A Great Night Out

Last night at Hedsor, we had one of those great evenings. We filled the bar with people, and they had all come to listen to a couple of musicians who had never played together before.

Simon Spillett we have enjoyed many times at Hedsor, the last time for our Christmas Party. Reading based trumpet player Stuart Henderson had been once before.

Bringing them together for the first time caused one of those jazz reactions akin to a school chemistry experiment. Yes, ignition and explosion. One of our regular attendees actually exclaimed, “How can those 2 play an unaccompanied duet like that when they have never met before”! I think the answer is that they are both individually superb musicians, and together they worked that old jazz magic you always hope to experience, but don’t always get.

Another (newcomer) to our Hedsor Experience said “This just shows the advantage of the live jazz experience over the recording”. Which is what I have been trying to say for years!

I wont just go on and on about the two at the front, because our regular rhythm section of Zane Cronje, Ken Rankine and Martin Hart all played extraordinarily well too. It is a fact, that the chemical reaction will excite all the particles!

You weren’t there? That warm sofa grabbed you? Shame! I’m sorry you missed it. Our gain was your loss.

The next local live jazz is on Tuesday at The Bourne End Community Centre. I don’t know if the evening will explode, and neither do you. BUT, it might, and if the sofa wins you again, that will be another excitement missed wont it?

Simon Spillett has 2 CD’s out on the Woodville label. “Introducing Simon Spillett”, and “Sienna Red”.

Stuart Henderson has one on his own label, “Standard Lamp”. I have yet to play it, and will let you know in a later blog what its like. Looking at the sleeve, I can see that there are 2 other players on it who have played Hedsor before, both Tim Best and Peter Billington have played keyboard for us at different times. Stuart also has a “my space” address:

www.myspace.com/stuarthendersontrumpet

Enjoy, and help to keep live jazz alive, become an audience!

Geoff C

Hi Folks.

I need to clarify who is playing at Bourne End on Tuesday 3rd February

The flyer handed to me says it is “Lea Lyle with The Clive Burton Quartet.”

This is a little “inaccurate”. Clive’s Quartet are well known, and play for us regularly at Hedsor.

Clive is indeed playing with Lea on Tuesday, but the band ISNT the regular quartet!!

With CLIVE on trombone

and LEA on voice and looks

will be:-

Saxophonist JOHN ROLLS

Pianist NIGEL FOX

Bassist JOHN MONNEY

And on drums DAVE SIMMS

It is still only £5 to get in, with a half time snack and a raffle, so brighten up a dull winter with a bit of Bourne End SPARKLE!!

BUT leave space for the regular quartet (Mike Wills saxophone, Zane Cronje keyboard, Ken Rankine on bass and Martin Hart on drums) for Thursday February 5th at Hedsor.

TTFN

Hi Jazz Fans

Well, we have penetrated another week into 2009, so I thought a review of 3 of last weeks jazz activities might be appropriate.

First off, last Monday afternoon I was invited to give an illustrated lecture on “My Journey Through Jazz” to the Amersham branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A), Jazz Section. This turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable time talking to a room full of jazz fans of about my vintage, and playing them a variety of the jazz, and root music, that I had enjoyed on my way through my jazz life. It was very interesting to see different sections of the audience responding to the different styles of music I played, tapping their feet and smiling as different styles reflected their own prime love. When I mentioned that I had first seen singer Ottilie Patterson in the White Hart in Southall in the 1950's, a very excited lady in the back row shouted out that she had been there too!! And I did play them a wide variety of the sounds I had enjoyed, from Kenny Bakers Dozen, through Ken Colyer, to Simon Spillett. Although my brief had been to concentrate on British Jazz, I did manage to slip in a bit of Johnny Hodges, a 1925 Freddy Keppard, and a dose of the Rev Kelsey. Being originally an American musical form, it is impossible to miss out our cousins altogether, and I was determined to play them some of the obscure as well as the familiar. All in all, a well enjoyed (by me at any rate) 2 1/2 hours.

The next jazz event of the week for me was the regular session at Hedsor. Last week, we had the regular band, who are playing very well at the moment, but last week they played a few numbers not usually included in their repertoire. “Big Noise From Winnetka” went fairly well. There is currently a TV advert (for a government agency!) that uses the Bob Crosby Bob Cats original version as background music. I’m not sure if this was their inspiration on the night or not! “Tishomingo Blues” was less well know to modernists, and seemingly to most of the band!

