Monthly Archives: November 2014

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 21st November 2014

TONY PITT’S ALL STARS at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on 21^st NOVEMBER 2014 was quite mediocre! Am I kidding? OF COURSE I AM! SPECTACULAR, UNBELIEVABLE, OUTSTANDING – LOST FOR WORDS! Tony had booked another superb treat for us with none-other-than ROY WILLIAMS on trombone, DENNY ILETT on trumpet, AL NICHOLS on soprano and tenor saxes, TREVOR EVANS on double bass, JOHN ELLMER on drums and of course TONY himself, ‘solid as a rock’ on banjo.

Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014.(ltoR) Roy Williams (trmb), Denny Islett (trmp), (out of sight Trevor Evans (bass), Al Nichols (rds), John Elmer (drms) & Tony Pitt (bnj) Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. With (ltoR) Roy Williams (trmb), Denny Ilett (trmp), (out of sight Trevor Evans (bass), Al Nichols (rds), John Ellmer (drms) & Tony Pitt (bnj). Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014 – with Tony pictured. Photo by Mike Witt.

How can I explain that I am not exaggerating either? Whatever I write will not give you the full picture, you had to be there. A great audience, with such smiling faces, enjoying this wonderful array of top notch musicians. What is so lovely, is the fact they were all unassuming and with none trying to hog the limelight.

Roy Williams (trmb) and Trevor Evans (bass) with Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Roy Williams (trmb) and Trevor Evans (bass). two of Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Denny Islett (trmp) with Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Denny Ilett (trumpet), one of Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Al Nichols (reeds) with Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Al Nichols (reeds), one of Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

I think I might upset other bands if I go on anymore, so will just tell you what tunes they played. They began with a Jimmy Rogers number ‘Travellin’ Blues’, great one to start. The next number, ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me’, I had written down ‘great solo from Al on soprano sax’, but then continued to write ‘oh wowie, great solo from all of them’.

Our line-dancers (Di on far right) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, with Tony Pitt’s All Stars on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

When I Grow Too Old To Dream’ had six of us performing our line-dance. Mike took a photo and I now realise I just have to diet (gulp), but it is Gordon’s fault being ill – not enough dances – thank goodness for Steve. Then what about ‘Basin Street’ – they ‘stormed’ it. The front line were spectacular, being supported brilliantly by the engine ‘boys’ (Al was on tenor). But then they finished the section in the same spirit with ‘South Rampart Street Parade’ – John performed a brilliant drum solo. They changed the mood with Denny singing the next number, ‘You Always Hurt the One You Love’, lovely number. With Tony having introduced the ‘South Rampart St’ number as ‘Bourbon Street Parade’, they decided to play it. Obviously, the audience gave him some stick – ha. I noted Al played soprano sax when they played ‘Indianna (Back Home In)’ and then Denny sang ‘Just a Gigolow’, yet another great jazz voice. Everyone was begging for ‘more’, with no-one leaving the dance floor. So they played on for us, with ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’, which was just wonderful (I think there was an interjection of ‘Mood Indigo’).

John Elmer (drums), one of Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Ellmer (drums), one of Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

It resulted with them playing well over time and I’m sure it was because they were enjoying themselves just as much as we were listening to them. Another fabulous evening and such a ‘high’ to go home on. By the way, you might wonder why I list composers. I just feel without them, we would not be enjoying our Fridays, so we should not forget them (read on google about Shelly Lee Alley www.shellyleealley.com – very interesting man). We might not have met these composers, but fantastic to meet the musicians who play for us ‘live’! Keep supporting us to enjoy this moment in time. Plus we have more for you to enjoy next Friday too, with Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang.

Di and Keith

‘Basin Street Blues’ – Spencer Williams (1926)

‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me’ – Charles McCarron, Casey Morgan & Arthur Swanstrom (1919)

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

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

‘Indiana (Back Home In)’ – (m) James F. Hanley, Ballard Macdonald (1917)

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

‘Mood Indigo’ – (m) Duke Ellington&Barney Biggard, (l) Irving Mills (1930)

‘South Rampart Street Parade’ – (m) Ray Bauduc & Bobby Haggart (1938), (l) Steve Allen (circa 1950)

‘Travellin’ Blues’ – Jimmy Rogers & Shelly Lee Alley (1931)

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

Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band, Friday, 14th November 2014

‘LAURIE CHESCOE’S REUNION BAND’ certainly did excite us BIG TIME, on Friday, 14^th November 2014 at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB.

