rance (trumpet), Henry Harrison (drums), Brian Webb (trombone) and (hidden) Doug Parry (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.
They played some wonderful tunes and my first number to mention is ‘Bourbon Street Parade’, a great favourite, sung by Brian, with Dave harmonizing. This number encouraged our Steve to get his umbrellas for the brolly parade, just wonderful.
Dave Rance on trumpet with his Rockin’ Chair Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 12th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Brian Webb sings with Dave Rance’s Rockin’ Chair Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 12th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Brian sang again my next choice – ‘Nobody’s Sweetheart Now’. He sure does have an excellent voice. Oh and what about ‘Whistling Rufus’? Not sure that has been played here before. A lovely old ‘Glen Miller’ favourite of mine came next, being ‘Johnson Rag’, superb playing by Derek on baritone sax – another lovely one to dance to. We joined in singing ‘Ace in the Hole’, then Dave was featured with the next number, with Brian singing ‘That Old Feeling’. We performed our line-dance to the next one, ‘Shimmy-Sha-Wobble’, great fun.
Derek Scofield plays clarinet with Dave Rance’s Rockin’ Chair Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 12th June 2015. (hidden is Mike Brewerton on d.bass). Photo by Mike Witt.
Henry Harrisson on drums with Dave Rance’s Rockin’ Chair Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 12th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
We were then treated to that wonderful ‘act’ by Mike and Henry. The number? You’ve guessed it – ‘Big Noise From Winnetka’ and what a performance, just brilliant. They completed the evening with ‘Lilly of the Valley’, sung by Brian and everyone not only joined in singing, but whilst up on the dance floor too. Such a lovely evening once again. Thanks boys, you didn’t disappoint us. [So sorry no pics of Mike and Doug – these are the only photos that ‘came out’.]
Your hosts, Diane and Keith
‘Ace in the Hole’ – Louis Panico & Elmer Schoebel (1926)
‘Big Noise From Winnetka’ – (m) Bobby Haggart & Jo Bauduc, (l) Gil Rodin & Bob Crosby (1938)
‘Bourbon Street Parade’ – Paul Barbarin (c. 1953)
‘Johnson Rag’ – (m) Guy Hall, (l) Henry Kleikauf (1917) & updated Jack Lawrence (1940)
‘Lily of the Valley’ – hymn written by William Charles Fry (1837–1882) in London for the Salvation Army. Ira D. Sankey arranged the words ‘Nobody’s Sweetheart Now’ – (m) Billy Meyers & Elmer Schoebel, (l) Gus Kahn & Ernie Erdman (1924)
‘Shimmy-Sha-Wabble’ – Spencer Williams (1917)
‘That Old Feeling’ – Lew Brown & Sammy Fain (1937)
I received an email during the week, in response to my newsletter – 8th March 2015:
…….which mentions Pedigree Jazz Band’s special tribute to much-loved Acker Bilk, who passed away 2nd November 2014 (and must surely be with that very special band in the sky). The number was ‘Blaze Away’. [I remember singing a version of this number at our Saturday morning pictures at the ABC Plaza at Catford back in late 40’s! What fun that was. I felt sorry for the man who had to open the doors to let us kids in – he had to quickly stand back against the wall behind the door – or be trampled upon – flattened – ha!].
Hi Diane, Well, well, well, would you believe it, I used to live in Catford and every Saturday morning went to the Plaza for the children’s show so we were there together – what a coincidence. Just been reading about your exploits and Blaze Away. Do you remember going up on the stage when it was your birthday and everyone singing to you? I used to go to the Hippodrome as well and sit on a cushion up in the gods, and later on I actually worked in the Hippodrome when they changed it to offices.
It’s a very small world.
Love Joyful xxxx
Oh yes Joyful, I remember the birthdays too. I was one of four children in my family and we would each take it in turns to ‘have a birthday’ every other week (so over eight weeks). Of course, you got in for free the following week! Naturally, everyone would scream out that we had already had a birthday recently. I wonder if Acker was an ABC member too.
