How can I say just how fantastic the evening was, without making other bands think they’re not special too, because they are all special, especially last week. However, last Friday, 16th July was such a magical ‘cannot possibly-be-repeated’ evening! We had so many regulars missing, but still the atmosphere was electrifying and the band knew it too! I think that even if there hadn’t been a soul there, the band would have been exactly the same. Oh, we have been having some brilliant evenings and how we wished we had them captured on film and/or recorded. There you go, we didn’t and that’s life. Unfortunately, our bookings are full until next year, but we certainly will ask Tony Pitt to come back to us next year, we hope with the same line-up too (already mentioned last week). It was great to see trumpeter, Alan Gresty, whom Keith & I haven’t seen for an age and who hasn’t played at Farnborough before. Drumming man, Matt Skeaping, was on his first night with us too, and gave us some brilliant solos, so we also hope to see him back again. Then to put the icing on the cake, lovely earthy singer, Mary Wilkinson came with hubby Mick (Mick has played in Keith’s band- ‘The KGB’ (stands for the Keith Grant Band!) and ‘The Mac White Quartet’ back in the ’80’s). Naturally, the band asked Mary to sing for us and she delighted everyone with a couple of numbers! When we were nearing 11.30pm, Tony called out to me to ask what time do they finish? I hesitated for a second and yelled out 12.30p.m! I think they were enjoying themselves so much, that they did play on till 11.45pm - lovely.
I can confirm trombonist, Dave Hewett will be back on 13th August with his own band ‘The Condonians’ (which will be celebrating Keith’s birthday – oh I didn’t say that, did I? He doesn’t want me to advertise that fact!). Bassist Andy Laurence will also be in that band. Then there is young Adrian Cox (he tells me he is getting old at 27yrs!). Well, he will be back to Farnborough with The Martyn Brothers Jazz Band on 20th August.
We have had some wonderful photos taken recently by good friends. Howard Leigh photographed Eastside Stompers, Mike Witt photographed Ron Russell’s All Stars band with Digby Fairweather and Mick Wilkinson photographed Tony Pitts All Stars, all good stuff - thanks you three. So as soon as I can cajole my son-in-law, Scot to find some time to tweak the website, to enable us to have photos, I think you will enjoy the many photos we are accumulating.
Next week, 23rd July sees the return of our house band ‘Vintage Jazz’. I know Dave Stradwick is on trumpet, but who else has Terry got with him this week? Need to phone him…. will be back.
Yes, Dave on trumpet, Barry Palser on trombone, John Lee on clarinet/sax, ‘Dipper’ Duddy on drums, Colin Scudamore on banjo and not forgetting Terry Knight on bass. Hope to see a full house tonight.
Diane & Keith
P.S. Thanks for all your lovely comments - keep ‘em coming.