Laurie Chescoe's Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 14th November 2014. With Laurie (drm, ALAN (‘Lord Arsenal’) BRADLEY (trp/p/voc), JOHN LEE (rds), MIKE POINTON (trb/voc), COLIN BRAY (p/sop-sax/xylo), JIM DOUGLAS (bj/gtr) & PETER SKIVINGTON (b-gtr/b-uke). Photo by Mike Witt.

Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 14th November 2014. With Laurie (drm, ALLAN (‘Lord Arsenal’) BRADLEY (trp/p/voc), JOHN LEE (rds), MIKE POINTON (trb/voc), COLIN BRAY (p/sop-sax/xylo), JIM DOUGLAS (bj/gtr) & PETER SKIVINGTON (b-gtr/b-uke). Photo by Mike Witt.

Drummer and leader, Laurie had again reunited those fantastic musicians, ALLAN (‘Lord Arsenal’) BRADLEY on trumpet, piano & vocals, JOHN LEE on reeds, MIKE POINTON on trombone & vocals, COLIN BRAY on piano, curly soprano sax, ironing board & xylophone, JIM DOUGLAS on banjo & guitar and PETER SKIVINGTON on bass guitar & bass ukulele. Oh you bet, another fun evening is an understatement, because they were just. Everyone just gushed with telling Keith and I, just how much they loved the evening. They began appropriately for this week, dedicating their first number ‘Rosetta’ to the Rosetta Space Mission (super to think of doing it (see below). Next came a ‘Fats’ Waller number ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’, sung by Mike. I remember Allan’s solo, he interjected with a snippet of two other songs, a Hoagy one – ‘ Two Sleepy People’, plus a little of Rogers and Hart’s tune from the 1940’s show ‘Pal Joey’ – ‘Bewitched Bother and Bewildered’, what a star he is.

John Lee on tenor sax with Laurie Chescoe's Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent UK. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Lee on tenor sax with Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent UK on 14th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Talking of stars, one of our favourite tenor sax players, John was featured with Django Reinhardt’s ‘Swing 42’. He played it in his smooth Ben Webster style – Just so beautifully.

Lovely picture of Laurie on drums, with Mike Pointon on trombone and Colin Bray on curley soprano sax in Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 14th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Then we come to Colin! Oh what a man. He is fabulous. He came up to the front with his soprano sax and played ‘Avalon’ (with Allan on piano). He not only played it fantastically, he performed it the same, with legs akimbo (see photo) and even at one point, with one arm behind his back!!!! So entertaining (including his intro’ – sort of Jack Benny style). Follow that, they did, dedicating their next number to one of our regular visitors ‘Brown Owl Pete’, with ‘I’m Nobody’s Baby’. Pete was a long-time roadie with the likes of Max Collie and including Rod Mason, whenever he was in England. Next on my list was ‘Tishomingo Blues’, which was sung by Mike – I jotted down ‘a mean trumpet from Allan’.

Colin Bray (piano) changes to Xylerphone and Lord Arsenal (Alan Bradley) swaps to piano with Laurie Chescoe's Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 14th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Colin Bray (piano) changes to ironing board & Xylophone and Lord Arsenal (Allan Bradley) swaps to piano with Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 14th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Well next came another special …. Colin with an ironing board! No, not to play, to lean on. He produced a xylophone and I won’t tell you what he said, because I certainly don’t want to spoil his other gigs, save to say he is so funny. Not his playing though, he played a storm with ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby’.

Lovely pic of Laurie on drums, with Mike Pointon on trombone and Colin Bray on curley soprano sax in Laurie Chescoe's Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 14th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

Lovely pic of Laurie on drums, with Mike Pointon on trombone and Colin Bray on curly soprano sax in Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 14th November 2014. Photo by Mike Witt.

But still the band continued to excite us with the next number ‘Hindustan’, especially with Laurie’s brilliant drum solo intro, closely followed by Allan’s also brilliant trumpet intro and everyone joined in superbly. Another number to mention was that lovely ‘Hoagie’ number, ‘Two Sleepy People’, which Mike sang [was Allan just practicing earlier] hey I’m so sorry Ron, sitting next to you and accompanying Mike, I just couldn’t help myself (singing, I mean)!