Do you recall the huge black cat who ‘owned’ Catford and lived at The Lewisham Hippodrome (situated in Catford)? First he would sit at the sweet counter until we were all inside. Then he would join us inside, walking over everyone’s lap, hoping for some more goodies to eat (he would especially love ice cream) and then, he would walk across the veranda, so his shadow would be up on the screen – oh yes, I’m sure he knew what he was doing – ha. The Hippodrome became the Eros Cinema.
AND what about the Queens Cinema, next door – that was what we called ‘the gods’! You accessed it round the side and to the back of the building. It had hard bench seats (slabs of wood actually), slanting downwards, so your whole body was almost lying down (slanting) and the screen was beyond your feet! I can remember the old boy who had us queuing up. Always seemed bad tempered (but probably us kids, were too rowdy and over-excited at going to the pictures, so can you blame him). He had a glass eye, was a bit hunched and very short, quite frightening, although was probably a nice old boy (probably not even old), but when you are little, your imagination works overtime aye?
I also remember the Park Cinema at Hither Green. I recall seeing my first ever film there, called ‘The Boy with the Green Hair’ starring Dean Stockwell (1949). A fantastic film about prejudice. Because of our memories, I looked up this cinema and found out it has just been saved from being made into flats – well done the Hither Green Community Society.
Another cinema we frequented was the ol’ Splendid Cinema at Downham Way (we would walk to all of these cinemas too!). One of us would pay to go in and then we would all bunk in through the side door (about six or seven of us) AND we were (I promise) such lovely and good kids too.
I mustn’t forget to mention two other cinemas, one being The Gaumant Palace, which became The Odeon Cinema in Lewisham. I saw many stars on the stage, one very memorable one being Nat King Cole (oh what a memory) I think about 1962, my programme has no date! The other being The Rex, such a lovely quaint and friendly place. I think was privately run. I know there are more cinemas, but these are the ones I recall most memorably. Any responses?
PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND gave us much pleasure playing at the Farnborough Jazz Clubon 5th June 2015. . They certainly had a big act to follow, after last week’s Tony Pitt’s All Stars, but ‘Phoenix’ had no trouble coping at all. ROBIN COOMBS (clarinet), the band’s leader, had his usual guys, PAUL HIGGS (trumpet), BILL TODD (trombone), DAVE BARNES (piano), ROGER CURPHEY (double bass), JOHN STEWART(banjo/guitar), and ALAN CLARKE (drums). We are so lucky to have such talented bands wanting to play here at Farnborough. Mind you, the acoustics are good and you (our audience) certainly show them you’re having fun. So if you haven’t been here before, then don’t hesitate, for a happy evening of jazz and dancing, come and give us a try. Now let me tell you what entertainment the boys delivered to us on this particular evening –what they played!
Band Leader, Robin Coombs (clarinet) and Paul Higgs (trumpet) with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 5th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Bill Todd on trombone plus Paul Higgs (trumpet) and Roger Curphey (d.bass) with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
They began with ‘Georgia On My Mind’, a good old favourite and was sung by Bill. I’d also like to mention they played ‘Makin Whoopee’, another favourite and this time sung by all of us (audience). I was dancing to the next number, ‘You Took Advantage of Me’, so no extra little tit-bits, save it was great. What about ‘Strutting With Some Barbeque’, a terrific Louis Armstrong number. This one gave us some wonderful solos from all of them, wowie, just brilliant. Then Dave sang the next ‘Who’s Sorry Now’ and again, our audience joined in.
Bill Todd on trombone and Paul Higgs on trumpet (John Stewart banjo – obscured from view) with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th June 2015. Photo By Mike Witt.
Paul was featured next and what a special this was. He performed ‘Flambée Montalbanaise’, one of those tunes you know, although probably not familiar with the name (well I wasn’t – couldn’t find it and had to check it out with Paul himself). He is a composer, so I thought it may have been something he had composed himself. Also, I had written the word ‘melodic’, so thought I had meant the tune was quite beautiful, but no, I had missed off the ‘a’ and it was actually what he was playing!!! All I do know is he was pretty spectacular. The next number was tremendous ‘China Town’ and I made a special note of the banjo, so John must have excelled.