The finale to the jazz musical week was the fabulous Shirtlifters annual “Evening of Winter Ineluctability” at Cookham’s Pinder Hall on Saturday. As usual on these evenings the place was packed, and great fun was had by all. I must say (no, no one is pointing a gun) that the band sounded really good. They had the assistance of “our” sax man Mike Wills, and the ensemble sound was the best I have ever heard from them. Trombone player Malcolm has come on leaps and bounds, and was playing some really good sustaining notes. It was all great fun, AND it has been recorded for future home listening. Watch this space.

This week on Thursday 29th Jan we have another wonderful prospect for Hedsor. Star saxophonist Simon Spillett will stand in front of our regular rhythm section, and alongside him will be trumpet man Stuart Henderson. And for just £5 you cannot afford to miss it.

Next Week? on Tuesday 3rd Feb, The Clive Burton Quintet play The Bourne End Community Centre, this time with the added dimension of local singer Lea Lyle. 8.30 p.m. start, £5 to get in, and nibbles at half time. And of course, we have our usual session with the Clive Burton Quintet on Thursday at Hedsor.

CD Review

A couple of year ago, at one of the Swanage Jazz Festival sessions, I very much enjoyed a set by Scottish piano man Brian Kellock. At that session, he had with him saxophonist Julian Arguelles. Out now on a CD is a complete series of duets by those two. I found the live set delightful, full of harmonies, and although playing many well known tunes, full of surprises. The CD is the same. It doesn’t have a rhythm section behind the two players, the sound is well recorded, and it has been a joy to listen to. Tunes include “Blame it on My Youth”, “The Masquerade”, “Don’t You Care To Know” and Lee Konitz “Thingin’”
It all comes on a strange label (Thick Records) being copyrighted to Thick-Skinned!! The number is TRCD0001, its called, “The Nine Mile burn Sessions” and promises to be the first of a series.

This years Swanage Jazz Festival runs from July 10th to the 12th.

That’s it for now folks

TTFN

Geoff C

Tonight at Hedsor, from 8.30 pm onwards, we have one of our regular sessions WITH Clive and Mike. On last weeks form, you don't want to miss this.

A comment has been added to my last posting of 2008:-

John Hicks said...

Hi Geoff,
Would any of your readers want to share their passion for jazz by presenting a jazz programme on the new community internet music radio station, Radio Bracknell (http://www.radiobracknell.com) launching on 1st February?If so, please drop me an e-mail at john@radiobracknell.com Many thanks John

So, would anyone like to do this? Let him (and me), know.


ADVANCE NOTICE At Hedsor on January 29th, we have one of our "special" sessions. With both Clive and Mike away, we have managed to persuade trumpet star Stuart Henderson to come and play alongside sax star Simon Spillett. You dare not miss this one! It's sure to be a memorable night.

TTFN
Geoff

Just to add choice, or in order to make life more difficult, there is a conflict of interests and styles to be had on January 24th.

Just as you though it was safe to go to the Shirtlifters evening of winter electability, NOW you have to make a decision.

Trad, or Modern? Its up to you, but do one or the other, or they both might Disappear!!

But before that choice has to be made, Jazz at Hedsor offers you great jazz, fun and friendship, on Thursdays, all for £5!!

TTFN

Geoff C

Hi Everyone, and a Happy New Year to you all.

This is my first blog of 2009, and it has been prompted by my desire to let you all know that the live jazz available at The Hedsor Social Club, Bourne End, Bucks, has recommenced after the Christmas and New Year break, and that it is our intention to keep this live jazz event running just as long as we can.

Economic circumstances are against us all, but we hope to keep bringing you the cheer of first rate live jazz at a reasonable cost for just as long as we are allowed. If you are a member of the social club, don’t forget that NOW is the time to renew your membership. If you are a jazz angel, or a thinking of becoming one, do see our treasurer (John Dutton) before he returns to Spain, so that he can sign you up.

It’s not only finances that are against live music. It seems the government’s avowed intention is to stop all live music events by one means or another, and I would draw your attention to the following online petition, which MUST be signed for before January 23rd

“Please sign the petition!

Another piece of proposed legislation that will adversely affect live musicin the UK:It has been brought to attention that the government wish to consider it alegal requirement in the new tax year to introduce laws insisting anyoneapplying or re-applying for an entertainment license must have a noisecontrol device fitted to the venue. This will be the final NAIL for ALLentertainment in the UK as the level at which these devices CUT you off isdreadfully low and damaging.PLEASE DO NOT INTRODUCE THIS LAW, WE LOVE LIVE MUSIC!PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION HERE:

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/NoNoiseControl/”

Of course, all emails will also be monitored by the UK government later this year as a means of averting terrorist activity. Protesting against proposed government actions will draw attention to your subversive musical interests and activity, and may well be a means of keeping you in from the cold for free.

