Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band – 26 February 2023: Sadly I was missing for this concert so cannot report fully on the range of music. However I do know the band, lead by Sarah Spencer on saxophone, played with Mike Owen on trombone, Mike “Magic” Henry on trumpet, “Lord” Jim Swinnerton on string bass, Hugh Crozier on piano and “Baby” Jools Aldridge on drums. They are always a class act and well liked by all who come to hear them play.
Jake Leg Jug Band – 19 February 2023: So nice to see this band back again, and with a new young member, Cohen Wilcox, on the washboard (yes, son of Duncan). Duncan Wilcox, leader, on double bass, Neil Hulse on guitar, warren “Lonnie” James on banjo, Liam Ward on jug, harmonica and musical saw, and Mike Pembroke on trombone presented a fabulous concert of music from the 20s and 30s. They opened with ‘I Can’t Dance I’ve Got Ants in My Pants’, and went on with some of the following numbers: ‘On the Road Again’, ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘Making Whoopee’, ‘You’re Feets Too Big’, ‘Let the Midnight Special Shine a Light on Me’, ‘Champagne Charlie is my Name’, ‘Get ‘em from the Peanut Man’ and ‘St James’ Infirmary’. Vocals from most of the band gave this concert a very nostalgic sound of early 20th century America. Already looking forward to seeing the band again soon.
Matt Palmer’s Gatsby Go-Getters – 12 February 2023: This was the first time this new combo has played to a live audience. With Matt Palmer leading on reeds and vocals, Dave Leithead on trumpet and vocals, Joe Nutman on ragtime piano, Al Harris on bass and vocals and Nick Ward on percussion they opened with ‘Lover Come Back to Me’. Music from the 20s and 30s was brought to life by the stylish outfits and the music was chosen with care. Amongst other numbers were: ‘Yes Sir That’s My Baby’, ‘The Man I Love’, ‘Top Hat, White Tie and Tails’, ‘Fair and Square in Love’, Jazz Me Blues’, ‘Nagasaki Blues’ and Joe giving us ‘Shreveport Stomp’ that completed the first half. There followed ‘You’re Driving Me Crazy’, ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’, ‘The Ragtime Dance’, ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’, ‘The Charleston’ led to their finishing number ‘ Goodnight Sweetheart’ and then people were up on their feet. What a lovely concert and so very evocative of those early years of jazz. I am sure we cannot wait to hear them again.