Category Archives: Lord Napier Hot Shots

Lord Napier Hot Shots, Friday 12th October 2018

 

Lord Napier Hotshots -Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 26th February 2016. (LtoR) Bill Traxler (drums) Pat Glover (clarinet), Mike Jackson, (trumpet), Lynn Saunders (banjo) and of course   Mike Duckworth (trombone – luv his yellow&black striped socks). Photo by Mike Witt.

The ‘LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS’ are playing here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB tonight,

Mick Scriven plays his Ned Steinberger electric upright 5 string bass, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, playing with Lord Napier Hotshots – 29th July 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

 Friday 12th October 2018.  MIKE JACKSON will be on trumpet, with PAT GLOVER on clarinet, MIKE DUCKWORTH on trombone, LYNN SAUNDERS on banjo, BILL TRAXLER on drums and PETE CLANCY on double bass.  It is such a shame that famous old jazz pub, The Lord Napier in Thornton Heath, was demolished last year, but it seems it may possibly be re-developed and return as a pub.  However, that is likely to be a long way off.   I remember Keith playing drums in Jeff Hatton’s ‘Manhatton Jazz Band’ (Pat & Lynn too), who, during the ‘80’s and 90’s, would play there whenever Bill Brunskill’s band would go on tour.  Bill held a residency from 1968 until the late nineties, which, according to The Thornton Heath Chronicle, was immortalised in a Thames Television documentary “Whatever Happened To Bill Brunskill”.  As the Chronicle said, the jazz heyday was during the seventies and eighties.  I can remember Publican Vic making the pub famous for jazz in the 60’s – The Delta Jazz Band and Mike Daniels Big Band playing there as far back as 50’s.  Publican Bob tried so hard to keep the jazz going till the end. Meanwhile, why not come and give this band some support.  They are a happy bunch of guys and it will be another lovely jazz night.  See you for an 8:00pm start ………

joining Diane and Keith – your hosts.

Royal Couple Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank – 12th October 2018

I cannot close without passing on warm wishes and congratulations to The beautiful Royal couple, Princes Eugenie and Jack on their wedding day.  I took time out to watch most of it (hope to see a re-run too) and would like to say how absolutely beautiful and  elegant Princess Eugenie looked – her dress was gorgeous.  May I, on behalf of Farnborough Jazz Club, wish them a happy life together always.

Lord Napier Hot Shots, 15th June 2018

 

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 26th February 2016. (LtoR) Bill Traxler (drums) Pat Glover (clarinet), Mike Jackson, (trumpet), Lynn Saunders (banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone) (luv the yellow & black striped socks). Photo by Mike Witt.

The ‘LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS’ are returning to the fold here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB tonight. Friday 15th June 2018.  The musicians will be MIKE JACKSON (trumpet), PAT GLOVER (clarinet), MIKE DUCKWORTH  (trombone), LYNN SAUNDERS (banjo), BILL TRAXLER  (drums) and PETE CLANCY  (double bass).  I had a quick look back and was reminded they kindly agreed to cancel their last gig here, because that Friday, (2nd March 2018), we had severe snow.  Oh! and by the way, we have only closed a maximum of three times over three score years, not bad aye!  But I’m sure it is going to be a lovely evening, see you all for a swinging time.  If you haven’t been before, don’t feel nervous to come and join us, we only eat people on a Saturday.

Diane and Keith – your hosts

CANCELLED ‘Lord Napier Hot Shots’, Friday, 2nd March 2018 CANCELLED The ‘LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS’ have kindly agreed to cancel their gig here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB this Friday, 2nd March 2018. The musicians were to have been MIKE JACKSON on trumpet, PAT GLOVER on clarinet, MIKE DUCKWORTH on trombone, LYNN SAUNDERS on banjo, BILL TRAXLER on drums and PETE CLANCY on double bass. A reluctant decision has been made! We feel it would be sensible to cancel this Friday’s Jazz. There are too many of you ‘gung-ho’ jazz lovers, who would make the effort to support us and we would be putting you all in danger of falling over, as the situation is today, let alone on Friday. This also includes Bill, with his drums, plus whoever brings the sound equipment – not easy in icy conditions. But with the forecast being blizzards, it could be impossible to get into the clubhouse anyway. So this way, it will be less stressful for me to get in touch with you all – I have a few days to make the many phone calls to those of you who are not on a computer! It is a difficult job, as some of you who don’t come very often, just might decide to come this Friday. Well, what a wicked situation. The weather forecast has been horrible for Frid