In the meantime, the Clive Burton Quintet will play for you every Thursday at Hedsor, now one of the few local jazz venues around, The Fifield Inn having stopped their Sunday Evening sessions “for the time being”.

Last nights first session of the year at Hedsor, after a 2 week break, was a bit like the first drink to a man dying of thirst. It was an excellent session, with the playing getting better as the evening wore on. I was on shandy, so it wasn’t a figment of my alcoholic haze (‘cause I didn’t have one!). It might have been because at least one of the band hadn’t had the opportunity to play since New Years Eve, (such is the paucity of gigs available) and they all needed to play themselves in! But it was a truly swinging session, full of excitement and humour. You will need to travel far, and pay a lot more, to hear music of this quality, for the kind of entry fee we ask (usually £5).

I was reminded earlier this evening, that there is a rock gig in Battersea tonight, where the ticket price is £500! I bet you can’t talk with the soloist either for that!

Recorded Music

First a reminder of past glories.




I wonder how many of you remember the Bracknell Jazz Festivals of the 1970’s. I was there!! And you can listen again to at least one piece of music that was played there. Stan Tracey wrote a suite of music called “The Bracknell Connection”. This has just been re released as part of the Stan Tracey Octet CD “The Early Works” Its on REASTEAMED RSJ 107, in excellent sound quality.

The musicians taking part are a virtual who’s who of the modern jazz scene of the 70’s (and some still today) Peter King, Art Theman, Don Weller, Harry Becket, Dave Green are all still with us, and 30 years ago were in their prime. It’s a great CD. Coupled with “The Bracknell Connection” is “The Salisbury Suite”, and an unrehearsed encore “Chiffik”.

From the all British, to the all American, and although a more recent recording, an older sound!


“The Johnny Varro Swing 7: Ring Dem Bells” is a simple swing sound, with many musical references to the 1940’s, and some excellent American musicians. Under Mr. Varro’s piano leadership are, Randy Sandke trumpet, Dan Barrett trombone, Scott Robinson tenor sax, Ken Peplowski alto and clarinet, Frank Tate bass and Joe Ascione drums.
It’ s on the Arbours Jazz label ARCD 19362, and the recorded sound is superb. The tunes are an interesting selection too, including “Come Sunday”, “Corner Pocket”, “You Stepped Out of a Dream”, and surprisingly “Buddy Bolden’s Blues”. This last tune is supposed to encapsulate the favourite solo by the legendary and unrecorded New Orleans trumpeter Buddy Bolden. It is said that he didn’t record because he didn’t want others to pinch his solos. He eventually died in a mental institution.

So, it is somewhat unusual in this swing orientated album to find a tune more associated with New Orleans Jazz.

BUT One final comment.

Cookhams fabulous Shirtlifters are about to entertain you to another evening of ineluctability. January 24th at Pinder Hall. Tickets, well just ring Charles Benson on 01628 472163 and he will see to your needs (at £8 a ticket I believe). They may be more expected to play Buddy Bolden’s music!

So, until next time, its

TTFN

I would like to take this opportunity of wishing all the readers of my Jazz Nagging Blog,

a Very Happy Christmas.

I also hope that the New Year will defy the pundits, and prove to be,

FOR YOU,

a very profitable one.

I would also like to thank ALL

the musicians

who have played for Jazz Angels,

at

The Hedsor Social Club.

Thank you for all the joy you bring with your music, and thank you all for your friendships as well.

May your stockings be filled with "Shiny", may your Sleigh "Ride",

and lets make 2009 a Jazz Band "Ball"

OK Fans, we are fast rushing towards the turkey (trot) season, which can only be preceded by the great rap, sorry wrap, and that itself buy (sorry again) by a shopping festival. I do mean we are yet again very near CHRISTMAS.

So, I thought I would remind you first that before the finalisation of the above, we do have one more session of JAZZ at The Hedsor Social Club. This Thursday December 18th we have a normal session at Hedsor, with Clive playing Santa Claus (no?), possibly to Mike Wills principle boy (or would he be one of the reindeer, he is used to a lot of travel, coming from Oxford to play for us!).

But seriously folks, another fine session of jazz (or another session of fine jazz) will be coming to Hedsor this Thursday. As ever, you can enjoy this pre turkey feast of music for the measly sum of £5. Start Time is 8.30 pm.

Sadly this will be the last session at Hedsor until January 8th 2009. I know, another year older, and deeper in dept, but that’s how we are, generous with the music.