Dave Barnes on piano and Roger Curphey on double bass with the Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
John Stewart plays guitar with Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Robin played ‘Petite Fleur’ next and just a wonderful job he made of it too. They completed the evening with a great number ‘Twenty Four Robbers’, which was sung by Dave – just love this and they left us feeling so happy. Thanks Robin and your boys. Another super evening.
Another great photo of Roger Curphey (double bass) – a real action one playing with Alan Clarke (drums) for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th June 2015, Photo By Mike Witt.
Great picture aye? Showing Alan Clarke (drums) and Roger Curphey (double bass) enjoying his pint with the Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Keep jazz ‘live’ and support the club.
Yours hosts, Diane and Keith
P.S. I have managed to upload our filming published on YouTube – yeah I know – almost a clever clogs! It is still a work in progress though. See Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces for 1st May 2015 (at end).
‘Makin Whoopee’ – (m) Walter Donaldson, (l) Gus Kahn (1928)
‘Chinatown, My Chinatown’ – (m) Jean Schwartz, (l) William Jerome (1910)
‘Flambée Montalbanaise’ – Gus Viseur (1940)
‘Georgia On My Mind’ – (m) Hoagy Carmichael, (l) Stuart Gorrell (1930)
‘Petite Fleur’ – Sidney Bechet (1952)
‘Strutting With Some Barbeque’ – (m) Lilian Hardin Armstrong, (l) Don Raye (1941)
‘Twenty Four Robbers’ – (m) Ted Buckner, (l) James Young (1941)
Tony Pitt (banjo) presents his All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club 29may2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
TONY PITT’S ALL STARSappeared FRIDAY, 29th MAY 2015here at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB. Oh well done Tony, for getting the following stars, ‘cos they were brilliant. We hadDENNY ILETT on trumpet, AL NICHOLSon reeds, DAVE HEWITTon trombone& baritone horn, ANDY LAWRENCE on double bass, JOHN ELLMERon drums (well percussion) and of course, Toeknee himself on banjo. What a session. We, of course, had a great turn-out, so a fantastic evening to report.
Some of Tony’s stars: Al Nichols (rds), Denny Ilett (trmpt), Dave Hewitt (trmb) & Andy Lawrence (db). Photo by Mike Witt. 29may2015
Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, High St, Farnborough, Kent, UK 29may2015, with Denny Ilett (trmpt), Al Nichols (rds), Dave Hewitt (trmb), Andy Lawrence (db), John Ellmer (drms) and Tony (bnj). Photo by Mike Witt.
My first number to mention is ‘Hello Central, Give me Doctor Jazz’ sung by Tony, not sure I have heard him sing before, what a great voice. Next came ‘Travelling Blues’, certainly a one to mention, it was absolutely fabulous – brilliantly played by all of them.
Denny Ilett (trmpt) with Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough JC, Kent 29may2015. Photo by Mike Witt
Denny sang next ‘I’d Like to Get You on a Slow Boat to China’, which brought out the dancers in full. Then he sang ‘Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You’, another great favourite.
Al Nichols (tenor sax) & Tony Pitt (banjo) Farnborough JC 29may2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
This brings me to mention Al’s brilliant feature on tenor sax with ‘Avalon’. He was backed by some pretty wonderful solos from each of the engine boys – excellent banjo, excellent double bass and excellent drums.
Dave Hewitt plays baritone horn, with Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough JC, Kent 29may2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Another feature tune was from Dave with ‘Some of These Days’. For this he played the baritone horn, what a star he is. We all got up to dance our (Charleston) line dance to ‘You Always Hurt The One You Love’, great fun for us dancers. The last number to mention was superb. They all played with so much oomph. The number was ‘Blue, Turning Grey Over You’. What a heart-thumping evening we all had, everyone was thrilled and left with huge ‘Cheshire cat grins’ on our faces. You can look forward to them returning for Keith’s second birthday celebration on 15th August 2015 (no presents please, just pay to come in – £10).
Di and Keith
P.S. So sorry to be dreadfully behind with newsletters AND photos – they will be downloaded in due course, I promise – Di.
