Farnborough Jazz Club

 As promised, an update regarding the last two Fridays.  First of all, going back to 12^th March, we had Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang (see newsletter dated 11^th March for those playing in the band).  Yep, they were fabulous of course.  Not so many people in attendance, as we would have liked.  However, the atmosphere was, as always, showing a happy crowd and a ‘fun-night was had by all’.  Then we had Vintage Jazz on 19^th March.  There were 5 bandleaders playing.  First, as John Shelley is still away ill (wishing you a speedy recovery John), we had Barry Palser on trombone.  He also handled the audience with his verbal on the mike so stylishly.  Then, with Alan Snook still away on his hols, Dave Stradwick was on trumpet.  John Lee was on clarinet & sax (who is permanently with the band now).  Also, with ‘Dipper’ Duddy still on his hols, we had Pete Laye on drums.  Jim McKintosh was on banjo and to complete the band was Terry Knight on double bass.  With this line-up, as one would expect, the band gave some powerfully brilliant jazz.  This Friday 26^th March, will be our party night with the Original Eastside Stompers.  We missed them for our Christmas ‘do’, owing to the need to cancel due to heavy snow.  So put on your party frocks, bring your food (I hope you kept it all from December!), candelabras and lets boogie.

“Here’s a lovely ol’ lovely oldan”

Diane & Keith 

I start this newsletter speaking about George Webb and how sad to hear we have lost him, yet we also have a great happiness when we think of him.  Keith and I also feel so proud, because we count ourselves among the many thousands of personal friends he had, even though we have only known him personally for about 20 of his 92 years.  I especially loved him calling me kitten, although I’m sure he called most of us women by that name.  Everyone thought of George as the living legend, George the jazz pioneer and George the great musician.  Well, I also love to think of George, the man who was always smiling.  I see the sprightly little man with the huge heart.  You have only got to look at his lovely family and what fun they all are, to know George and Minah were great parents.  Penny and Peter, I know you will be feeling a great emptiness at the moment, but what a man!  How lucky you are to have had such a Dad.  Without George, none of us would be on our jazz circuit (as I know it) and I would not be writing this newsletter.  What a talent he had.  We shall all miss him very much.

Our usual newsletter will be back next week, when I will write about last Friday and this Friday with Vintage Jazz.

Diane and Keith.

Last Friday (5th March 2010), Vintage Jazz was, just as forecasted, spectacular! Unfortunately, Barry Palser was not able to make it, so the band was a quintet. However, the boys really played strongly, as though there were six of them. Of course, Dave Stradwick was vintage…uhmm… no sorry Dave, I mean was ‘with’ Vintage Jazz, when they first became our house band (nearly twenty years ago in the Badgers Mount days). Everyone listening was excited and remarks were full of praise. So all of you long term absent Vintage fans, fetch out your old dancing shoes at the bottom of your wardrobes and turn up Friday 19th March, when they are next appearing.
Now, this Friday (12 March) sees a great favourite with you, namely Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang, who will consist of Mike on Trumpet/vocals, with Gough Dubber on Reeds/vocals, Michael Holt on Trombone/vocals, Graham Callicott on drums, Roger Curphey on Bass and Peter Gregory on banjo/vocals.
Weather is still cold, but can’t you just smell that Spring weather approaching. Thank you all for braving the elements (it’s what we Brits are all about though, isn’t it).
Diane and Keith

First of all, I must explain why our newsletter has often appeared advertising a particular Friday, after the event. This is because my son-in-law, Scott, was kind enough to produce our website, bringing us into the 21st Century! But he has a new job and very little extra time, so although I have produced the newsletter, I was/am unable to put it on the site yet. However, at the end of March, we have booked to receive broadband ourselves.
Last Friday, (26 February 2010) I was concerned that Mahogany Hall Stompers had a hard act to follow, after Barry Martyn & The Young Bloods. However, they were also so highly professional, with great relaxed, but stompin’ and smooth fun jazz. They played many new numbers, with fabulous vocals from three of the members. The band consisted of Brian Gyles playing trumpet, with Rex Odell on trombone, Tim Huskison on clarinet, ‘Southend Bob’ Albutt on banjo & vocals, Eddy Johnson on bass and Johnnie Baker on drums & vocals. Brian played a fantastic intro’ to ‘I can’t get started’, which was sung beautifully by Johnnie. Great stuff.
This Friday (5th March 2010) sees the return of our house band, Vintage Jazz and back on trumpet (for a couple of their gigs with us) is Dave Stradwick. They have Barry Palser on trombone, John Lee on sax & clarinet, Colin Scudamore on banjo, Chris Welch on drums and (band organiser) Terry Knight on bass. Not wanting to be repetitive, but what a great line-up. They will probably take the roof of our club with great fun jazz … yeah!
Next week (12 March) we have Mike Barry’s Uptown Gang.
Please keep up your support, so we can all in turn, continue to support some great musicians.
Signing off.
Diane and Keith.

Wow, wow, wow and double wow!! It is not easy to write about bands each week, because we do not want other bands to feel we don’t appreciate them. However, we had such a fabulous night last Friday, 19 February 2010. We were approached by Barry last year, to accommodate his band, ‘Barry Martyn and the Young Bloods’, and how pleased we decided to take a chance, as he lives in New Orleans. Having already mentioned last week, who made up the band, there is no need to repeat myself. Well, the reason for the ‘wows’ was they did just that to practically everyone in our large audience. Barry suggested that we can dance, if we wanted. Little did he realise how our audience love to dance and the floor soon became full, only empty, when we all wanted to listen to such songs as Barry’s heart-warming rendition of ‘River, stay away from my door’ (originally by Paul Robeson). The band was GREAT from start to finish (and they forgot to stop, playing on until 11.45pm). They were all so versatile too. At one point, Julian Webster Greaves played a solo sax number and whilst walking around the audience, jumped up on a table still playing. Well, he is young and I’m sure most … well a lot … well a few of our musicians did such things in their past! They all played different instruments in such a variety of styles and sung such great songs. What can we say, except that we have booked them again for next year (20 February 2011). Thanks Barry and the boys for such a super night. Their popularity showed by the many CD’s that were sold. I don’t think we have seen so many purchased since Phil Mason. Speaking of Phil, I hope to write about him in the next week, or so.

On Friday, 26 February, we had the Mahogany Hall Stompers (see separate band info for musicians). What a night they have to follow. However, we know they will give us a great night in a different way, especially with Brian Giles’ wonderful northern sense of humour. We have already had enquiries as to what time to get there, so with all the doom and gloom (and repeat programmes on TV) come on over and join us for a fun night of traditional New Orleans jazz.

Cheers.

Diane and Keith

P.S. Some photographs were taken last week (Barry Martyn’s night). We would love copies of these photos please.