On a less silly note (I did spend all day today Christmas Shopping), I thought I would write about 3 CD’s that I have enjoyed recently.

Three very different jazz styles, from three different musical perspectives. One I know I have written about before in the blog, but I thought as Christmas draws near, you may be tempted to try and find a shop that still retails Jazz CD’s (no, Smith’s wont stock these!).

In recording date order, the first is

“Humph Experiments”. This is a Lake reissue of music I first heard on 10” LP back in the 1950’s.

In 1951 an Australian Jazz Band visited England, and spent a reasonable length of time here. “Graeme Bell’s Australian Jazz Band” is reputed to have started dancing to jazz in the UK (prior to his visit, most people sat and listened a bit like being at a Revival Meeting). Graeme actually stayed in the flat below Humph, and a great musical collaboration took place. The mix of musicians made a number of recordings together, exploring bigger ensembles, and often West Indian rhythms. These recordings are now mostly all together on this CD. The thing that strikes me most is what a good big band sound Humph organised in 1951. Don’t forget too, that this was long before Humph invited a saxophone player into his regular band. Here, many years (well 2 or 3) before Bruce Turner joined the front line, we have “Lazy” Ade Monsbourgh on alto sax, and Don “Pixie” Roberts on tenor sax as well.

There is a real mix of styles, and group numbers, but it is all great stuff. For anyone who liked Humph’s band in its later years, do go out and buy it. LACD266. It may have the odd banjo in there, but Trad it ain't. Trad itself wasn’t invented for another 8 years of so. Before then the purists called it Revivalist music. And this wasn’t that either!

The Second CD is completely different, but with a link to the first.

Norma Winstone is a singer who has forged a sound that has been copied by a number of other jazz singers. It can on occasion, be unpredictable. But in “Manhattan In The Rain” she performs wonderfully intoned, slightly cool, but wonderfully expressive vocal jazz. I heard it on an Internet radio show, and just had to go and buy it. The link to Humph is Tony Coe. Tony was an 18 year old when he joined Humph around 1959. Now, more mature, his fluid, bubbling sound is a perfect foil for Norma’s clarity. The killer song for me is “People Will Say Were In Love”. Steve Gray on keyboard, Chris Laurence on bass and Tony on tenor contrive to counter melody Norma. It doesn’t shake her timing or composure in any way, and the counterpoint it produces is exquisite. It’s a wonderful CD, and I think better than her more recent collaborations with Swedish musicians. This one goes up to the edge, but doesn’t ask you to step beyond.

It was recorded in 1997. Its on Edoc Records ENOCD 001. You could try 8 Wellington Parade, Walmer, Deal CT14 8AA (the address on the CD) or search Google! But it IS worth the effort.


The final CD this time round is definitely different again. Nicholas Meier is a John McClaughlan style guitarist who happens to come from Switzerland, and is married to a Turkish wife. Combine him with Israeli born sax player Giled Atzmon and you have a CD that has very mixed, but very exciting, musical origins. Add in Asaf Sirkis on drums and Tom Mason on bass, and you might be thinking I’m talking about a world music release played on the BBC World Service at some ungodly hour of the night. But no, I claim it to be jazz. It’s exciting, it’s rhythmic, it swings, and it will widen your musical experience if you seek it out. It is wonderfully recorded on Naim (yes they make very expensive amplifiers and CD players), and came out in April this year. Silence Talks is the album on Naim CD113.

And with that I will retreat to the Turkey I can eat until another year. Don’t forget, it is you who is responsible for keeping live Jazz alive. No audience, no music.

Do have a superb Chistmas, and celebrate the New Year with hope.

Geoff C

John Slater and Simon Spillett

Simon

Clive and Simon

“WOW”, as a Newport jazz festival compare was recorded as saying after a terrific set from Lionel Hampton’s big Band in 1966. “WOW”

Last nights Jazz Party at Hedsor was another of those WOW nights.

I think that the very good crowd who turned out had every good reason to say WOW too. The music was excellent, Simon Spillett won more new friends, and our regular quintet, led by Clive Burton, showed just how good and versatile they are.

One of the strangest musical collaborations (that I don’t think I would have called), really worked. A duet, with rhythm accompaniment, between Simon Spillett and Cookham’s fabulous Shirtlifters (a trad band!) lead trumpet player, John Slater.
It was what jazz is always all about. Its all very well for a regular band, to read the scores and rehearse, play well and get it right on the night. BUT for two musicians who had never played together before, and who come from almost the opposite ends of the musical spectum of jazz, to combine and produce sheer magic together was just one of those jazz moments of history. It’s what jazz is all about, it’s what LIVE JAZZ is all about, and if you only listen to records, even on your highest Hi Fi, then you will never experience the thrill. Yes, OK, it doesn’t always work, we’ve all been to disappointing musical events. It does work much of the time though, and if your not there, you will never get that thrill.