‘Avalon’ – (m&l) Al Jolson, Vincent Rose & Buddy DeSylva (1920)
‘Blue, Turning Grey Over You’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Andy Razaf (1929)
‘Doctor Jazz’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver, Walter Melrose (1926)
‘Gee Baby, Aint I Been Good To You’ – (m) Don Redman, (l) Don Redman & Andy Razaf, (1929)
‘I’d Like to Get You On a Slow Boat to China’ – Frank Loesser (1947)
‘Some of These Days’ – Shelton Brooks (1909)
‘Travellin’ Blues’ – Jimmy Rogers & Shelly Lee Alley (1931)
‘You Always Hurt The One You Love’ – (m) Doris Fisher (1944)
NEW ORLEANS Z’HULUS from Belgium included us as part of their UK Tour. They appeared here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUBon Friday, 22nd May 2015. As you can see, this band has a wonderful International flavour.Trumpeter DAN VERCRUYSSE is from BELGIUM, clarinettist JESPER CAPION LARSEN is from DENMARK, trombonist PHILIPPE DE SMET, also fares from BELGIUM, pianist EMILE VAN PELTis fromHOLLAND, double bassist BRIAN TURNOCK is English, but lives between U.K. and Belgium, plus, of course you all know drummerEMILE MARTYN,who is English andlives between U.K. andU.S.A.
New Orleans Z’hulus Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK with Dan Vercruysse (trpt) – Belgium, Jesper Capion Larsen (cl) – Denmark, Philippe De Smet (trmb) – Belgium, Emile Van Pelt (pno) – Holland, Brian Turnoch (d.bass) – UK &Belgium, Emile Martyn (dms) – UK &USA.. Photo by Mike Witt.
It was this band’s first time with us. It is nice to know bands from abroad love to give us a try, so we asked you to give them a huge warm Farnborough welcome please, which you did. They played some super numbers and it was very hard to choose which ones to tell you about and what not to mention, but here goes ….. ‘Bogalusa Strut’ was, I think, their first number and what a lovely happy easy to dance to, jaunty number, played well too. I made a note of ‘Give Me Your Telephone Number’, but had made no remarks here, because I was happily dancing and oh what a fast one, phew. ‘Mama Inez’ was a gorgeous Latin American number – lovely jubbly. Then just before their first break, they played the ‘Original Dixieland One Step’, always a favourite with everyone (I had put a couple of ticks as a must to mention).
Brian Turnoch (d.bass) seen playing with New Orleans Z’Hulus Jazz Band (on their UK Tour) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent. 22nd May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.
New Orleans Z’hulus Jazz Band with Jesper Capion Larsen, clarinetist (from Denmark) at Farnborough Jazz Club on 22nd May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Next came ‘Burgundy Street Blues’. What a lovely ‘George Lewis’ number and featured John brilliantly. (tit-bit – Brian recorded with George Lewis). Pianist, Emile P sang beautifully to ‘On a Coconut Island’ a lovely South-sea Island number. Then Phillip sang ‘Show Me the Way to Go Home’, but instead of sending us home, the whole audience joined in singing, ha.
New Orleans Z’hulus Jazz Band on UK Tour with Emile Van Pelt (piano) playing at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 22nd May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
New Orleans Z’hulus Jazz Band on UK Tour with Emile Martyn (drums), Dan Vercruysse (trumpet) and Philippe De Smet (trombone), play at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 22nd May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
New Orleans Z’Hulus Jazz Band on UK Tour with Emile Martyn (dms) seen here at Farnborough Jazz Band, Kent, UK on 22nd May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.