CANCELLED ‘Lord Napier Hot Shots’, Friday, 2nd March 2018 CANCELLED

The ‘LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS’ have kindly agreed to cancel their gig here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB this Friday, 2nd March 2018.  The musicians were to have been MIKE JACKSON on trumpet, PAT GLOVER on clarinet, MIKE DUCKWORTH on trombone, LYNN SAUNDERS on banjo, BILL TRAXLER on drums and PETE CLANCY on double bass.

A reluctant decision has been made!  We feel it would be sensible to cancel this Friday’s Jazz.  There are too many of you ‘gung-ho’ jazz lovers, who would make the effort to support us and we would be putting you all in danger of falling over, as the situation is today, let alone on Friday.  This also includes Bill, with his drums, plus whoever brings the sound equipment – not easy in icy conditions.  But with the forecast being blizzards, it could be impossible to get into the clubhouse anyway.  So this way, it will be less stressful for me to get in touch with you all – I have a few days to make the many phone calls to those of you who are not on a computer!  It is a difficult job, as some of you who don’t come very often, just might decide to come this Friday.

Well, what a wicked situation.  The weather forecast has been horrible for Friday – blizzards, etc., forecasted!  What upsets me is the mere fact that we cancelled the whole of January, in case of such an event, but had absolutely no sign of bad weather at all.  We had planned on visiting Dick and Sheila at Sidcup Jazz club, only to find they were closed for the whole month too, due to renovations.  What do they call it – sod’s law!

Hopefully we can look forward to better weather the following Friday 9th March 2018.  We have Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang.

Diane & Keith

CANCELLED ‘Lord Napier Hot Shots’, Friday, 2nd March 2018 CANCELLED

The ‘LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS’ have kindly agreed to cancel their gig here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB this Friday, 2nd March 2018.  The musicians were to have been MIKE JACKSON on trumpet, PAT GLOVER on clarinet, MIKE DUCKWORTH on trombone, LYNN SAUNDERS on banjo, BILL TRAXLER on drums and PETE CLANCY on double bass.

A reluctant decision has been made!  We feel it would be sensible to cancel this Friday’s Jazz.  There are too many of you ‘gung-ho’ jazz lovers, who would make the effort to support us and we would be putting you all in danger of falling over, as the situation is today, let alone on Friday.  This also includes Bill, with his drums, plus whoever brings the sound equipment – not easy in icy conditions.  But with the forecast being blizzards, it could be impossible to get into the clubhouse anyway.  So this way, it will be less stressful for me to get in touch with you all – I have a few days to make the many phone calls to those of you who are not on a computer!  It is a difficult job, as some of you who don’t come very often, just might decide to come this Friday.

Well, what a wicked situation.  The weather forecast has been horrible for Friday – blizzards, etc., forecasted!  What upsets me is the mere fact that we cancelled the whole of January, in case of such an event, but had absolutely no sign of bad weather at all.  We had planned on visiting Dick and Sheila at Sidcup Jazz club, only to find they were closed for the whole month too, due to renovations.  What do they call it – sod’s law!

Hopefully we can look forward to better weather the following Friday, 9th March 2018.  We have Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang.

Diane & Keith

‘Lord Napier Hot Shots, Friday, 9th June 2017

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16oct2015. Wot about those fab socks of Mike Duckworth (trombone)! Photo By Mike Witt.

