Monthly Archives: June 2015

Yerba Buena Celebration Jazz Band, 26th June 2015

“Sweet, sweet jazz, all night long, that was what we heard from the amazing ‘YERBA BUENA CELEBRATION JAZZ BAND’. I don’t think there was a moment when the place wasn’t buzzing. Every number they played was fabulous and with dancers galore out on the floor, everyone enjoying the fabulous tempos. Probably my most memorable number was that great tune, ‘Ring Dem Bells’ (composed by Duke Ellington in 1930)”. These were my words describing the night they played for us on 20^th May 2011 – my write-up for their next visit on 7^th October 2011, has unfortunately been trapped in a ‘frozen’ computer.

I thought the above write-up would impress you enough, to encourage many of you to turn up for our Friday, 26^th June 2015 evening and enjoy their talents again at Farnborough Jazz Club. The musicians were DAVE RANCE – band leader, vocals &1^st trumpet, MIKE BARRY – vocals &2^nd trumpet, GOFF DUBBER – clarinet, GRAHAM WISEMAN – trombone, HUGH CROZIER – piano, PETE LAY – drums, JOHN ARTHY – tuba and NICK SINGER – banjo.

At last, I have found my notes, so can give you a résumé of their evening to go with the photos published earlier. I recall I had missed what was first played (with people arriving), but jotted down second number being ‘Fidgety Feet’, a lively number, no-one can deny. They certainly gave it all they had got and then some, with those perfectly timed breaks, wonderful. I’m sure their next tune allowed them to get a breather, with Mike singing ‘River Stay Away From My Door’, a lovely slower number. Then came their spectacular party piece – ‘Chimes Blues’, fantastic! I recall Hugh playing a lovely rendition of bells, all just brilliant. I’ve chosen to include ‘Big Bear Stomp’ as it was such a jaunty number. I thought it had an American Indian flavour (some think it sounds Russian), anyway, good fun. ‘Johnson Rag’ seems to be quite a jazz favourite, so am including it here. They certainly made it sound almost like a full orchestra – with eight of them. Lovely to dance to, which we certainly did. Then we had the pleasure of Graham’s lovely singing with ‘Dreaming The Hours Away’. Then came along that fabulous ragtime number ‘Smokey Mokes’ You may have to look it up on You Tube, to remind yourself which one it is, but I promise you will know it well. What an incredible eccentric the following song was composed in memory of. I just have to tell you. He was an Englishman, named Joshua Norton from the 19th century. He received quite a decent inheritance from his parents, decided to immigrate to America and became a citizen of San Francisco. He made an even bigger fortune, lost it and then disappeared. He returned to the scene and proclaimed himself Emperor of America. He made some bequeaths in the mid-1850’s, one being for a bridge and a tunnel to be made across the bay! This came to fruition and was built in 1930’s, namely the San Francisco & Oakland Bridge (incidentally the Yerba Bueno Island now has a tunnel between two of its spans!) There is currently a campaign to have the bridge re-named the Emperor Norton Bridge. The song was ‘Emperor Norton’s Hunch’, played as fantastic as this man must surely have been, even though he was an eccentric…. Continuing, we enjoyed a ‘line-dance’ bit of fun with ‘Copenhagen’, I could hear Louis, Mike, and so you certainly must have played it well. I hope you musicians don’t get too embarrassed with our leaping about in front of you, but sorry, we just love it. ‘San Francisco Bay Blues’ is my last choice to mention, it was a number played by Lu Watters, so they love to play it as well and I’m sure chosen because of the ‘Emperor Norton Hunch’ flavour. Lovely stuff. Sorry you waited for this write-up, hope you enjoyed my little bit of extra info. We all certainly enjoyed the band. Hope to have them back soon. (Photos are below.)

Diane & Keith

‘Big Bear Stomp’ – Lucius ‘Lu’ Waters (1944)

‘Chimes Blues’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver (1923) (one of the first jazz compositions issued in sheet music by Melrose Brothers Music Company in Chicago)

‘Copenhagen’ – (m) Charlie Davis, (l) Walter Melrose (1924) (foxtrot)

‘Dreaming The Hours Away’ – Will E. Dulmage (1927)

‘Emperor Norton’s Hunch’ – Lu Watters (1944)

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

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

‘River Stay Away From My Door’ – Mort Dixon & Harry Woods (1931)

‘San Francisco Bay Blues’ – Jesse Fuller (1954)