The number ‘God Bless the Child’ was a feature for Jim on guitar next, with Peter backing him. Jim is famous for his guitar playing, although he is just as marvellous on banjo. They played several songs after that, but I was too busy dancing and took no more notes. I just want to say the band enjoyed themselves as well, so played after time with one more number. I know, you think I’m also gushing too much, but it is all true.

Keep coming and we will bring you more magic.

Diane and Keith

P.S. Just to finish off, a few weeks ago, I mentioned our friend, Leslie Baguley. Just to update you, I asked for relatives to get in touch and Leslie’s son, Craig did. He and his wife (plus two friends) came to Laurie’s evening. So these newsletters are read, thank goodness (that’s a note to myself – ha).

[Rosetta is the robotic space probe built and launched on 2^nd March 2004 by the European Space Agency to perform a detailed study of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko with both an orbiter and a lander module Philae, which landed on 12^th November 2014].

‘Aint Misbehaving – (m) Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller & Harry Brooks, (l) Andy Razaf (1929)

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

‘God Bless the Child’ – Billie Holiday & Arthur Herzog Jr (1939)

‘Hindustan’ – (m) Harold Weeks, (l) Oliver G Wallace (1917)

‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love’ – Jimmy McHugh, (l) Dorothy Fields (1928)

(Although it is believed by ‘Fats’ Waller [(l) Andy Razaf], who sold it on in 1926, when broke)

‘I’m Nobody’s Baby’ – (w&m) Benny Davis, Milton Ager & Lester Santley (1921)

‘Rosetta’ – (m&l)Earl Hines & Henri Wood (1933)

‘Swing 42’ – Django Reinhardt’ (1941)

‘Tishomingo Blues’ – Spencer Williams (1917)

‘Two Sleepy People’ – Hoagy Carmichael, (l) Frank Loesser (1938)

Mardi Gras JazzBand, 7th November 2014

THE MARDI GRAS JAZZBAND came to Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 7^th November 2014 and oh we sure did dance to ‘the Mardi Gras’, just like the song. Those in the band were trombonist and leader, ROB PEARCE, with LEIGH HENSON on trumpet and vocals, JOHN ELLMER on reeds, yes – not his usual drums, he’s brilliant on reeds too. Then there was TIM HUSKISSON on piano (who is also a brilliant reeds player), BRIAN BELL on drums and DAVE SILK on double bass. So a great line-up, don’t you think. Everyone raved about last week’s jazz. Likewise they raved about this week too.

Mardi Gras Band seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 7th November 2014. Literally so much dancing, just like the song. Photo by Mike Witt.

First, let me say how I just love the way most of our bands make an effort to look good with a dress code, not a must, but fabulous when they do and this band looked great, it all adds to the whole picture. This week, they had the dance floor packed to practically every number. I recall one number, I think there was only eight people sitting. What did they play? Well, I missed the first number, with people still arriving. The first one I noted was Leigh singing ‘Sweet Sue’. He has a fabulous voice, quite romantic and it certainly pulled tons of dancers onto the floor. Rob announced John was to sing next. I heckled to John “you won’t get paid if you do”, of course I was joking, John also has a wonderful voice and sang ‘Hello Dolly’. Likewise ‘Do You Know What it means, to Miss New Orleans’ and I jotted down ‘lovely trumpet’.

Mardi Gras Band's front line, (LtoR)s John Elmer (cl), Leigh Henson (trp) and Rob Pierce (Leader & trb) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 7th November 2014. Literally so much dancing, just like the song. Photo by Mike Witt.

Mardi Gras Band’s front line, (LtoR)s John Ellmer (cl), Leigh Henson (trp) and Rob Pearce (Leader & trb) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 7th November 2014. Literally so much dancing, just like the song. Photo by Mike Witt.

Next came their signature tune ‘At the Mardi Gras’. Keith said it is huge favourite of his. We did our line-dance (about 10 of us this time). Another number to which I wrote ‘fabulous’ against, was ‘Stevedore Stomp’. Of course a favourite played by lots of bands ‘I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream’, to which got our line-dancers going again. They then played one of Kenny Ball’s hit numbers, ‘If You Go Down to the Woods Today (Teddy bears Picnic)’ and what a brilliant job they made of it, sounded every bit as good as dear ol’ Kenny. ‘My Satin Doll’ is one of those wonderful ‘standards’ that I love and to finish the evening, they chose to play ‘Aint Misbehaving’. I particularly noted a great drum solo from Brian and also piano solo from Tim, but must say everyone played brilliantly. Of course Rob paid tribute to jazz legend, Acker Bilk, who moved on last week, to join that big jazz band in the Sky. Well, another evening finished with everyone saying “what a lovely band and you must have them again.”