The closing number (“Hit That Jive Jack”) was again, that well worn, “lets get all the players up at the same time to finish the evening” scenario. But it was absolutely magic. One, irregular, attendee, said afterwards that Martin Hart should play more drum solos! It wasn’t pre planned, he called for a go!! And it fitted within the framework. And you could feel the combined smile of the audience widen as he played. The riffs backing all the solos were something from the best of the big band era, and I’m also sure many were surprised to see Clive lead the singing too, so Jamie Cullem, watch out.

These Jazz concerts in Hedsor’s Big Room are becoming a regular event. We are making more friends as we do them, and we will do them again.

So don’t miss out, start coming out to Hedsor to see for yourself what great jazz is being performed just up the road from you.

I'll tell you about some great CD's to add to your collection next time, but, unless next time is after the festive day, may I wish all my readers (who?), a Very Happy Christmas Time.

Geoff C

22.11.08

Hi

Last Thursday we had a super session from our regular band at Hedsor, which makes us all realize how good they all are, playing difficult arrangements off the top of their heads without prior rehearsal. Their harmonies in the ensemble were admirable, and the individual solos just showed what imaginative musicians we have playing for us on a regular basis. OK, so we had to show the odd yellow card, but what the ....anyway!

Next Thursday our advertised guest, Al Nicholls, will not be able to be with us, he is getting a proper fee elsewhere. This is disappointing as it has been some time since he last played a Hedsor Thursday for us.

In his place however we have veteran saxophonist John Rolls. His broad tone and ballad playing ability should recommend him to many of you, who I know, are his fans.

More News on The Christmas Concert front.

A number of our musician friends have now said they will try and put in an appearance on Thursday 11th December. Obviously, if properly paid jobs appear for them, they may not decide to come, but, BBC Jazz Rising Star saxophonist Simon Spillett has definitely agreed to be our guest, and the following have been invited, and will come if they can:-

Vasilis Zenopoulos a young saxophonist with a love for swing music, John Coverdale, a great guitarist, who we are fortunate to see at Hedsor quite often (but never too often), Peter O'Brian is another great guitarist, who hasn't been lately because other people have paid him more money than we have (not difficult!), Stuart Henderson, a trumpet legend, whom I have never yet seen (hence the legend status, everyone tells me how good he is!). I am sure more will drop in, as Hedsor is becoming know amongst a wider circle of musicians as a great place to play.

So, why don't YOU come to the party too. Tickets are still available from me, or from The Stationery Depot in Cookham Rise, 01628 531178 price £10 each. It really should be a night to remember.

One last mention, That Legend, Stuart Henderson, is playing The Fifield Inn this coming Sunday. Yes that's right, tomorrow night!

Geoff C

Another week, where there is doom and gloom on the financial front, and reflections of mans inhumanity to man become very apparent, and where it is all seemingly supported by the weather.

So is life all grey and drab? No, not with the prospect of Jazz at Hedsor to look forward to, and with recorded music from the past to sustain you on your journey to Thursday.

This week, we have at Hedsor, for the second week running, our own star saxophone section, Mike Wills, coming to play for us with Clive Burton's regular quintet. So swing and melody will be along, with “The Goof and I” even! It all starts at 8.30 pm as usual, and will cost you £5 to get in.

On Sunday at Fifield, trumpet man Stuart Henderson will be Clive’s star guest. I have managed to miss him every time he has played, and have kicked myself every time for doing so too! Free entry, but buy a raffle ticket if you want to leave with the 2 working arms you came in with.

On Thursday 27th November, our guest at Hedsor will be saxophone star Al Nicholls. It’s been too long since we saw him last, and I’m sure his brand of booting swinging tenor sax will appeal to all jazz fans.

Coming up on the near horizon (December 11th) is Hedsor Jazz’s Christmas Party. Tickets are beginning to sell, so if you want to party with us, (and it should be great fun, with many guest musicians, AND some food to nibble at at half time), then get a ticket soon. They are only £10, and you can get them from me or from the Stationary Depot in Cookham.

So, there is the hope for the future, to drag you through the drab, but I have listened to a couple of CD’s this week that should give you instant sunshine until your next fix of live jazz.

Many of you will know that British pianist Brian Lemon has had to give up playing due to arthritis in his hands. He has of course left us a great legacy with his many recordings, and some of them are only now being released.

