October 2021 Concerts

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 40th 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