We certainly were not going home, with this super band and what came next, only woke us up more, because it was ‘Running Wild’ – with Emile on drums wow – and try dancing to that! There was a couple of fantastic numbers between, but I had put three ticks AND an asterisk next to ‘Saint Philip Street Breakdown’, featuring John (oh! He certainly is worth featuring). My last mention is for ‘Our Love Is Here to Stay’ and was sung by Emile VP, such a lovely number and what a band, thorough enjoyable – thanks boys. Their website is:
The MILLENNIUM EAGLE JAZZ BAND (from the Midlands) included us as part of their tour on FRIDAY, 15th MAY 2015 here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB. Their last gig in January 2013, was unfortunately cancelled due to the Country being snow-bound. They have been coming to us for several years now, but with a gap, so it was great to welcome them back again. The band consists of PETER BROWN ontrumpet, cornet, valve trombone & vocals, with MATT PALMER on clarinet, sax & vocals, TERRY WILLIAMS on trombone & vocals, BRIAN LAWRENCE on double bass & sousaphone (not our ‘TOES’ Brian) and JULYAN ‘BABY JOOLS’ ALDRIDGE on drums. Chris Etherington was on holiday, so JIM DOUGLAS on guitar & banjo, took his place. I promised that if it snowed on Friday, we would dig them ‘in’ – ha. Seriously, we had a great time with them the previous times, but unfortunately, my computer was down during those years (newsletters temporarily lost).
(LtoR) Terry Williams (trombone), Peter Brown (trumpet), Matt Palmer (clarinet) & Julyan ‘Baby Jools’ Aldridge (drums) with Millennium Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Millennium Eagle Jazz Band with (LtoR) Jim Douglas (guitar), Terry Williams (trombone), Peter Brown (trumpet) & Brian Lawrence (d bass) at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th May 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.
To begin this newsletter, I want to relate the end of the evening first! (Well, you all know I’m strange). However, my reason is because when they finished the evening, the audience kept yelling for “more” and the band obliged, playing on for a good 20minutes, or so, past time. They chose some continuous ‘hot’ Glen Miller numbers and practically everyone in the club got on the dance floor. What an atmosphere! Ok, now to return to the beginning of the evening! My first number to tell you of, is called ‘Moose March’. I had 3 ticks against it, which I had meant ‘brilliant’ – with great soprano sax by Matt. Likewise against the next number, ‘Maple Leaf Rag’, giving mention to solos by Brian (sousaphone), Matt and Jim. Then came ‘The Best Things in Life Are Free’, sung by Peter, with harmonising by Matt and Terry – wonderful singing too.
Brian Lawrence (d.bass &sousaphone), Julyan ‘Baby Jools’ Aldridge (drums) & Jim Douglas (guitar &banjo) with Millennium Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, 15th May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Brian Lawrence (d.bass &sousaphone) with Millennium Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Matt Palmer (clarinet), Peter Brown (trumpet, cornet &valve trombone) & Julyan ‘Baby Jools’ Aldridge (drums) with Millennium Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 15th May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt
Matt had a feature number next with ‘In The Middle Of the Night’-just super. We made the next number our line-dance, ‘After You’ve Gone’, which was played wonderfully. ’Creole Love Call’ came next, played’ Duke Ellington style’ and encouraged our two visiting fabulous dancers on the floor, Linda and John (from Rochester area, we think).
Jim Douglas (guitar &banjo) with Millennium Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 15th May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Jim’s feature (backed by Brian) came next with ‘I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket’. Plenty of applause there, of course. Now the next number (another three ticks) was superb by all, namely Sidney Bechet’s ‘Coffee Grinder’, simply fabulous. I must mention Terry and Peter’s (on valve trombone) fantastic duet with ‘T’Aint What You Do’, (Brian was great too).
Julyan ‘Baby Jools’ Aldridge (drums) with Millennium Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough JC 15may2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
But then they left the best till last – ‘Tiger Rag’ they all excelled(Brian was on sousaphone and Peter on trumpet and whistle) and oh! what a drum solo – fantastic ‘Babes’! What more can one say – a simply brilliant evening and we all went home wanting more … and that’s what jazz is all about don’t you agree?
ROGER MARKS & CHRIS WALKER’s ‘Tribute to Trad Jazz’ with THE PEDIGREE JAZZBAND played for us in Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) as part of their 2015 tour to the South East on Friday, 8th May 2015. Leader, ROGER (trombonist) travels from Devon and co-leader, CHRIS (clarinettist) travels from Dorset. The rest of the gang were GRAHAM TREVARTON on trumpet, KEN AMES on banjo, TONY MANN on double bass and COLIN LARN on drums.