‘Smoky Mokes’ – Abe Holzmann (1899)

Yerba Buena Celebration Jazz Band seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th June 2016. (LtoR) Hugh Crozier (piano), Goff Dubber (clarinet), Mike Barry (2nd trumpet &vocals), Dave Rance (1st trumpet &vocals), Pete Lay (drums), Graham Wiseman (trombone), John Arthy (tuba) and Nick Singer (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

Yerba Beuna Celebration JBYerba Buena Celebration Jazz Band seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th June 2016. (LtoR) Hugh Crozier (piano), Goff Dubber (clarinet), Pete Lay (drums), Mike Barry (2nd trumpet &vocals), Dave Rance (1st trumpet &vocals). Nick Singe (banjo), Graham Wiseman (trombone) and John Arthy (tuba). Photo by Mike Witt.

Graham Wiseman (trombone) and John Arthy (tuba), just two of the eight musicians in the ‘Yerba Buena Celebration Jazz Band’ seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th June 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Yerba Buena Celebration Jazz Band seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th June 2016. (front row LtoR) Hugh Crozier (piano), Pete Lay (drums) and Nick Singer (banjo). (Back row, LtoR) Goff Dubber (clarinet),Mike Barry (2nd trumpet &vocals), Dave Rance (1st trumpet &vocals), Graham Wiseman (trombone) and John Arthy (tuba). Photo by Mike Witt.

Yerba Buena Celebration Jazz Band seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th June 2016. (LtoR) Dave Rance (band leader, 1st trumpet &vocals), Graham Wiseman (trombone), John Arthy (tuba) (front) Pete Lay (drums) and Nick Singer (banjo). (also pictured – wives Barbara Barry, Heather Lay and Sue Wiseman). Photo by Mike Witt.

Band leader Dave Rance (1st trumpet &vocals), plus Pete Lay (drums), Graham Wiseman (trombone),Graham Wiseman (trombone), John Arthy (hidden by his heavy tuba) and Nick Singer (banjo), 5 of the 8 musicians in the ‘Yerba Buena Celebration Jazz Band’ seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 26th June 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Barry Palser’s Super Six, 19th June 2015

We were thrilled to bring you BARRY PALSER’S SUPER SIX for your enjoyment at Farnborough Jazz Club (BR6 7BB) on Friday, 19^th June 2015! BARRY (trombone&vocls) had booked ALLAN (Lord Arsenal) BRADLEY (trumpet/vocals), TIM HUSKISSON (clarinet), TONY PITT (banjo), HARVEY WESTON (d.bass) and JOHN TYSON (drums).

Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent (Barry, trombone, Allan ‘Lord Arsenal’ Bradley,trumpet, Tim Huskisson, reeds, Tony Pitt, banjo, Harvey Western, d.bass & John Tyson) 19June2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

I said they would be lovely jubbly and I wasn’t wrong. They began the evening with Hoagy Carmichael’s ‘Darktown Strutters Ball’, what a ‘hot’ starter for ten. Followed on with Scott Joplin’s ‘Ole Miss Rag’, (referring to the Mississippi River and brilliantly played without a piano), then ‘Aint Misbehaving’, another terrific one, with plenty of dancing by everyone showing their appreciation. We knew you were in for some excitement. We certainly enjoyed our line-dance, sorry I didn’t manage to write the tune down, because I was having so much fun.

‘His Lordship’ sang the next number, ‘Back in Your Old Back Yard’ in his usual super brilliance. I remember they all put different hats on, when they played ‘Exactly Like You’, for a little fun and then Barry sang a Tommy Dorsey hit, ‘Music, Maestro, Please’. Now there’s a nice romantic one to dance to.

Tim Huskisson, reeds, one of Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 19June2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Allan ‘Lord Arsenal’ Bradley, trumpeter, one of Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 19jun2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Of course I just loved the next number, being Tim’s special, ‘Running Wild’ – I loved Marilyn Monroe singing it, (I’m sure you male species loved her performing it in the film, ‘Some Like It Hot’ aye?), although Django Reinhardt’s version is a knock-out one too).

Harvey Western (d.bass), one of Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 19jun2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt,(banjo) & John Tyson (drums),, two of Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 19June2015, Photo by Mike Witt.

Glowing drummer John Tyson, one of Barry Palser's Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 19June2015

Glowing drummer John Tyson, one of Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent on 19th June 2015. Photo By Mike Witt.