Mardi Gras Band’s drummer Brian Bell seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent UK, on 7th November 2014. Photo by Howard Leigh.

Mardi Gras Band with pianist Tim Huskisson at Farnborough Jazz Club on 7th November 2014. Photo by Howard Leigh.

Mardi Gras Band’s dbl bass player Dave Silk at Farnborough Jazz Club on 7th November 2014. Photo by Howard Leigh.

That’s what I say is ‘a good night out’ and is what it is all about. See you next week with ‘Laurie Chescoe’s Re-union Band’

Keep jazzin’

Diane & Keith

‘Aint Misbehaving – (m) Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller & Harry Brooks, (l) Andy Razaf (1929)

‘At the Mardi Gras’

‘Do You Know What It means to Miss New Orleans’ – Louis Alter & Eddie DeLange (1947)

‘Hello Dolly’ – Jerry Herman (1964)

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

‘If You Go Down to the Woods Today (Teddy Bears Picnic)’ – (m) John W. Bratton, (l) Jimmy Kennedy (1907)

‘Satin Doll’ – (m) Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn, (l) Johnny Mercer (1953)

‘Stevadore Stomp’ – ‘Duke’ Ellington & Irving Mills (circa 1927)

‘Sweet Sue, Just You’ – (m) Victor Young, (l) Will J. Harris (1928)

‘The Original Eastside Stompers’. A tribute to lovely man-Lennie Hodges

A couple of weeks ago, Howard Leigh sent these wonderful photos of one of our very favourite bands, ‘The Original Eastside Stompers’. Sadly the band is no longer. Dear Lennie Hodgeson passed away in May 2012. Whilst ferreting around my old newsletters, I came up with this one of 27^th January 2012. It was prior to losing my computer due to a virus (now have laptop). This newsletter is one that must be published alongside the photos, as a special tribute to ‘Luscious Lennie’, as I called him. The reference to TOES was because banjoist Brian had an accident losing a finger, hence my joke (I know – sick, but Brian and I shared many a joke on the phone about the subject). I just love the photos, taken by Howard Leigh on 21^st May 2010, such a shame Lennie never saw them, but his family, I’m sure, will enjoy them. (You will notice it was ‘Southend Bob’ Allbut playing on this date, not Brian.) Lennie came from a very musical family. In fact, I’m sure a lot of you will remember the band played for us for many years, when Lennie’s brother, Ernie ran the band. Such lovely memories. Anyway, herewith, the said newsletter:

Friday, 27^th January 2012, we have that happy little band ‘The Original Eastside Stompers’, or TOES, as I call them. They originate from Essex and have been playing for us for, oh I don’t know, I will have to look it up, but it has to be at least 16years. Anyway, they are a ‘family’ band to us. The musicians will be John Shepherd on trumpet, ‘the romantic’ Ronnie Findon on clarinet&vocals, John Howlett on trombone, Roger Graham on double bass&Souza, Graham Collicott on drums and (the toes man himself) Brian Laurence on banjo. Lovely leader Lennie Hodgeson retired for just over a year ago and we still miss him and his natty intros “Here’s a lovely ol’, lovely ol’ number called ….” He was 88yrs of age 10 days ago, so “HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY LENNIE, FROM ALL OF US HERE IN FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB”.