ROGER MARKS (trmb) & CHRIS Walker (clt) ‘Tribute to Jazz’ with Pedigree Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) 8th May2015. Band were GRAHAM TREVARTON (trmpt), KEN AMES (bnjo), TONY MANN (d.bass) & COLIN LARN (drm). Photo by Mike Witt.
They were here last year (19th September), with this special show, which gives little tit-bits of information about the music being played. It happened to be my son-in-law’s birthday, so my family all turned up. They loved the information given on intros to numbers, giving them so much insight into everything. I loved the first number, a Rossini one, but played based on the Dutch Swing College version of ‘William Tell’, a great start. There were some wonderful numbers in between, but will mention next their special tribute to much-loved Acker Bilk, who passed away 2nd November 2014 (and must surely be with that very special band in the sky). The number was ‘Blaze Away’. [I remember singing a version of this number at our Saturday morning pictures at the ABC Plaza at Catford back in late 40’s! What fun that was. I felt sorry for the man who had to open the doors to let us kids in – he had to quickly stand back against the wall behind the door – or be trampled upon – flattened – ha!]. Back to our jazz, Graham sang the next one, ‘Lord, Lord, Lord, You Sure Been Good to Me’. Oh yes another great jazz voice and a number for the dancers, being a great tempo. Blow me, another great jazz voice, in the shape of Ken. He sung Tommy Dorsey’s ‘Tight Like That’ (another Louis Armstrong hit).I wrote no comments about ‘Sukiyaki’, although it wasn’t necessary as I put three ticks against it – says it all, doesn’t it (except to mention Kenny Ball had a hit with it). Next came ‘The Drunken Song (There’s a Tavern in the Town)’ traditional, but copyrighted by William H. Hill in 1883. It was sung by Rudy Valée in 1934. He couldn’t stop laughing during the first recording, so had to record it again. However, the laughing version became the hit. You can find both on YouTube. I think we performed our line-dance to the next one, a Judy Garland hit, ‘Easter Parade’. Roger then featured with ‘Mack, the Knife’ (both Louis and Bobby Darin had hits with this one). He was brilliant and of course backed by their sturdy ‘engine’. Another tribute to Acker came by way of Chris playing superbly to ‘Summer Set’. Then what a brilliant drum solo from Colin with ‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream’ – whew, super and saw the evening completed in a fantastic way from all the lads (and audience of course). Thanks you so much for a very entertaining evening.
Keep it up guys.
Diane and Keith
’Blaze Away’ – Abraham ‘Abe’ Holzmann (1901) (possible tribute to President Theodore Roosavelt?)
‘Easter Parade’ – Irving Berlin (1933)
‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream’ – Howard Johnson, Billy Moll & Robert King (1927)
Lord, Lord, Lord, You Sure Been Good to Me’ – Traditional Gospel song
‘Mack, the Knife’ – (m) Kurt Weill, (l) Burtolt Brecht (1928)
‘Sukiyaki’ – (M) Hachidai Nakamura, (l) Rokusuke Ei (1961)
‘Summer Set’ – Acker Bilk and David Collet (1959)
‘The Drunken Song (There’s a Tavern in the Town)’ – traditional
‘Tight Like That’ – (Tommy Dorsey/Hudson Whittaker)
HRH Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, welcome to our world. Warm congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and both your families on the birth of your beautiful baby yesterday.
‘BOB DWYER’S BIX & PIECES’, those likely – oh no I mean lovely – lads were back to play for us again. Where? Here of course, at the Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent (BR6 7BA). When? Last Friday, 1st May 2015. (click on photos for a larger and clearer view),
BOB DWYER’S BIX & PIECES at Farnborough Jazz Club on 1st May 2015. With BOB (tromb&voc) MAX EMMONS (trump), BERNIE HOLDEN (clar&sax), CHRIS NEWMAN (piano), JOHN BAYNE (d.bass &b.sax), NICK SINGER bnj&voc) and LAURIE CHESCOE (drms). Photo by Mike Witt.