The ‘LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS’ will be making their way over to our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB this Friday, 9th June 2017 to inject us with our weekly shot of jazz.   There will be a couple of changes in the band, so do have a look at the line-up.   MALCOLM WALTON (trumpet) will be joined by MIKE DUCKWORTH (trombone) [typeface same colour as Mike’s fun socks!], PAT GLOVER (reeds &vocals), as well as JOHN STEWART (banjo & guitar), plus MICK SCRIVEN (double bass, bass sax & vocals) and GRAHAM CAULICOTTE will be playing drums.  Last week was far too hot to dance any fast ones, in fact not much dancing at all, although they were great to listen to, but I believe this coming Friday will be much more pleasant, so put your dancing shoes in your bags and see you on Friday for that weekly exercise (and fun of course).

Your hosts, Diane & Keith

P.S. Only beautiful and happy people are allowed at Farnborough – so if you are ugly and miserable, then sorry, I’m afraid you can’t come in!!!!!!  Oh, I’ve just thought, you better make an appearance, otherwise everyone will think you were not allowed in – ha ha.

Lord Napier Hot Shots, 29th July 2016

 

Lord Napier Hotshots 29july2016

I know I shouldn’t tempt providence, but albeit cold, it looks quite promising weather-wise for Friday 20th JANUARY 2017 Certainly not the snow and ice we had last week.  We were actually mentioned on TV’s BBC news – A21 Farnborough and Biggin Hill as being the worst hit.  So I’m sure you will all be turning up in your hoards to see the ‘LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS’ and enjoy them entertaining us here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB.   Band leader MIKE JACKSON (trumpet &vocals) has with him, MIKE DUCKWORTH (trombone), PAT GLOVER (reeds &vocals), LYNN SAUNDERS (banjo & guitar), MICK SCRIVEN (double bass, bass sax & vocals), not forgetting BILL TRAXLER (drums).  Being we have had no club since last year, we need to let our hair down – such a thought aye?  Seriously, it will be so nice to be back.  Hopefully we won’t be too stiff in the knees to dance.  See you on Friday.

Your hosts, Diane & Keith

Lord Napier Hot Shots, 29th July 2016

We had a good turn-out for the LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS’, who entertained us here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday 29th July 2016.  The boys in the band  were band leader MIKE JACKSON on trumpet &vocals, MIKE DUCKWORTH on trombone, PAT GLOVER on reeds &vocals, JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar, MICK SCRIVEN on double bass, bass sax &vocals, plus BILL TRAXLER on drums.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 29th July 2016. (LtoR) Mick Scrivens (bass sax), Pat Glover (clarinet), John Stewart ( banjo), Mike Jackson (trumpet), Mike Duckworth (trombone&fab socks) and Bill Traxler (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 29th July 2016. (LtoR) Mick Scrivens (bass sax), Pat Glover (clarinet), John Stuart ( banjo), Mike Jackson (trumpet), Mike Duckworth (trombone&fab socks) and Bill Traxler (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Last week, I said these guys have played together for so many years, obviously showing they have a feel for their music – good old traditional jazz to dance and drink to.  So you obviously all agreed with me and some of you even turned up before we had set up – lovely enthusiasm thanks.  Here’s how the evening went.  They began with a happy little number called ‘All I Do Is Dream Of You’.  I remember Gene Kelly singing this one and was surprised to read that the film negatives of ‘Singing in the Rain’ were destroyed in a studio fire in 1978, although prints of the film survived, thank goodness, it is one of my all-time favourites.  I missed making notes for the next few numbers, with people arriving – even wrote ‘Chris’ sang a song (but missed writing the name of the song) and they didn’t have a Chris in the band –ha (they’re coming to take me away soon!) Oh yes Chris was in the audience!!!!

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 29th July 2016. (LtoR) Pat Glover (clarinet), Mick Scrivens (bass sax. (trumpeter Mike Jackson sings and John Stewart banjo), Mike Duckworth (trombone) and Bill Traxler's drums.. Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 29th July 2016. (LtoR) Pat Glover (clarinet), Mick Scrivens (bass sax. Mike Jackson (trumpet), John Stuart (banjo), Mike Duckworth (trombone) and Bill Traxler’s drums.. Photo by Mike Witt.

