Monthly Archives: August 2016

Laurie Chescoe’s Reunion Band, 26th August 2016

Presenting that great star ‘LAURIE CHESCOE and his REUNION BAND’ here again at the FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB, Kent on Friday, 26th August 2016.  Drummer and leader, Laurie, will be joined by ALLAN ‘Lord Arsenal’ BRADLEY on trumpet & vocals, JOHN LEE on reeds, MIKE POINTON on trombone, COLIN BRAY on piano, sax & xylophone, JIM DOUGLAS on banjo & guitar and PETER SKIVINGTON on bass guitar & bass ukulele.  A fantastic line-up – as always. Be sure not to miss them, because wherever they are, you always have fun.

Jazz at it best with

Diane and Keith

P.S.  My computer (as many of you know) has been playing up!  One thing it has been  doing is popping irritating messages (to the side).  One continuously tells me (since I took on Windows 10), my scanner is no longer activated (it’s just popped up again this second!!!). Anyway, I looked into the control panel and fiddled and suddenly I found ‘it’ asking me to scan.  I quickly looked for something and came up with the following and as you can see, the SCANNER WORKED (even though the it’s popped up AGAIN just a second ago – hysterical isn’t it.  However, I thought you would enjoy the following:

Laurie Chescoe's Good Time Jazz appeared at the Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent. Friday, 23rd October 1998. Run by Diane and Keith Grant.

Laurie Chescoe’s Good Time Jazz appeared at the Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent.              Friday, 23rd October 1998.   Run by Diane and Keith Grant.

Laurie Chescoe's Good Time Jazz appeared at the Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent. Friday, 23rd October 1998. Run by Diane and Keith Grant.

Laurie Chescoe’s Good Time Jazz appeared at the Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent.                   Friday, 23rd October 1998.   Run by Diane and Keith Grant.

N.B.  If you click on page, it will enlarge so you can read it.

 

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band, 19th August 2016

PHOENIX DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND were on top form at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday 19th August 2016.  They’re a wonderful 7-pce band who certainly know how to make an evening really sparkle.  Although we love and missed Paul Higgs on trumpet, it was a fantastic surprise to have MIKE BARRY take over on trumpet.  He seemed to play better than ever, perhaps being relaxed, not having to run his own bands (with an ‘s’).  So here are the super musicians we had playing here, giving us a brilliant evening.  As already mentioned, we had MIKE BARRY on trumpet, plus CHARLES SHERWOOD on clarinet, BILL TODD on trombone, ALAN CLARKE on drums, DAVE BARNES on piano, ROGER CURPHEY on double bass and JOHN STUART on banjo & guitar.  I know I always say it, but again, what a wonderful evening of fun jazz.

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band play for Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. (LtoR) John Stuart (banjo), Bill Todd singing (trombone), Alan Clarke (drums), Mike Barry (trumpet), Roger Curphey (double bass), Charles Sherwood (tenor sax) and Dave Barnes (piano). Photo by Mike Witt. (wedding next day-hence decorations)

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band play for Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. (LtoR) John Stuart (banjo), Bill Todd singing (trombone), Alan Clarke (drums), Mike Barry (trumpet), Roger Curphey (double bass), Charles Sherwood (tenor sax) and Dave Barnes (piano). Photo by Mike Witt. (wedding next day-hence decorations)

At The Jazz Band Ball’ was their starter for ten.  Everyone taking brilliant solos – certainly a great number to greet people arriving with.  Two people who had arrived out of the blue, were the lovely dancing couple, Linda and John, who travel, I believer from Hastings to get to us, got up to the very next number,  ‘Dr Jazz’, what a great beginning, with the band giving wonderful solos everywhere again.

'Front liners' for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band. Seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. (LtoR) Bill Todd (trombone), Mike Barry (trumpet) and Charles Sherwood (tenor sax ), plus Roger Curphey (double bass). Photo by Mike Witt.

‘Front liners’ for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band. Seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. (LtoR) Bill Todd (trombone), Mike Barry (trumpet) and Charles Sherwood (tenor sax ), plus Roger Curphey (double bass). Photo by Mike Witt.

John Stuart, playing guitar for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Stuart, playing guitar for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Stuart, playing banjo for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Stuart, playing banjo for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

My next choice to relate to you was their lovely version of ‘Chinatown, My Chinatown’, with their fantastic Chinese intimations (the only thing missing for me was ‘Ying tong, Ying tong’ etc,) – great drum solo from Alan.  Then Bill sang ‘Rockin’ Chair’.  I do love that Hoagy Carmichael song.