“Love Walked In” is the title of an album recorded in 2001, with just 4 musicians on it. As they are playing Gershwin, you know the tunes will be good, but alongside Brian are Dave Green on Bass, Tony Coe on not only tenor sax, but soprano and clarinet as well, and Gerard Presencer on Flugelhorn.

As I mentioned, Gershwin tunes are all very memorable (the sleeve notes call the tunes “robust”), and this CD is no exception. “They Cant Take That Away From Me”, “Somebody Loves Me”, and “I Loves You Porgy” are all in there, and the musical approach is fascinating.

Its modern, but not avant guard, clean (no infilling drums), and quit astonishingly beautiful. I don’t hide my appreciation of Tony Coe, I have been a fan of his since the early 1960’s. I hadn’t heard much of his clarinet recently, but it follows his approach on tenor (dribbling out notes rather than shooting them at you). “How Long Has his Been Going On” has two takes, the first with Tony on clarinet, the second on tenor. Go and buy this CD for the clarinet take alone, then tell me that the hairs on your neck didn’t stand up! Zepher Records ZECD 33

The second CD is of an older vintage. I heard it the other week on “Jazz Record Requests” and decided that it was a “must buy”. Via Amazon I managed to find a new copy of it in the USA, and it is now with me, and well worth the £5 paid! I know I am probably late in coming to it, but Jim Hall’s “Concierto” is a great listen. Not just for the title track, (20 minutes of the “Concierto de Aranjuez”), because they are all gems. The performers are all gems too, Jim Hall of course plays the guitar, but with him he has Chet Baker on trumpet, Paul Desmond on alto sax, Roland Hanna on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Steve Gadd on drums.

It’s a magic masterpiece. Its carefully crafted, and a real tonic after a rough day in the office! It was recorded in 1971, doesn’t sound as old as the clothes they wear look, and is well worth trying to find. It’s a Sony Legacy reissue, apparently on the CTI label, with a number ZK65132

Well that’s it for now folks, bring on the cartunes!!

Welcome to November the 5th. Sorry, but no fireworks on this page, or are there?

I've had complaints. I don't write my blog as often as I used to. Well, this is true. Life does seem to be very busy, but as Winter is a time for reading, listening and writing, I thought I would at least start you off with some reading.

Tomorrow night, at The Hedsor Social Club, we have as our guest with The Clive Burton Quartet, trombone star Gordon Campbell, lead trombonist of the BBC Big Band. Why not come along and pick yourself up and have an enjoyable evening with us at Hedsor. It starts as usual at 8.30 pm, and entry is a pretty reasonable £5.

Coming in December is The Hedsor Jazz Christmas Party, which will start at 8 pm on December 11th. A number of jazz stars will be coming to blow for us that night, some as yet to be finalised, but Simon Spillett HAS committed himself to the event. No, not a sign of madness, because HE knows how important local smallish clubs like ours are to keep live jazz alive. Tickets are available at £10 each.

What have I been listening to lately?

Last Sunday I went to listen to young Greek saxophone player Vasilis Xenopoulos at Bradenham's Red Lion, and he is really someone to keep an eye on. A wonderfully exciting player, who seems to manage to generate a groove from almost any tune, and with any bunch of musicians.

Earlier in the day I had had a conversation with him about one of the CD's I had listened to in the week. Derek Nash and Sax Appeal have been around for a number of years now, and I would have described them as a straight ahead kind of jazz unit. Their recent album "The Flatiron Suite" (see cover above), is a bit different, and much more "Weather Report" in my view.

Vasilis had been saying that musicians always need to push the music forward, and I had wondered if this had been, and is still always the case. Musicians are entertainers if they play before a paying public, and many times the progressive hasn't entertained. Vasilis said that if musicians want to extend the boundaries, then they should explain to their audience what they are trying to achieve. In the Flatiron Suite I'm unclear what Sax Appeal are trying to do. It sounds very nice, its well recorded, but it really is something that has been done before. "Flatiron" can be heard by ordering Jazzizit CD JITCD 00541

By the way, one avant guard musician I have heard live (at Brecon) and been greatly entertained by is Hiromi, a Japanese keyboard player. I discovered from Vasilis, that not only is she the same age as he is (young!), but went to Berklee at the same time as he did, and he has played with her in New York many times in the past !!