Anyway, I did write Mike (J) sang ‘I’m Sorry I Made You Cry’, a tune that hasn’t been played here before and he sang it beautifully.  Then came a good old trad’ number ‘Royal Garden Blues’ and on came the dancers.  Not only did we enjoy it, but you could hear they enjoyed playing it too.  We were back on the dance floor with our ‘Farnborough Charleston Line-dancers’ to the ‘Charleston’ and do we have fun – not sure if anyone finds us in their way – view-wise, ha!

Mike Duckworth plays muted trombone accompanied by Bill Traxler on drums. Seen here playing with Lord Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club on 29th July 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Mike Duckworth plays muted trombone accompanied by Bill Traxler on drums. Seen here playing with Lord Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club on 29th July 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Mick Scriven plays bass sax (big bertha as I call it) with John Stewart on banjo, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). With Lord Napier Hotshots on Friday 29th July 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

Mick Scriven plays bass sax (big bertha as I call it) with John Stewart on banjo, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). With Lord Napier Hotshots on Friday 29th July 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

Mick Scriven plays his Ned Steinberger electric upright 5 string bass, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, playing with Lord Napier Hotshots - 29th July 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Mick Scriven plays his Ned Steinberger electric upright 5 string bass, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, playing with Lord Napier Hotshots – 29th July 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

I jotted down that Mick played big bertha (bass sax) – fabulous.  I gave my usual three ticks to the next number ‘Lou-i-Easy-An-I-A’, which meant they all did a lovely job with playing.  It is another happy jaunty number, so again plenty of dancing.  The next tune, ‘Hello Central, Give Me Dr Jazz’, must have had the dancers up too, including me because I didn’t write anything, except Mick sang and I recall he also has a great jazz voice!  ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ was another tune with three ticks, but I think I was enjoying myself, I forgot to write anything (Cinzano time, I think – ha).  Then came ‘Somebody Loves Me’ and was sung by Pat who, as I have said before, has a very romantic voice and I had put my three ticks.  Lovely, because again he sang the last number, being that Fat’s Waller’s number ‘You Meet The Nicest People In Your Dreams’.  Oh, yes, congratulations Pam and Pat, on becoming great-grandparents again by two separate daughter-in-laws.  One born lunchtime Wednesday, the other early Thursday morning! That makes eight great-grand and nineteen grandchildren altogether, wow (congrats too, to Christine, who also had a great-grandchild).

Keep jazz ‘live’ by supporting us please.

Your hosts,

Diane and Keith

‘All I Do Is Dream of You’ – (m&l) Nacio Herb Brown (m), Arthur Freed (1934)
‘Charleston’- (m) James Price Johnson, (l) Cecil Mack (1923)
‘Hello Central, Give Me Doctor Jazz’ – Joe ’King’ Oliver & Walter Melrose (1926)
‘I’m Sorry I Made You Cry’ – N J. Clesi (1918)
‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ – (m) Leo Friedman, (l) Beth Slater Whitson (1910)
‘Lou-i-Easy-An-I-A – Joe Darensbourg (circa 1949)
‘Royal Garden Blues’ – Clarence Williams & Spencer Williams (1919) (not related
‘Somebody Loves Me’ – (m) George Gershwin, (l) Ballard MacDonald & Buddy DeSylva (1924)
‘You Meet the Nicest People in Your Dreams’ – (m) Al Hoffman & Al Goodhart, (l) Manny Kurtz (1939)

Lord Napier Hot Shots, 26th February 2016

We had the  ‘LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS’ on Friday 26th February 2016, here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB Let me remind you, they have been playing at the Lord Napier Pub in Thornton Heath for many, many years now, which shows how well loved they are.  I mentioned last time, this pub has been one of London’s most favourite jazz venues since the early 1960’s.  Leader, MIKE JACKSON (trumpet), had booked MIKE DUCKWORTH (trombone), PAT GLOVER (reeds & vocals), LYNN SAUNDERS (banjo & vocals), MICK SCRIVEN (double bass,  bass sax & vocals) and BILL TRAXLER (drums).