Hoagy Carmichael circa 1927-1930

Hoagy Carmichael circa 1927-1930

Hoagy Carmichael circa 1953

Hoagy Carmichael circa 1953

Then it was Dave’s turn to sing and he chose to do ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love Baby’, with the ‘front line’ singing ‘Shuby Duby’, ha.  Wow did they boom out the next number brilliantly too – ‘That’s A Plenty’.  Where do they get their energies from?

Dave Barnes seen here playing piano for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Dave Barnes seen here playing piano for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Charles Sherwood seen here featured playing clarinet to 'Petite Fleur', with Dave Barnes on piano for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Charles Sherwood seen here featured playing clarinet to ‘Petite Fleur’, with Dave Barnes on piano for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The tune that followed was a feature one for Charles, who excelled himself with ‘Petite Fleur’.  He has mastered his clarinet to a beautiful level, so a joy to listen to.  The next number that I love, ‘Someday, You’ll Be Sorry’ is one that Keith and I sing to one-another (a lot) in unison (for obvious reasons, so have to mention it) ha.  Plus their last one was ‘Bourbon Street Parade’, Oh yeah.  Wonderful!  Another lovely dancing great.  So if you missed the evening … and many of you did, due to your holidays (yuk – all coming back rusty looking), this is what you missed … Mike was great with these guys, being so relaxed and obviously old muckers too.  Anyway, hopefully we will see you all back soon.

Bill Todd takes a solo for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. (LtoR) John Stuart (banjo), Bill Todd (trombone) and Alan Clarke (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

Bill Todd takes a solo for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. (LtoR) John Stuart (banjo), Bill Todd (trombone) and Alan Clarke (drums). Photo by Mike Witt.

 Charles Sherwood again, but this time, on tenor sax, with Dave Barnes on piano, playing for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Charles Sherwood again, but this time, on tenor sax, with Dave Barnes on piano, playing for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here's Charles Sherwood playing alto sax for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here’s Charles Sherwood playing alto sax for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club on Friday, 19th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Diane and Keith

‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ – (m) Nick LaRocca, Larry Shields (1917) (l’s added 1950 by Johnny Mercer)
‘Bourbon Street Parade’ – Paul Barbarin (c. 1953)
‘Chinatown, My Chinatown’ – (m) Jean Schwartz, (l) William Jerome (1910)
Doctor Jazz’ – Joe ‘King’ Oliver & Walter Melrose (1926)
‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Baby’ – (m) Jimmy McHugh, (l) Dorothy Field (1928)
‘Petite Fleur’ – Sidney Bechet (1952)
‘Rockin’ Chair’ – Hoagy Carmichael (1929/30)
‘Someday, You’ll Be Sorry’ – Louis Armstrong (1947)
‘That’s A Plenty’ – (m) Lew Pollack (1914), (l) Ray Gilbert (decades later – anyone know the year please?)

Tony Pitt’s All Stars, Friday 12th August 2016

TONY PITT’S ALL STARS came to help us celebrate Keith birthday, here at FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB (Kent) on FRIDAY, 12th August 2016.  We were celebrating with a capitol C, as always.   Band leader (and banjoist) TONY had manage to get those fabulous stars (well Tony is an extra special musician), ALAN GRESTY on trumpet &vocals, DAVE HEWITT on trombone, AL NICHOLLS on soprano & tenor sax, ANDY LAWRENCE on double bass and JOHN ELLMER on drums.  What more can I say, but with these fantastic musicians, I told you to expect some humongous fun and that we did!

Tony Pitt's All Stars came to Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), (hidden) Andy Lawrence (double bass), Alan Gresty (trumpet), (hidden) John Ellmer (drums), Al Nichols (tenor sax) and Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt’s All Stars came to Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), (hidden) Andy Lawrence (double bass), Alan Gresty (trumpet), (hidden) John Ellmer (drums), Al Nichols (tenor sax) and Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt.