I have to say they all played their socks off the whole evening, but I must give special mention to the drum solo by John (with his wonderful iridescent drum sticks too!) with ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’, fantastic.

3. Glowing drummer John Tyson, one of Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 19June2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

21.Glowing drummer John Tyson, one of Barry Palser's Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 19June2015

2. Glowing drummer John Tyson, one of Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 19June2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Barry Palser’s Super Six at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent, 19jun2015. Photo by Mike Witt

Barry sung the last number ‘Deed I Do’ to complete another wonderful evening of jazz, sending us all home on a high and all looking forward to their next date here on 11^th September 2016.

Diane and Keith

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

‘Back In Your Old Back Yard’ – (m&l) Al Jolson, Dave Dreyer & Billy Rose (1927)

‘Deed I Do’ – W. Hirsch & F. Rose (1926)

‘Darktown Strutters Ball’ – Hoagy Carmichael (1917)

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

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

‘Music Maestro Please’ – (m) Allie Wrubel, (l) Herb Magidson (1938)

‘Ole Miss Rag’ – W.C. Hanley (1916)

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

Dave Rance’s Rockin’ Chair Band, 12th June 2015

FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB enjoyed the booking with DAVE RANCE’S ROCKIN’ CHAIR BAND on Friday, 12^th 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 (trmp), Henry Harrison (drms), Brian Webb (trmb) and (hidden) Doug Parry (bnjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

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)

‘Whistling Rufus’ – Kerry Mills (1899)

‘Blaze Away’ brings back Cinema Memories of ‘40’s

I received an email during the week, in response to my newsletter – 8^th March 2015:

…….which mentions Pedigree Jazz Band’s special tribute to much-loved Acker Bilk, who passed away 2^nd 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?

Love Di xxx

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band, 5th June 2015

PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND gave us much pleasure playing at the Farnborough Jazz Club on 5^th 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 Clubb (Kent) on 5th June 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

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)

‘Who’s Sorry Now’ – (m) Ted Snyder, (l) Bert Kalmar & Harry Ruby (1923)

‘You Took Advantage of Me’ – (m) Richard Rodgers, (l) Lorenz Hart (1928)

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 29th May 2015

Tony Pitt (banjo) presents his All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club 29may2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

TONY PITT’S ALL STARS appeared FRIDAY, 29^th MAY 2015 here at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB. Oh well done Tony, for getting the following stars, ‘cos they were brilliant. We had DENNY ILETT on trumpet, AL NICHOLS on reeds, DAVE HEWITT on trombone& baritone horn, ANDY LAWRENCE on double bass, JOHN ELLMER on 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 Nicols (rds), Denny Ilett (trmpt), Dave Hewitt (trmb) & Andy Lawrence (db). Photo by Mike Witt. 29may2015

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 Nicols (rds), Dave Hewitt (trmb), Andy Lawrence (db), John Elmer (drms) and Tony (bnj). 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 15^th 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.

‘Big Bear Stomp’ – Lucius ‘Lu’ Waters (1944)

‘Chimes Blues’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver (1923) (one of the first jazz compositions issued in sheet music by Melrose Brothers Music Company in Chicago)

‘Copenhagen’ – (m) Charlie Davis, (l) Walter Melrose (1924) (foxtrot)

‘Dreaming The Hours Away’ – Will E. Dulmage (1927)

‘Emperor Norton’s Hunch’ – Lu Watters (1944)

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

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

‘River Stay Away From My Door’ – Mort Dixon & Harry Woods (1931)

‘San Francisco Bay Blues’ – Jesse Fuller (1954)

‘Smoky Mokes’ – Abe Holzmann (1899)

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

‘Back In Your Old Back Yard’ – (m&l) Al Jolson, Dave Dreyer & Billy Rose (1927)

‘Deed I Do’ – W. Hirsch & F. Rose (1926)

‘Darktown Strutters Ball’ – Hoagy Carmichael (1917)

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

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

‘Music Maestro Please’ – (m) Allie Wrubel, (l) Herb Magidson (1938)

‘Ole Miss Rag’ – W.C. Hanley (1916)

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

‘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)

‘Whistling Rufus’ – Kerry Mills (1899)

‘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)

‘Who’s Sorry Now’ – (m) Ted Snyder, (l) Bert Kalmar & Harry Ruby (1923)

‘You Took Advantage of Me’ – (m) Richard Rodgers, (l) Lorenz Hart (1928)

‘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)