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 26th February 2016. (LtoR) Bill Traxler (drums) Pat Glover (clarinet), Mike Jackson, (trumpet), Lynn Saunders (banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone) (luv the yellow&black striped socks). [Mick Scriven (double bass & bass sax) is out of picture]. Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 26th February 2016. (LtoR) Bill Traxler (drums) Pat Glover (clarinet), Mike Jackson, (trumpet), Lynn Saunders (banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone) (luv the yellow&black striped socks). [Mick Scriven (double bass & bass sax) is out of picture].      Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th February 2016. (LtoR) Lynn Saunders (banjo), Pat Glover (clarinet), Mike Jackson (trumpet) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th February 2016. (LtoR) Lynn Saunders (banjo), Pat Glover (clarinet), Mike Jackson (trumpet) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

Once again, you all asked for us to get them back as they play such lovely happy trad jazz and their first number didn’t disappoint anyone, being ‘Down In Honky Tonk Town’.  Mike (J) sang it for us (rather nicely, as well as super trumpet) and Mike (D) blowing a great ‘bone too.  My next mention is ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me’, with Pat giving us a turn with his vocals and can he sing this fast.  Keith and I go back a long way with Pat and have always loved his vocals, playing (and whistling, when he could do it).  Our turn for a line-dance comes next on my list, that being to the ‘Charleston’ – not too many of us, but doesn’t matter, because their playing was ‘fab’.  Great drumming Bill.

Bill Traxler on drums and Lynn Sauders on banjo play for Lord Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Bill Traxler on drums and Lynn Sauders on banjo play for Lord Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here is the front line of the Lord Napier's Hotshots, seen playing at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent on Friday, 26th February 2016. (LtoR) Mick Scriven joins front line on bass sax, with Pat Glover on clarinet, Mike Jackson on trumpet and Mike Duckworth on trombone. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here is the front line of the Lord Napier’s Hotshots, seen playing at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent on Friday, 26th February 2016. (LtoR) Mick Scriven joins front line on bass sax, with Pat Glover on clarinet, Mike Jackson on trumpet and Mike Duckworth on trombone. Photo by Mike Witt.

Now you all know I just love a bass sax (which a long time ago, I nicknamed ‘Big Bertha’).  Well my next choice of number, I noted Mick chose to play his bass sax to, which was ‘At Sundown’.  What a wonderful Artie Shaw number and how fantastically played by everyone.  Mick stayed on ‘Big Bertha’ with their following tune, being Bix Beiderbecke’s famed number, ‘Royal Garden Blues’.  Yes, here I had given those three ‘ticks’ in my notes.  Then I have to make mention to ‘Mama Inez’, a rhumba, although Steve and I probably performed a mambo – oh well!  I just love the Cuban and Latin American dances.

Mick Scriven on double bass playing for the Lord Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 26th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Mick Scriven on double bass playing for the Lord Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 26th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Band leader Mike Jackson on trumpet and Lynn Saunders on banjo playing here for Lord Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Band leader Mike Jackson on trumpet and Lynn Saunders on banjo playing here for Lord Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th February 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The next number was a feature of Lynn’s and that was ‘When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam’.  Of course he sang it as well as playing banjo and does he excel in both.  Keith and I go back a long way with Lynn too, so I just love him.  I must include the next tune, ‘Dream A Little Dream Of Me’, because Mike (J) played a lovely trumpet.  This song is such a beautiful song and if you go ‘on line’, you will find a recording of it by Doris Day, looking and singing possibly at her very best.  Mick sang their last number, ‘Porter’s Love Song to a Chamber Maid’.  Gosh another marvellous singer, aye!  Such a lovely evening.  Hope you all enjoyed it and hopefully we’ll see you next week.