With so many photos, I have put them all at the end of the write-up this time.  Now about their first tune, it was Mama’s Gone, Goodbye’ and what a tremendous job they did, especially Al, being it was the first time he had played it – what a pro’ aye.  Then came ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie’ and did they give it their all (I recall Tony played a fabulous solo), especially as it was a hot night).  This was followed on with ‘Pennies From Heaven’ and brought on all the dancers – well, it was very hot evening and this was such a lovely slow number.  I believe Alan sang, although we had so many friends arriving for Keith’s birthday and hadn’t written it down.  Now, my next choice was ‘Carry Me Back to Ol’ Virginie’.  (I recall Tony saying Alan had requested this number be played.)  We did our line-dance to this, although not ideal, plus I had my ankle ‘go’ on me, so had a hard job, but we enjoyed it.   John was brilliant with a great drum solo intro to ‘Hindustan’, a fabulous favourite with so many trad bands.  Next, Tony made an announcement, telling us the next number was dedicated especially to Keith.  It was ‘When I Grow Too Old To Dream’.  Yes, everyone had a laugh at that.  Another tune to mention (written by Lovie Austin, a famous 1920’s band leader ranked alongside Lil Harding Armstrong) was ‘Traveling Blues’.  Al played super tenor sax.  I was so fed up I couldn’t dance, it is such a great one to dance to.  Oh, I must mention ‘Saint Louis Blues’, what a great jazz song and I put several ticks – to make sure I’d mention it.  Wow, they were all excellent, playing – all of them, I mean! Great trumpet, fabulous tenor sax, super trombone (Tony, you surely can pick ‘erm – musicians aye).  Keith got me up to dance, pretty impossible really with my ankle keep ‘giving way’ on me, but Keith ended up dancing a duo with John’s drum solo.  Keith is actually doing his own form of tap dancing (he had impossible shoes on too), but being a drummer, he is wonderful with his footwork.  Everyone thought he was brilliant – the band thought he might have a heart attack at any moment – ha.   (I haven’t told Keith yet, but my son-in-law (Scott) filmed this and hopefully it will look as good as it did on the night.  Scott promised to get it to me soon and I shall put it here for you to see,)  Their last number was Blue, Turning Grey Over You’, which is Tony’s theme song.  Keith joined me on the dance floor – awhh, how romantic again.  You must put Tony’s next date here in your diaries, being Friday, 28th October 2016.

Here is the video of Tony Pitt’s All Stars taken with Keith tap dancing on his birthday, 12th August 2016.  Click on:

https://youtu.be/QjvcJbcwqvA   

Please leave your comments on it as to what you think!  The band were superb.

Your hosts, Diane and ol’ Keith

‘Blue, Turning Grey Over You’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Andy Razaf (1929)
‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me’ – Charles McCarron, Casey Morgan & Arthur Swanstrom (1919)
‘Carry Me Back to Old Virginny’ – James A. Baland (1878) – re-written in 1940, but retired
‘Hindustan’ – (m) Harold Weeks, (l) Oliver G Wallace (1917)
‘Mama’s Gone, Goodbye’ – A J Piron & Peter Bocage (1923)
‘Pennies From Heaven’ (m) Arthur Johnston, (l) Johnny Burke (1936)
‘Saint Louis Blues’ – W.C. Hanley (1914)
‘Traveling Blues’ – Lovie Austin (1924)
‘When I Grow Too Old To Dream’ – (m) Sigmund Romberg, (l) Oscar Hammerstein II (1935)
Andy Lawrence on double bass and John Ellmer on drums of Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, playing for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Andy Lawrence on double bass and John Ellmer on drums of Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club, playing for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Andy Lawrence plays double bass and John Ellmer plays drums for Tony Pitt's All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Andy Lawrence plays double bass and John Ellmer plays drums for Tony Pitt’s All Stars at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Dave Hewitt plays trombone, with Alan Gresty on trumpet and Al Nichols on tenor sax, front line of Tony Pitt's All Stars, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Dave Hewitt plays trombone, with Alan Gresty on trumpet and Al Nichols on tenor sax, front line of Tony Pitt’s All Stars, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

The 'Engine' of Tony Pitt's All Stars play for Keith Grant's birthday (co-promoter of Farnborough Jazz Club) on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (double bass), John Ellmer (drums) & Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt (also a b'day boy).

The ‘Engine’ of Tony Pitt’s All Stars play for Keith Grant’s birthday (co-promoter of Farnborough Jazz Club) on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Andy Lawrence (double bass), John Ellmer (drums) & Tony Pitt (banjo). Photo by Mike Witt (also a b’day boy).