The other album illustrated above is from an older generation of musicians, and an older style of jazz altogether. "Live and Swinging" presents the Peter York All Stars playing a very interesting selection of tunes, in a very 1940's style. And it entertained me! OK, so Peter York used to be a member of The Spencer Davis Group of the flower power era, but he is a very good drummer, and has made a fairly comfortable living in Germany playing jazz. (No, not really true, he plays jazz in Germany, but he made the comfort first!). Every year he toures with a bunch of compatible musicians, and the recording (made in 1998) has him with 2 key members of the old Alex Welsh Band, namely Roy Williams (trombone) and Harvey Weston (bass), together with an ex college of Roy's from the Humph Band sax "Swanage is my Festival" man Alan Barnes. Completing the Stars are York himself on drums,and Wolfgang Dalheimer on keyboard.

And Swing it does. I have been trying to persuade people to play one of Duke Ellington's tunes for ages, and it crops up on this album. Alan B plays a lovely version of "Isfahan" taken from Dukes "Far East" suite. Also on the album is a medley from Dukes Sacred Music Concerts, with again, a tune I try to get played, "Come Sunday". So there are lots of good reasons to go out and buy this one (in my view), BUT also in my view, Pete York can no longer sing. Nice try, but, well, I have heard "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" done by others better before!

"Pete York All Stars Live and Swinging" can be had from nagel heyer records CD091

So, that's it for now folks. Don't forget, that however good or bad recorded jazz is, NOTHING is as good, (and sometimes as bad), as LIVE JAZZ.

Do turn out to support musicians who have studied and perfected there skill for you to listen to. If live jazz is on near you, brave the cold and the rain, and go and give the musicians your support. They do it for the applause, not the money.

Geoff C

The Chris Barber Band in 1954, Lake Records LACDD141/142

Picture from the LPCover

Calligraph CLG CD 038

Due to the business of life, I don’t seem to have written a meaningful blog for a number of weeks, so this in some way goes towards rectifying that, and of telling you all about some wonderful jazz gigs coming up at the same time.

This Thursday at Hedsor we have the amazing saxophonist Simon Spillett, who has been missing from Hedsor for too long. But, for a mere £5 you can catch him this week, accompanied by our regular, (and wonderful) Clive Burton Quintet.

The following Thursday, we have another jazz star, but one who hasn’t been to Hedsor before. Trombone player (with the BBC Big Band) Gordon Campbell is coming to compete with our regular bone shaker Clive.

Both gigs start at 8.30 pm. As usual we will be selling second hand Jazz CD’s at both these events. That’s just an added incentive for you to turn out. After all, keeping live jazz alive is our primary aim.

Coming fairly soon after those events, you will find our Christmas Party rushing towards you. On December 11th, we will be occupying Hedsor’s Big Room, from 8 pm onwards (note the time), and we will be providing party buffet food included in your £10 ticket price. Tickets are now available. We are trying to round up the stars as I tap.

One of the reasons for not writing a blog recently has been my upcoming involvement (in January 2009) with the University of the Third Age (U3A). I have been persuaded to talk to the Beaconsfield contingent about my journey through jazz. So, of course, I have been trying hard to recall who I heard first, and what attracted me into being a jazz fan in the first place.

This has meant me looking back at some of the music I listened to first in about 1953. That has also meant me pulling out some of the old (now on CD) LP’s and listening to them again. Space is too short to describe here in detail how I became enchanted by Jazz, but an early television outside broadcast was party responsible. It was Jazz live from what became The 100 Club, with the Humphrey Lyttelton Band, and I was struck forcibly by “Sweet Georgia Brown”. The sheer gaiety (we could use that word without flinching back in 1953), and informality of it all convinced me that this was THE music for me.

I cast around for similar sounds, not knowing what or who, or even how. I purchased second hand 78’s on my way home from school. A wide diversity of artists and styles came through that means. Sid Phillips, Chris Barber, Louis Armstrong (Hot 5 and 7). Ray Anthony, and numerous others. This last week, I have also rediscovered Ken Colyer, a banjo player called Tony Donegan, and then I went on on my musical journey with Johnny Hodges (“Come Sunday” from the first concert of Sacred Music), Bruce Turner (“St James Infirmary” from Jazz at The Conway), The glorious Humph band of the 1960’s with Tony Coe, Alex Welsh’s band with Roy Williams and John Barnes, my trawl through my collection has to go on in the next few weeks, because I have got to identify the music I want to play to illustrate my journey through jazz.

BUT the journey hasn’t stopped. 78’s were replaced by LP’s, and LP’s have been replaced by CD’s. BUT IT IS STILL LIVE JAZZ that gives me the greatest buzz of all. Yes, it’s great to recall times, and musicians, and music from the past. I have yet to reach Gerry Mulligan and Stan Getz in my recorded collection. But to hear Live Jazz, played by people who can express themselves through their instrument, is the greatest joy of all. It can be full of surprises, and often full of smiles too. Others have obviously though so too. There is a Bechet tune called "Spreadin' Joy", and a Clark/Boland Big Band LP called "Smiles"

Our usual door charge at Hedsor is £5. For £5 you can have joy, and friendship.