Keep jazzin’ red hot

DIANE & KEITH

‘At Sundown’ – Walter Donaldson – (1927)
‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me’ – Charles McCarron, Casey Morgan & Arthur Swanstrom (1919)
‘Charleston’- (m) James Price Johnson,  (l) Cecil Mack (1923)
‘Down In Honky Tonk Town’ – (m) Chris Smith, (l) Charles Mccarron (1916)
‘Dream a Little Dream Of Me’ – (m) Fabian Andre & Wilbur Shcwandt, (l) Gus Kahn (c.1931)
‘Mama Inez’ – (m) Elise O Grenet, (l) Louis Wolfe Gilbert (1931)
‘Porter’s Love Song to a Chamber Maid’ – (m) James Price Johnson, (l) Andy Razaf (1930)
‘Royal Garden Blues’ – Clarence Williams & Spencer Williams (1919) (not related)
‘When the Midnight Choo Choo Leaves for Alabam’ – Irvin Berlin (1912)

Lord Napier Hot Shots, 16 October 2015

The LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS appeared on Friday 16th October 2015, here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB.  They have been a hot favourite for a long time at the Lord Napier and I’m sure most of us have frequented this lovely pub at one time, or another.  Keith played (drums) there many years ago, with the Manhatton Jazz Band (‘standing in’ for Bill Brunskill’s Jazzmen, when they played abroad) – in the days of Trish and Doris (do you remember them?).  The Lord Napier Pub has been one of London’s most favourite jazz venues since the early 1960’s.  That certainly takes most of you back, doesn’t it?

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. (LtoR) Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax), Pat Glover (reeds), Bill Traxler (drums), Mike Jackson (trumpet), Lyn Saunders (banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. (LtoR) Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax), Pat Glover (reeds), Bill Traxler (drums), Mike Jackson (trumpet), Lynn Saunders (banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

The musicians were  MIKE JACKSON (trumpet),   MIKE DUCKWORTH (trombone), PAT GLOVER (reeds), LYNN SAUNDERS (banjo), MICK SCRIVEN (double bass & bass sax) and BILL TRAXLER (drums).  Many of you asked for us to get them back as they play such lovely happy trad jazz.Here’s a smattering of what they played.  Their first number of the evening was sung by Mike (J) being ‘Don’t Give Up The Ship’.  Mike is another jazz musician with a super voice.

 

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. (LtoR) Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax), Pat Glover (reeds), Bill Traxler (drums), Mike Jackson (trumpet), (not pictured- Lyn Saunders - banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. (LtoR) Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax), Pat Glover (reeds), Bill Traxler (drums), Mike Jackson (trumpet), (not pictured- Lynn Saunders – banjo) and Mike Duckworth (trombone). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16oct2015. Wot about those fab socks of Mike Duckworth (trombone)! Photo By Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16oct2015. Wot about those fab socks of Mike Duckworth (trombone)! Photo By Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015 with Mick Scriven on double bass & bass sax (Big Bertha as I call it), with Bill Traxler on drums and Lyn Saunders on banjo. Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015 with Mick Scriven on double bass & bass sax (Big Bertha as I call it), with Bill Traxler on drums and Lynn Saunders on banjo. Photo by Mike Witt.

Then came a beautiful Fat’s Waller number ‘A Porter’s Love Song To A Chamber Maid’ and sung by Mick, yes, ANOTHER great singer.  Would you believe it, Lynn also has a top-notch voice, but didn’t sing tonight – unless I was out of the room at the time. Their third number was ‘Is It True What They Say About Dixie’, (Tommy Dorsey had a Number 1 hit with it).  Our Pat sang this one (I call him ‘our Pat’, because Keith and he played together in the Manhatton Jazz Band).  He also did a little scat vocalising too! Fabulous.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. with Bill Traxler on drums and Lyn Saunders on banjo (both showing lovely tans!). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord_Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015. with Bill Traxler on drums and Lynn Saunders on banjo (both showing lovely tans!). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015 with Pat Glover (reeds) and Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax). Photo by Mike Witt.

Lord Napier Hotshots play at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th October 2015 with Pat Glover (reeds) and Mick Scriven (d. bass & bass sax). Photo by Mike Witt.