 

Tony Pitt plays banjo with his own 'Tony Pitt's All Stars and John Ellmer on drums, They were here at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith's birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Tony Pitt plays banjo with his own ‘Tony Pitt’s All Stars and John Ellmer on drums, They were here at Farnborough Jazz Club for Keith’s birthday on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

 

Andy Lawrence (d'bass) and John Ellmer (drums) play for (jazz co-promoter) Keith Grant's birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club with Tony Pitt's All Stars on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt (also b'day a boy)

Andy Lawrence (d’bass) and John Ellmer (drums) play for co-promoter Keith Grant’s birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club with Tony Pitt’s All Stars on 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt (also b’day a boy)

 

Front line of Tony Pitt's All Stars Jazz Band, playing for co-promoter, Keith Grant's birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), Alan Gresty (trumpet), Al Nichols (soprano sax) plus Andy Lawrence behind (d.bass). Photo by Mike Witt (also a b'day boy).

Front line of Tony Pitt’s All Stars Jazz Band, playing for co-promoter, Keith Grant’s birthday at Farnborough Jazz Club on 12th August 2016. (LtoR) Dave Hewitt (trombone), Alan Gresty (trumpet), Al Nichols (soprano sax) plus Andy Lawrence behind (d.bass). Photo by Mike Witt (also a b’day boy).

 

My granddaughter Zianna, joins me with the raffle draw at Farnborough Jazz Club with Tony Pitt's All Stars on Keith's birthday, 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt (also a b'day boy)..

My granddaughter Zianna, joins me with the raffle draw at Farnborough Jazz Club with Tony Pitt’s All Stars on Keith’s birthday, 12th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt (also a b’day boy).

 

Jackie Free’s Chicagoans, 5th August 2016

JACKIE FREE’S CHICAGOANS appeared at our FARNBOROUGH JAZZ CLUB for the very first time on 5th August 2016..  What a bountiful of talent in this band.  Last week, I said I was quite excited at the thought at them coming, because it is always fun to have new sounds at the club.  I just have to put this photograph of Jackie Free as a 24year old, playing with the legend himself.  What an accolade Jackie.

Jackie Free plays with Louis Armstrong in London, 1956. Jackie said it was the highlight of his musical career. He would have been just 24years of age. ©Jackie Free.

Jackie Free plays with Louis Armstrong in London, 1956. Jackie said it was the highlight of his musical career. He would have been just 24years of age. ©Jackie Free.

So now let me introduce you to the musicians in Jackie’s band.  First of all, JACKIE FREE himself plays trombone, euphonium &vocals.  Then, with him was (an old friend) MIKE COTTON on trumpet, JOHN CROCKER on clarinet &saxes, TIM HUSKISSON on piano, MURRAY SALMON on double bass and  MARTIN GUY on drums.

Great front-liners John Crocker on clarinet , Mike Cotton on trumpet and Jackie Free on trombone playing with 'Jackie Free's Chicagoans' at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 5th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Great front-liners John Crocker on clarinet , Mike Cotton on trumpet and Jackie Free on trombone playing with ‘Jackie Free’s Chicagoans’ at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday 5th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

They have all played here individually with other bands, apart from Murray.  We were originally to have Pete Rudeforth on trumpet, but he needed to (understandably) bail out for a gig with Chris Barber in Belgium, then we were to have Gary Wood.  Unfortunately Gary was taken ill at the last minute and unable to make it, so Mike kindly stepped in.  Phew, what a line-up we had anyway, aye, one you just couldn’t miss.  John Crocker had been abroad for several weeks, so asked if we had missed him.  I of course, said ‘No’ (with a question sound to my voice).  ‘Fickle’ was JC’s remark back – ha ha.  Of course anyone would miss him – what a player aye!  Well he was with Chris Barber for 30yrs, plus he played for Elton John.  With such players, Jackie had to be special, to command such talent and so, yes it was a special evening and if you missed it, hard luck.

Jackie Free's Chicagoans play for Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 5th August 2016. (LtoR) John Crocker (clarinet &alto sax), Martin Guy (drums), Mike Cotton (trumpet), Murray Salmon (double bass), Jackie Free (trombone & euphonium) and Tim Husskison (piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

Jackie Free’s Chicagoans play for Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 5th August 2016. (LtoR) John Crocker (clarinet &alto sax), Martin Guy (drums), Mike Cotton (trumpet), Murray Salmon (double bass), Jackie Free (trombone & euphonium) and Tim Huskisson (piano). Photo by Mike Witt.

Let me dangle some of what was played!   They began with ‘Back In Your Own Back Yard’, a happy number sung by Jackie, hey another super jazz voice (so many great voices about).  My next to mention to you is ‘Black and Blue’, quite a favourite with most, especially with this lovely hot weather, as it is a slow tune and allows us to dance with far less chance of collapsing!!