Leader, BOB (trombone & vocals) was joined by MAX EMMONS on trumpet, BERNIE HOLDEN on clarinet & alto sax, JOHN BAYNE on double bass & bass sax, NICK SINGER on banjo & vocals, drummer LAURIE CHESCOE and guest pianist, CHRIS NEWMAN.
CHRIS NEWMAN, piano and JOHN BAYNE, on ‘Big Bertha’ (baratone sax) with Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces at Farnborough Jazz Club on 1st May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Chris comes from GOSPORT, Hampshire, where he is on the Committee of the Gosport Jazz Club. He is a wonderful pianist, very melodic and full of personality. He gave an explanation about my first choice of song and the fact that there are two tunes with almost the same name. One being ‘Panama Rag’, composed by Charles Seymour (1904), obviously a Ragtime and the one they played for us, ‘Panama’, by William Tyers (1911). We thoroughly enjoyed this one, although I am sure we would have enjoyed the other version anyway, because they were playing ‘hot’. Likewise with ‘St. Louis Blues’. Max sang, with John playing double bass and Bernie on alto sax. What an exciting rendition from all the band. My next choice to tell you about was a completely different tune. It was a beautiful number sung by Bob, called ‘Spain’. I hope he doesn’t mind me saying, but he has a romantic voice, quite similar to the 1930-40’s sound and everyone loves it.
Nick Singer sings ‘Ace In The Hole’. BOB DWYER’S BIX & PIECES at Farnborough Jazz Club on 1st May 2015. With BOB (tromb&voc) MAX EMMONS (trump), BERNIE HOLDEN (clar&sax), CHRIS NEWMAN (piano), JOHN BAYNE (d.bass &b.sax), NICK SINGER bnj&voc) and LAURIE CHESCOE (drms). Photo by Mike Witt.
Nick was next on vocals with his good ol’ tradie voice to ‘Ace In The Hole’, with another one for us to all dance to. Oh they were on fire, because they followed on with Max’s great intro on harmonica to ‘Freight Train’. I can just see them now, all flat out, what a performance (sorry, you have to put up with me gushing again!). The next number got our line dance going, now quite regularly a dozen or so of us, all having fun! The number was ‘That DaDa Strain’ , with fabulous drums from Laurie and enjoyably they played every bit as good as Bob Crosby & The Bob Cats did. Another wonderful number to enjoy (requested by Gordon), with John bringing out ‘Big Bertha’ (bass sax) and everyone giving us brilliant solos to ‘Weary Blues’. Calming down, let me lead you into the next number ‘Love Nest’. Bob’s gentle dulcet tones brought on a full house of our dancers to the floor. [Oh by the by, I found 1 and 1/2 hour free b&w romantic film on You Tube ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU-1D8p50h4) with Marilyn Monroe.] Just two regular numbers they do for us left to mention, one being ‘Elephant Stomp’ with our superb John, playing ‘Big Bertha’ and everyone backing him to the hilt, what a unit. Oh yes, see below our video recording of him, recorded 27th October 2014. Plus the last number, only played here, because composer Leslie was a huge friend of ours. The number being a Tommy Dorsey hit, ‘Nice To Know You Care’. [I have located more info about Leslie, showing his music was produced by Forsythe, Seaman & Farrell, plus Dorothy Squires, Diana Dors, Ann Shelton, Jack Watson & Tony Brent, Charlie Chester and Dick James.]. Bob’s next date here, being 10th July 2015.
Now I hope that has wet your appetites to come for some more jazz next Friday, for the Pedigree Jazz Band.
JOHN BAYNE plays ‘Elephant Stomp’ on baratone sax accompanied by MAX EMMONS on trumpet and BERNIE HOLDEN on alto sax with the Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). 1st May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Bob Dwyer sings ‘Nice To Know You Care’ with Max Emmons (trmp) and Bernie Holden (clt). BOB DWYER’S BIX & PIECES at Farnborough Jazz Club on 1st May 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.
Good listening – and don’t forget, keep jazz ‘live’.
