November 2021 Concerts

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.