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.