Here’s one I don’t recall having been played here before – ‘Floating Down to Cotton Town’.  A great one to dance to, the way they played it – up beat.  Now of course my next choice to tell you about is a good ol’ favourite of mine – my sister and I (aged 8 & 10) used to perform (harmonising it) to all the kids in the street – and they paid to see us!! Ha.  The number is ‘For Me and My Gal’, a great Judy Garland and Gene Kelly number.  I had noted that Mick played Big Bertha (bass sax to you) to this one.  Our line dancers came on the floor next for ‘When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver’, obviously played a bit more up tempo than usual. What came next was a number that Red Nichols and his Five Pennies made famous in 1930 – what a fabulous tune – ‘Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble’ and these guys did it proud too.  Mick got out ‘Big Bertha’ (Bass sax) for ‘You Always Hurt the One You Love’.  Pat sang, as only he can – romantically.   Sorry, I’ve probably embarrassed Pat now – ha.  I must finish on a note – the notes that make up ‘Shake That Thing’.  It was a lovely evening, which left us with a wonderfully happy feeling to go home with.  Lord Napier, you are one lucky pub.  Still, we have them back here on Friday 26th February 2016.

Your hosts,

DIANE & KEITH

‘A Porter’s Love Song To A Chamber Maid’ – (m) James P. Johnson, (l) Andy Razaf (1930)
‘Don’t Give Up The Ship’ – (m) Harry Warren, (l) Al Dubin (1935)
‘Floating Down To Cotton Town’ – (m) F. Henri Klickmann, (l) Jack Frost (1919)
‘For Me and My Gal’ – George W. Meyer, Edgar Lesley & E. Ray Goetz (1917)
‘Is It True What They Say About Dixie’ – Gerald Marks, Irving Caesar & Sammy Lerner (1936)
‘Shake That Thing’ – traditional
‘Shim-Me-Sha-Wabble’– Spencer Williams (1917)
‘You Always Hurt The One You Love’ – (m) Doris Fisher, (l) Allan Roberts (1945)
‘When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver’ – (m) Peter De Rose, (l) Charlie Tobias (1930)

 

Lord Napier Hot Shots, 16 January 2015

The LORD NAPIER HOT SHOTS produced a really happy atmosphere for us on Friday 16th January 2015, here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB. The musicians in the band were MIKE JACKSON on trumpet, MIKE DUCKWORTH on trombone, PAT GLOVER on reeds, JOHN STUART on banjo, MICK SCRIVEN on double bass & bass sax and ARTHUR FRYATT on drums. They had been playing lunch time at the Lord Hood in Greenwich, but you would not have believed it as they were all so fresh.

NAPIER HOTSHOTS with (ltoR) PAT GLOVER (reeds), MIKE JACKSON (trmpt), MIKE DUCKWORTH (trmb), plus ARTHUR FRYATT (drms) at Farnborough Jazz Club, 16th January 2015. Photo by Selina McKinven.

NAPIER HOTSHOTS with (ltoR) PAT GLOVER (reeds), MIKE JACKSON (trmpt), MIKE DUCKWORTH (trmb), plus ARTHUR FRYATT (drms) at Farnborough Jazz Club, 16th January 2015. Photo by Selina McKinven.

LORD NAPIER HOTSHOTS at Farnborough Jazz Club, 16th January 2015. MIKE JACKSON (trmpt), MIKE DUCKWORTH (trmb), PAT GLOVER (reeds), JOHN STEWART (bnj), MICK SCRIVEN (d.bass&bass sax) and ARTHUR FRYATT (drms). Photo by Mike Witt.

NAPIER HOTSHOTS at Farnborough Jazz Club, 16th January 2015. MIKE JACKSON (trmpt), MIKE DUCKWORTH (trmb), PAT GLOVER (reeds), JOHN STUART (bnj), MICK SCRIVEN (d.bass&bass sax) and ARTHUR FRYATT (drms). Photo by Mike Witt.

 

 

ARTHUR FRYATT, drummer with NAPIER HOTSHOTS seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club 16th January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

ARTHUR FRYATT, drummer with NAPIER HOTSHOTS seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club 16th January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

 Dear Arthur is now 86 years young, so definitely a ‘one up yours’ to all the government, medical and media bods who are talking about our ‘aged’ generation being a waste of space. Our audience can vouch for this being laughable. A young couple in their 20’s (I think), in our audience had this band for their wedding. Plus, my granddaughter (who is two weeks off her ninth birthday) enjoyed herself too at my birthday celebration evening (the last one for this year-ha). Thanks boys for entertaining me/us with a super assortment of good jazz. Now the difficult job of what to mention and what not to mention, so not to give their complete repertoire away! To begin with, their first number was ‘That Da Da Strain’, a ‘Bob Crosby and his Bobcats’ famed number’ and a fabulous one to start off with.