Here's Tim Huskisson on piano and Murray Salmon on double bass, with Jacki Free's Chicagoans at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 5th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

Here’s Tim Huskisson on piano and Murray Salmon on double bass, with Jacki Free’s Chicagoans at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 5th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Crocker plays clarinet with Jackie Free's Chicagoans at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 5th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Crocker plays clarinet with Jackie Free’s Chicagoans at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on Friday, 5th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt.

I must mention John’s special feature.  Tim played a beautiful intro, with John playing exquisite tenor sax to ‘Tangerine’, mouth-watering stuff (he can repeat it anytime he likes here).  Then came almost the highlight of the evening (if everything else hadn’t been so wonderful before). (I know the picture shows John playing clarinet).  Anyway, Jackie asked if he may play the euphonium.  He used to play it over forty years ago, then gave it to his son.  When he found out his son still had it, he retrieved it and found he could still master it.  The tune he played is such a beautiful one and he played it superbly.  How on earth could he worry we might object!!!!!  The number was ‘Blame It On My Youth’, gorgeous. Such a shame we didn’t have a photo of him playing it, but next time perhaps.  They played ‘Chicago’ next and we managed to get a little line-dancing in.

Martin Guy on drums and Murray Salmon, on double bass - part of the 'engine' of 'Jackie Free's Chicagoans', seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent).

Martin Guy on drums and Murray Salmon, on double bass – part of the ‘engine’ of ‘Jackie Free’s Chicagoans’, seen here at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent). Photo by Mike Witt.

I remember the next number had some lovely solos, but would like to make special mention of Martin and his fantastic drum solo with ‘Struttin With Some Barbeque’ and of course they all excelled with ‘At The Jazz Band Ball’.

 

John Crocker (clarinet), Mike Cotton (trumpet) and Jackie Free (trombone) seen playing at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) with Jackie Free's Chicagoans on 5th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

John Crocker (clarinet), Mike Cotton (trumpet) and Jackie Free (trombone) seen playing at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) with Jackie Free’s Chicagoans on 5th August 2016. Photo by Mike Witt

It was just lovely to have Mike back in the old place again, not having seen him for possibly twenty years, or more.  So to hear him featured with ‘Georgia On My Mind’ was lovely, his trumpet playing was so pure.  He then sang the next one too, ‘Kansas City, Here I Come’ and even topped it by playing a mouth organ too. Hmmm.

John Crocker plays tenor sax, Mike Cotton on trumpet and Murray Salmon on double bass, with Jackie Free's Chicagoans at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th August 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

John Crocker plays tenor sax, Mike Cotton on trumpet and Murray Salmon on double bass, with Jackie Free’s Chicagoans at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th August 2015. Photo by Mike Witt.

Must include this photograph, with John playing tenor sax –  you have captured a wonderful stance just great Mike.  Thanks everyone for such an enjoyable evening, it is wonderful, once again to enjoy such talent, on our own turf too.

Well Jackie, Keith and I shall look forward to having you back to our Farnborough Club on 9th December 2016.  (Just a quick message for Gary Wood, get well soon Gary.)

Helping to Keep Jazz ‘Live’,

Your happy hosts, Diane and Keith

P.S. At long last, I have published the newsletter of our Halloween Party last 30th October 2015, complete with some lovely photos of our Witches from the Farnborough Coven.  Take a look back, you will enjoy what we got up to!!!!

‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ – (m) Nick LaRocca, Larry Shields (1917) (l’s added 1950 by Johnny Mercer)
‘Back In Your Own Back Yard’ – (m) Dave Dreyer, (l) Billy Rose (&some credit to Al Jolson) (1929)
‘Black and Blue (What Did I Do To Be So)’ – (m) Fats Waller, (l) Harry Brooks & Andy Razaf (1929)
‘Blame it on My Youth’ – (m) Oscar Levant, (l) Edward Heyman (1934)
‘Chicago, that Todd’ling’ Town’ – Fred Fisher (1922)
‘Georgia on My Mind’ – (m) Hoagy Carmichael, (l) Stuart Gorrell (1930)
‘Kansas City, Here I Come’ – Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller (1952)
‘Strutting With Some Barbeque’ – (m) Lilian Hardin Armstrong, (l) Don Raye (1941)
‘Tangerine’ – (m) Victor Schertzinger, (l) Johnny Mercer (1941)

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)