Lennie Hodgeson (trombone) Leader of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

Lennie Hodgeson (trombone) Leader of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

"Here's a lovely ol', lovely ol' number' - Lennie Hodgeson (trombone) Leader of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (2) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

“Here’s a lovely ol’, lovely ol’ number, written in 1923 on Tuesday at 2.25pm” is a line of Lennie’s (what a lovely sense of humour). Lennie Hodgeson (trombone) Leader of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (2) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

Lennie Hodgeson (trombone) Leader of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (3) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

Lennie Hodgeson (trombone) Leader of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (3) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

John Shepherd (trumpet) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

John Shepherd (trumpet) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

John Shepherd (trumpet) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21 May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

John Shepherd (trumpet) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21 May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

Ronnie Findon (sax & vocals) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

Ronnie Findon (sax & vocals) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK , on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

Ronnie Findon (sax & vocals) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (2) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

Ronnie Findon (sax & vocals) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (2) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

'Southend Bob' Albutt (banjo & vocals) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

‘Southend Bob’ Allbut (banjo & vocals) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

Graham Collicotte (drums) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

Graham Collicott (drums) of The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

Roger Graham (double bass&Souza) The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band @ Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21 May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

Roger Graham (double bass&Souza) The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band @ Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (1) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (2) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo by Howard Leigh

The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (2) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

The Original Eastside Stompers Jazz Band (3) at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK, on 21st May 2010. Photo: Howard Leigh

Red Wing Band (from Sweden) with guest Brian Carrick, 31st October 2014

RED WING BAND (from Sweden) with guest BRIAN CARRICK appeared for the first time here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB on Friday, 31st October 2014. We were so proud another exciting band included us as part of their UK 2014 Tour.

: Red Wing Band from Sweden on 2014 Tour at Farnborough Jazz Club on 31st October with Hans Zakrissonv (Ldr&trb), Sverker Nystron (clt&altosax), Lief Meldahl (bass), Hans Jorgensen (banjo), Ingamar Wagerman (piano), Ronald Anderson (drums&guitar) &spec guest Brian Carrick (reeds). Photo: Mike Witt

The band members included their leader and trombonist, HANS ZAKRISSONV, with SVERKER NYSTRON on clarinet and alto sax, LIEF MELDAHL on bass, HANS JORGENSEN on banjo, INGAMAR WAGERMAN on piano and RONALD ANDERSON (from Denmark) on drums.

They had a special guest with them, who was our very own BRIAN CARRICK on reeds. They were all exceptional together. What a band!

Brian Carrick – guesting with Red Wind Band (from Sweden)

Brian is best known to most of you as leader of his own highly popular ‘Brian Carrick’s Algiers Stompers’ band and has already appeared here at Farnborough (I have found write-up for 26th October 2012, so have published it for that date!). Of course, you may recall, Brian plays the old metal clarinet belonging to George Lewis, (given to him by George’s daughter). Right from their first number, you knew we were in for a super evening. It began with their signature tune, ‘Red Wing’, which brought on the dancers immediately. We did not have our Gordon to start the dancing off, he being in hospital (now recovering from quadruple by-pass). However, we were delighted to have been joined by a new couple, Jane and Alan (regulars with 1066 Club at Hastings) who came especially to see the band. Keith thought they were the cabaret act with the band. [We do hope to see you both again, you were thoroughly entertaining too, although Gordon said to tell you to lay off his patch – only joking.] The next number to mention is George Lewis’ own ‘Burgundy Street Blues’. Brian sang it and played George’s clarinet (quite a lovely thought). Another tune I think George was associated with, was ‘Postman’s Lament’, which was great. I think Brian sang the next one, ‘Moonlight and Roses’, but did not make any notes, as I was too busy enjoying a dance with Steve.

Ronald Andersen takes to electric guitar & Brian Carrick sings 'Muddy Road' both brilliantly - Red Wing Band from Holland on 2014 tour at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent UK on 31st October. Photo: Mike Witt

Ronald Anderson takes to electric guitar & Brian Carrick sings ‘Muddy Road’ both brilliantly – Red Wing Band from Sweden on 2014 Tour at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent UK on 31st October. Photo: Mike Witt

Now I know Brian sang the next number, because he was fantastic – like a ‘rock’ star. Ronald Anderson had come out from behind the drums to play electric guitar and the two of them were brilliant – we were all mesmerised. The number? ‘Muddy Road’. At the end of the evening, I told Ronald I was sure I knew him. Of course I knew him, he had played for us many times with Phil Mason’s All Stars’ and including Warwick Leadlay’s Starborough Castle jazz weekends too.