Diane and Keith
‘Ace in the Hole’ –Louis Panico & Elmer Schoebel (1926)
‘Elephant Stomp’ – Al Ferreri & Yannick Singery (circa 1953)
‘Freight Train’ – Elizabeth ‘Libba’ Cotton (circa 1906)
‘Love Nest’ – (m) Louis A. Hirsch, (l) Otto Harbach (1920)
‘Nice To Know You Care’ – (m) Leslie Baguley, (l) Norman Newell (1947)
‘Panama Rag’ – William Tyers (1911)
‘Spain’ – (m) Isham Jones (l) Gus Kahn (1924)
‘St. Louis Blues’ – W.C. Handy (1914)
‘That Dada Strain – Edgar Dowell (1922)
‘Weary Blues’ – (m) Artie Matthews, (l) George Cates & Mort Green (1915)
It was MIKE BARRY’S UPTOWN GANG who played again for us on Friday, 24th April 2015 here at the Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). MIKE BARRY (leader, trumpeter & vocals) was joined by GOFF DUBBER on reeds, ‘WHISPERING’ MICK HOLT on trombone & vocals, GRAHAM BARTON on piano, ROGER CURPHY on bass and GRAHAM COLLICOTT on drums. They were on top form as ever. It is a great shame, Mike Witt took some photos on a small camera, but none came out successfully, all but one, that is. Quite eggstraordinary really, because Val (behind our bar) brings us wonderful freshly laid eggs and this week, she brought a huge goose egg. I asked Mike to take a picture of it – yes you guessed, this one came out (well it was an egg ha). What is eggtraordinary is the news this morning on BBCTV showed a special pre-historic egg – one of a 500yr old Madagascan elephant bird which is to be auction at Christies – coincidence I know! See it on:
Photo of Val’s special fresh goose egg brought in to Farnborough Jazz Club (the night of Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang) on 23rd April 2015. We thought it was a wopper!. Photo by Mike Witt.
Back to Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, my first choice of song to mention was sung by Mike, ‘Blow My Baby Back To Me’ and on came the dancers immediately. I jotted down great solo trombone from ‘Whispering’ Mike. Next came Stan Kenton’s hit‘Harlem Folk Dance’, with absolutely brilliant playing by all of them, in particular, fabulous playing from Roger on bass and Graham (C) on drums. About a dozen of us managed to dance our line-dance to a Latin American rhythm. The tune was ‘Brown Skinned Girl’, great fun, thanks boys, you played it fabulously for us. Then Goff sang ‘Saving All My Love For You’. So many musicians have great jazz voices, as he has. Did you choose to sing this song because of the composer (could he be a relative Goff?) ‘My Monday’s Date’ followed on with Goff on tenor sax and fab bass from Roger (I noticed an interjection from you of ‘Fascinating Rhythm’ – see these little things don’t go unnoticed – ha). Graham was featured next and performed his own Boogie composition (obviously named ‘Graham’s Boogie’) which he played last time they were with us. Mike told me then, Graham composed it that night? Next came ‘Whispering’ Mike, singing (as well as performing a super bit of trombone playing) to ‘Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams’, (a Bing Crosby hit) to which Graham (B) also performed a great piano solo to. We did a second line-dance to ‘I Found A New Baby’, well they were playing it brilliantly. What happened next, shows how much relaxed fun occurs at jazz evenings. Mike hiccupped at the beginning of his intro with ‘Bugle Boy March’ – hiccupped? Well, he couldn’t get it right and so took a couple of stabs at it, with so much heckling from us audience in his ears. Then after another re-try, got it perfect to a huge cheer – lovely bit of fun – that’s jazz. Mike is back again on 26th June with his Yerba Buena Celebration Band, so put it in your diaries.
Diane & Keith
‘Breeze (Blow My Baby Back To Me)’ – Ballard MacDonald, Joe Goodwin & James F. Hanley (1919)
‘Brown Skinned Girl’ – Harry Belefonte
‘Bugle Boy March’ – Francis Meyers ((1907)
‘Graham’s Boogie’– Graham Barton (2014)
‘Harlem Folk Dance’ – Stan Kenton (1941)
‘I Found A New Baby’ – Jack Palmer, Spencer Williams (1926)
