Farnborough Jazz Club

Hi - this is the jazz, folks!!

When you talk to people about jazz, many of them dismiss it with “Oh, I hate jazz”, “Don’t understand jazz”, or “There’s no tune to jazz”.  What the average music listener of today, who’s surrounded by third-rate cacophony of Rock, Rap, Pop and so called singer celebrities don’t realise is that their everyday life is surrounded by the influence of jazz music.

Many TV commercials use original jazz themes, or jazz-based jingles.  Some of the most popular TV series have used a jazz background.  The wonderful ’A Touch of Frost’, with David Jason, incorporates a lovely haunting saxophone throughout.  ‘The Beiderbeck Affair’, starring James Bolam, uses the great sound of Bix Beiderbeck’s music, played by the late, great Kenny Baker.

The theme music to some to the great films is jazz-on-jazz based.  Films like ‘Porgy and Bess’ by George Gershwin.  ‘The Music Man’ starring Robert Preston, written by the great pianist and singer, Hoagy Carmichael.  ‘The Sting’ with Robert Redford and Paul Newman and ragtime music by Scott Joplin, and, of course, ‘High Society’ with the great Louis Armstrong All Stars.

Many West End shows have a jazz influence.  Shows like ‘Chicago’, ‘Fosse’ and ‘Cabaret’ and more.

In fact a great deal of today’s Rock and R&B developed from jazz.  The Twelve-Bar Blues, being the basis of many rock and roll numbers.

So come on music people, don’t knock jazz, come and enjoy it.

Last week, 10 July, we were hugely entertained by Vintage Jazz, led by the driving trumpet of Ches Chesterman and the swinging clarinet and tenor sax of John Lee.

This week, 17 July, we will be featuring the authentic New Orleans sound of Papa Joe’s All Stars, led by drummer Jerry Card.

See you Friday.

Keith (& Di)

Hi Jazz Buffs!

You know, there are many types of jazz, Modern, Funk, Latin, Big Band, Dixieland, Mainstream etc.

We enjoy most of it, but don’t forget, it all started in the Southern States of America, in the 20’s, New Orleans Jazz was born! and it all developed from that.

Our club tends to concentrate on New Orleans Jazz which was recreated in a British style, by bands such as Ken Colyer, Chris Barber, Monty Sunshine and many more.

The ‘Trad Era’ of the 50’s and 60’s.

The Farnborough Jazz Club has enjoyed bands from all parts of the globe playing Traditional Jazz.  Bands from Australia, Canada, Hungry, Sweden, Holland and all over Britain, from Scotland to Wales.

Last week, July 3rd, we featured the inimitable George Tidiman and his All Stars.  What a great evening of stomping jazz, great vocals and loads of fun.

The front line was led by the powerful swinging trumpet of Ches Chesterman, supported by the superb clarinet playing of Tim Huskisson and the big trombone sound of George Tidiman.

The rhythm section, with John Sirett on double bass, Bill Finch on drums and Bob Albutt on banjo, provided a great solid beat.

It was great to see Eric Webster and family in the audience and luckily for us, sat in with the band and performed a wonderful banjo duet with Bob, which was given a great ovation by the appreciative crowd.

This week, July 10th, our house band will be performing and, once again, will be led by the swinging trumpet of Ches Chesterman.

So get along have a beer, have a dance and have fun at the Farnborough Jazz Club.

Cheers,

Keith

P.S.    Last week, we had the very cheery Colin Dobson (trumpet & vocals  with The Billy Cotton Band - ‘Wakey, Wakey!’) who was to be celebrating his 80 years young birthday the next day (4th). Congratulations Colin.

After last week’s great performance by the Millennium Eagle Jazz Band from Nottingham, whoever followed this week (25th), were going to have a hard job!
Well, it was Vintage Jazz and with three of the band on holiday, it was going to be a hard task!
You’ve heard the one where the leader says ‘I’d like to introduce the members of the band’ and then introduce them to each other? Well this actually happened.
Depping on clarinet and sax was Pete Curtis and leading on trumpet was Ches Chesterman, who hadn’t actually met one-another. On banjo we had the wonderful ‘Gentleman Jim; Macintosh, who’s met everyone!) Three more deps and we would have called it – the Vintage Tribute Band!
Anyway, after a slightly wobbly start, they gelled together and got better and better, Ches leading with his great forceful and swinging trumpet, and Pete stepping up to the plate with great reed work, backed by the steady trombone of John Shelley. Jim Macintosh provided the solid banjo, Dipper Duddy causing havoc on drums, with Terry Knight holding it all together on Bass. Great night.
Great news next week, Friday 3rd July, we have the highly entertaining George ‘Kid’ Tidyman’s All Stars, with Ches Chesterman again guesting on trumpet, supported by a quality array of talent.
Don’t forget, Farnborough Village is a nice place to come to. Get there early, have a walk in the beautiful countryside, and enjoy good food in a choice of restaurants and pubs.
Doors open at 7.30p.m. (7pm for us to set up). Music starts at 8.30pm. Dancing, drinks at club prices, with easy parking right outside the door. Entrance £7.
See you all on Friday, 3rd - Cheers
Keith (and Diane) 30 June 2009