SVERKER NYSTRON on clarinet and LIEF MELDAHL on bass, with leader & trombonist, HANS ZAKRISSONV. Red Wing Band from Sweden on 2014 Tour at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, UK on 31st October. Photo: Mike Witt

A lovely number ‘June Night’ (a Tommy Dorsey ‘hit’) came next and was followed by a great Latin American number called ’Laughing Samba’. This is a dance I just love and once again, enjoyed seeing Jane and Alan (I don’t think they missed a dance). Another favourite of a quite a few people at the club was ‘St. Philip Street Breakdown’. After all, it has been recorded by all the greats. So we come to the last number, aptly named ‘Till We Meet Again’. We hope we do get to see them again. What a wonderful evening.

Ingamar Wagerman on piano with Red Wing Band from Sweden, on UK 2014 Tour at Farnborough Jazz Club on 31st October. Photo: Mike Witt

Ser fram emot att jazzing med dig Red Wing Band igen – and happy jazzin’ to our audience too.

Didn’t I tell you last week, you can get ready for a fabulous time on Friday? Wasn’t I right?

Keep supporting us.

Diane and Keith

‘Basin Street Blues’ – Spencer Williams (1926)

‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me’ – Charles McCarron, Casey Morgan & Arthur Swanstrom (1919)

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

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

‘Indiana (Back Home In)’ – (m) James F. Hanley, Ballard Macdonald (1917)

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

‘Mood Indigo’ – (m) Duke Ellington&Barney Biggard, (l) Irving Mills (1930)

‘South Rampart Street Parade’ – (m) Ray Bauduc & Bobby Haggart (1938), (l) Steve Allen (circa 1950)

‘Travellin’ Blues’ – Jimmy Rogers & Shelly Lee Alley (1931)

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

[Rosetta is the robotic space probe built and launched on 2nd March 2004 by the European Space Agency to perform a detailed study of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko with both an orbiter and a lander module Philae, which landed on 12th November 2014].

‘Aint Misbehaving – (m) Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller & Harry Brooks, (l) Andy Razaf (1929)

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

‘God Bless the Child’ – Billie Holiday & Arthur Herzog Jr (1939)

‘Hindustan’ – (m) Harold Weeks, (l) Oliver G Wallace (1917)

‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love’ – Jimmy McHugh, (l) Dorothy Fields (1928)

(Although it is believed by ‘Fats’ Waller [(l) Andy Razaf], who sold it on in 1926, when broke)

‘I’m Nobody’s Baby’ – (w&m) Benny Davis, Milton Ager & Lester Santley (1921)

‘Rosetta’ – (m&l)Earl Hines & Henri Wood (1933)

‘Swing 42’ – Django Reinhardt’ (1941)

‘Tishomingo Blues’ – Spencer Williams (1917)

‘Two Sleepy People’ – Hoagy Carmichael, (l) Frank Loesser (1938)

‘Aint Misbehaving – (m) Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller & Harry Brooks, (l) Andy Razaf (1929)

‘At the Mardi Gras’

‘Do You Know What It means to Miss New Orleans’ – Louis Alter & Eddie DeLange (1947)

‘Hello Dolly’ – Jerry Herman (1964)

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

‘If You Go Down to the Woods Today (Teddy Bears Picnic)’ – (m) John W. Bratton, (l) Jimmy Kennedy (1907)

‘Satin Doll’ – (m) Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn, (l) Johnny Mercer (1953)

‘Stevadore Stomp’ – ‘Duke’ Ellington & Irving Mills (circa 1927)

‘Sweet Sue, Just You’ – (m) Victor Young, (l) Will J. Harris (1928)

‘Burgundy Street Blues’ – George Lewis (1944)

‘June Night’ – (m) Abel Baer, (l) Cliff Friend (1924)

‘Laughing Samba’ – (m) Benny Meroff & Anne Spear (m) Vincent Rizzo & George Johnson (1948)

‘Moonlight and Roses’ – (m) Edwin Henry Lemare (1888) (l) Ben Black & Neil Moret (Chas N. Daniels) (1921)

‘Muddy Road’ – Jimmy Walker (1945)

‘Postman’s Lament’ – traditional

‘Red Wing’ – (m) Kerry Mills, (l) Thurland Chattaway (1907)

‘St. Philip Street Breakdown’ – George Lewis (1943)

‘Till We Meet Again’ – (m) Richard A. Whiting, (l) Raymond B. Egan (1918)

[Rosetta is the robotic space probe built and launched on 2^nd March 2004 by the European Space Agency to perform a detailed study of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko with both an orbiter and a lander module Philae, which landed on 12^th November 2014].