Last night the Bourne End Community Centre Jazz evening put on a magnificent evening of jazz led by saxophonist Al Nicholls.

We have all experienced the format before, one soloist before an 3 part rhythm section. Last night however we had one of those magical experiences that only happen in live jazz. An amalgam of rich chords, swinging rhythm and great tunes. The whole lot made great by the catalyst of a large appreciative and friendly audience.
Well done to all. And all were amazed by the drummer Rex Bennett. At an unbelievable 83 years he really did swing the clappers!

Al mention as his introduction to Limehouse Blues that there was a great video to be had on You Tube of this tune played by Warren Vache. I've just watched it, and it is well worth a look and listen. The link below should get you there.
http://www.blogger.com/

Its over 7 minutes long, so settle down to appreciate it properly.

Also worth mentioning are 2 CD's recently re issued by Verve of the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival.

The first is from the Friday evening with Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge, Pete Brown (wonderful!), Ray Bryant on piano, Al McKibbon bass and Jo Jones Drums. Its all atmospheric stuff, reasonably well recorded, and contains a 13 minute version of Sweet Georgia Brown. The CD Number is 0602517416086. Yes, its a bit like a Microsoft key number isn't it. However, once purchased, the CD will play on ordinary CD players!

The Second Disk is from the Sunday evening session, with the Oscar Peterson Trio on there own for 4 titles, and then joined by Sony Stitt, Roy Eldridge and Jo Jones for another 4!! The sleeve note uses the word "breathtaking" and I can only agree. CD Number 0602517416093

These albums have been issued to celebrate 50 years of the Newport Jazz Festival, and I hope more material is on the way.

that's it for now folk, don't forget to continue to turn out to support the live jazz near you.

Geoff C