Front line MIKE JACKSON (trmpt), MIKE DUCKWORTH (trmb), PAT GLOVER (reeds) (plus ARTHUR FRYATT (drms) of NAPIER HOTSHOTS at Farnborough Jazz Club, 16th January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Front line MIKE JACKSON (trmpt), MIKE DUCKWORTH (trmb), PAT GLOVER (reeds) (plus ARTHUR FRYATT (drms) of NAPIER HOTSHOTS at Farnborough Jazz Club, 16th January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Pat, who has a very pleasant engaging voice, sang the next number, ‘In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree’. Arthur also has a wonderful jazzy voice and sang ‘Just a Little While to Stay Here’ for us. Then a really lovely number I don’t think has been played here before was ‘All Alone by the Telephone’ (both John McCormick and Al Jolson had number 1 hits with this one). Then ‘One Sweet Letter from You’ was another great number and must mention that Arthur gave a marvelous drum solo, although they all performed fabulous solos. Mike (J) then sang ‘Weary Blues’, Mike also has a great voice (phew so many great singers around).

Arthur Fryatt on washboard joins front line of Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Arthur Fryatt on washboard joins front line of Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16Jan2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Next, Arthur came up to join the front line and we had a couple of brilliant songs with him performing on washboard (& vocals), one number being ‘Doctor Jazz’.

Arthur Fryatt, 86yrs young (drummer) playing washboard for Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16th January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Arthur Fryatt, 86yrs young (drummer) playing washboard for Napier Hotshots at Farnborough Jazz Club on 16 January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

MICK SCRIVEN playing big bertha (bass sax) for NAPIER HOTSHOTS at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday 16th January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

MICK SCRIVEN playing big bertha (bass sax) for NAPIER HOTSHOTS at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday 16th January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

I put couple of asterisks next to the next one, ‘New Orleans Shuffle’. Certainly a fun number, played brilliantly. My next number to note was ‘Cake Walking Babies’ as it was our choice to perform our line-dance to, it has a great tempo – always a little bit of fun. Only five of us this time, as some regulars were away with illness. Then for their closing number, they played that aptly named finale ‘Get out of Here and Go on Home’.

The engine: MICK SCRIVEN (bass sax), JOHN STEWART (bnj), and ARTHUR FRYATT (drms) of NAPIER HOTSHOTS at Farnborough Jazz Club, 16th January 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

The engine: MICK SCRIVEN (bass sax), JOHN STUART (bnj), and ARTHUR FRYATT (drms) of NAPIER HOTSHOTS at Farnborough Jazz Club, 16Jan2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Definitely a return date has to be sorted for later on in the year. We have the Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band next week, Friday 23rd January 2015. So see you then and here’s reminding you of our new times, 8.00pm till 11.00pm.

Diane & Keith

‘All Alone’ – Irving Berlin (1924)
‘Cake Walking Babies’ – Clarence Williams, Henry Troy and Chris Smith (1924)
‘Doctor Jazz’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver & Walter Melrose (1926)
‘Get out of Here and Go On Home’ – Bud Scott & Kid Ory (1944) (Bud originated  calling out ‘Oh play that thing’                                                                                                                                                           for ‘Dippermouth Blues’)
‘In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree’ – (m) Harry Williams, (l) Egbert van Alstyne, (1905)
‘Just a Little While to Stay Here’ – Eugene Monroe Bartlett (1884-1941)
‘New Orleans Shuffle’ – Bill Whitmore (1925)
‘One Sweet Letter from You’ – (m) Harry Warren, (l) Lew Brown & Sidney Clare (1927)
‘That Da Da Strain’ – Edgar Dowell (1922)
‘Weary Blues’ – (m) Artie Matthews, (l) George Cates & Mort Green (1915)