Month: November 2021

28 November 2021 – No Concert.

21 November 2021 – Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces:   Such a treat to see this London-based band again.   With leader Bob Dwyer on trombone, Paula Jackman on reeds, Mike Henry on trumpet, Hugh Crozier on piano, Marc Easener on tuba and Graham Collicott on drums the band swung into action by opening with ‘Avalon’.  Many smiling faces and feet tapping through the rest of the programme with numbers such as ‘Struttin’ with Some Barbecue’, ‘I’m Looking at the World Through Rose Coloured Glasses’, ‘West End Blues’, ‘The Original Dixieland One Step’ and ‘I Believe in Miracles’ to name but a few.   Most people in the room were sorry to hear the words “… and our last number is”.   I am sure we will see this band again soon.

14 November 2021 – Matt Palmer’s Rhythmic Reeds:  It was lovely to see Matt and his band today and to learn that Matt had recently got married.  We wished him felicitations.  Along with Matt (leader) on reeds was George Huxley also on reeds, John Penn on Piano, Brian Lawrence on string bass and Nick Ward on drums, or should we say the band’s percussionist in view of his SJS Musician of the Year Award – the only percussionist to be voted for and win.   The opening number was ‘I’ve Found a New Baby’ and included numbers such as ‘Creole Love Call’, ‘Coffee Grinder’, ‘Louisiana’, ‘It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie’, ‘Old Fashioned Love’ and ‘Weary Blues.   Not only was the music great but the band overcame adversity with problems with the sockets in the White Eagle Club and still they put on a great concert.  The only thing we missed out on was the dulcet tones of Matt Palmer.   Perhaps next time!

7 November 2021 – Steve King Big Band:  Hello and welcome to the big band.  With around 20 players there was great excitement to hear this band as it is a nine times prize winner of the annual Musicians’ Union’s Big Band Award, winning the title on two occasions.  Along with the Band was vocalist, USA’s Lynn Dawes who sang several numbers (‘Who’s Sorry Now’, ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter’, ‘Hard Hearted Hannah’ and a fantastic ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ to name just a few.   Throughout both halves there is commentary from leader, conductor and trumpet player Steve King, to give background to each number.   So much energy is produced by the sound of this band it’s like being plugged into the electric supply!   Some of the other numbers played by the Band were: ‘Poor Little Butterfly’, ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’,  ‘Dark Town Strutters Ball’, and ‘Chicago’ were some of the numbers and ending with ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ – just wonderful.  I am looking forward to seeing them back in Stafford again.

31 October 2021 – Robin Mason’s Apex Jazz & Swing Band:  The turnout was a little down – maybe changing the clocks had caught some folk out.  It was so nice to see one of our favourite bands.   There was the leader, Robin Mason, on reeds, Jon Stone on trumpet and vocals, Ron Hills on trombone, Jim Harney on drums, Bob Boucher on bass and Nick Wiltshire on keyboard.  Some of their numbers included: ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Any More’, ‘Beale Street Blues’, ‘Blue Bossa’, ‘Whispering’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Farewell Blues’, ‘Somebody Stole my Gal’ and ‘Stevedore Stomp’  The one that got the biggest applause was Ron Hills singing ‘Take The A Train’.   I am sure we will see them again.

24 October 2021 – Savannah Jazz Band:  Such excitement around the room as Savannah Jazz Band strike up.  With leader, John Meehan, on the drums, Roger Myerscough on reed and vocal, Chris Marney on banjo, Tony Pollitt on bass, Brian “Sam” Ellis on trombone and keyboard and Phil Lucas on trumpet they went straight into their opening number of ‘Washington & Lee Swing’.  During the course of the concert many numbers were played and to name a few we had ‘Davenport Blues’ (a trumpet solo), ‘The Lily of the Valley’, ‘Running Wild’, ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ (for the brolly parade), and one I did not know ‘I Want a Girl Just Like the Girl who married Dear Old Dad’.  The house was packed and feet tapped merrily throughout.  Roger had a few funnies up his sleeve and the whole concert was a delight.  See you again soon Savannah.

As it was the 40^th anniversary of Stafford Jazz Society Maurice Blisson very kindly provided a lovely anniversary cake (see picture).  Thanks Maurice.

17 October 2021 – Dave Moorwood’s Rascals of Rhythm:  This was the Band’s first performance for Stafford Jazz Society.  The band was led by acoustic guitar and vocals, Dave Moorwood, with multi-instrumental reedsmen Mike Wills and Tony Blinowe , Mike Bennett on bass and Geoff Barwell on piano.   I now have to confess I had not heard anyone play many of their numbers, from the 20’s and 30’s, but it may be because I have really only taken an interest in jazz about twelve years ago.   Their opening number was ‘Copenhagen’, followed by – in no particular order – ‘Indian Summer’, ‘Doggin’ Around’, ‘Candy Lips’, ‘Shake It and Break It’ and ‘When’.  I think my favourite was ‘Vo-Do-Do-De-O Blues’ and yes, that was one I did know. What a lovely concert and we look forward to seeing them again.

10 October 2021 – Sheila Fawkes’ Café Orchestra:  Due to traffic problems there was a late start whilst waiting for the arrival of George Huxley and Tim McGrath.  The opening number was ‘Crazy Rhythm’.  Sadly neither Sheila Fawkes nor Terry McGrath were able to come due to health problems but Richard Leach very ably stepped in to fill the gap.  Numbers included ‘Stardust’, ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘A Day in the Life of a Fool’, ‘Way Back Home in Indiana’, ‘ Moonglow’ and ‘Beautiful Girl of My Dreams’.   Lots of smiling faces and foot tapping took place, especially when George played ‘Petit Fleur’ – always a favourite.

3 October 2021 – No Concert