If you wanted to watch the American Football this afternoon at Wembley, you would have had to pay a minimum of £50 a ticket

Join me sometime at a live jazz event. They are around, but I do wonder for how much longer?

Geoff C

I was reminded last night that some of our local jazz fans look to this blog to find out what is on!! Well, that was the purpose of it in the first place. I have tended to make this a secondary operation after I have emailed people with my nag. This really needs to be corrected (in my head anyway), and so I have reproduced below the attachment from the last nag that lists OCTOBER'S interesting events.

October 2008 Jazz Gigs associated with The Clive Burton Quintet *
issue 2

Sunday 12th October
The Fifield Inn (TFI) 8pm
The Clive Burton Quintet aka Century Jazz free entry, raffle. Guest saxophonist Peter Cook

Thursday 16th October
HSC 8.30pm
The Clive Burton Quintet £5 entry

Sunday 19th October
TFI 8pm The Century Jazz Anniversary night, with special guest trumpet star Martin Shaw.
See http://www.edwards-instruments.co.uk/trumpet/artists/shaw.shtml for more info on Martin Shaw. Free entry, raffle

Thursday 23rd October
HSC 8.30pm £5
The Clive Burton Quintet. with guest guitarist John Coverdale
Note, details amended in second issue!

Sunday 26th October
TFI 8pm
Clive Burton Quartet plus another UK jazz star Simon Spillett, free entry, raffle.

Thursday 30th October
Clive Burton Quartet plus another UK jazz star Simon Spillett, £5 entry

*Clive Burton’s Regular Quintet are, Clive on Trombone, Mike Wills on Reeds, Zane Cronje Keyboard, Ken Rankine Bass and Martin Hart Drums. On Sunday’s the bass player is John Monney An ALL STAR Band!

Advance Notices
November 6th at Hedsor we hope to have as our guest Gordon Campbell.

“Gordon is regarded as one of this country’s leading trombone players. He is currently Lead-Trombone in the BBC Big Band, a position he has held since 1984. His varied career has encompassed Jazz, Classical, Musical Theatre, Film and Pop and he has worked with many of the world’s leading performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Barbara Streisland, Tony Bennet, Ray Charles and Robbie Williams.”

November 15th The Woodley Theatre (http://www.woodleytheatre.org/ ) will have a band led by our drummer Martin Hart, with Vibes player Alan Graham, and bass player Andy Crowdy, alongside Ken McCarthy on piano.

December 11th we are planning to run our Christmas Party, with lots of guests, in the Hedsor big room!! Put it in your diary NOW

Very Advanced Notice
Cookham’s Festival of the Arts Jazz Evening in 2009 will be Sunday April 26th, and it will be Very Special!! Remember to keep it free.

Now, If I forget to nag in October, you can still find out whats on!!

If you were used to getting my weekly nags by email, and have recently stopped getting them, would you please send me an email asking to be reinstated.

Keep live jazz live, you know it makes sense!! Turn out or it will turn off!

Below is a repeat of the text of my irregular Jazz nag, inviting fans to attend the sort of gig I go to myself.

Tomorrow, Thursday 2nd October , at The Hedsor Social Club, The Clive Burton Quintet play from 8.30 pm, admission £5, which now includes a raffle ticket. Second hand CD's are also for sale at this event.

As most of you know, Clive's Quintet play modern jazz, which isn't really modern, but for all you Bop fans out there, they do play it very well.

On Tuesday 7th October, we have another chance to hear Clive, and if you enjoyed some of the music from last years Cancer Research Concert, you will have another chance to hear Clive with John Slater on Trumpet, voice and humour!
In this iteration they will be called "Jubilee Jazz", and will be playing more in the Dixieland style than Bop, so if you are fan of Cookham's fabulous Shirtlifters why not come and hear their lead trumpet in a different musical environment.
The band will be at The Bourne End Community Centre from 8.30 pm, entry, with raffle ticket and half time refreshments is still only £4 (I think!).

Now I'm going to write about some of the Jazz CD's I've listened to in the last week or so. The artwork should be at the top of the blog.

First up, one I hadn't heard before, even though it was recorded on 1960. To be honest, in 1960, I was more likely to be listening to Chris Barber than Stanley Turrentine, but listening from this new perspective of time distance, it really is something I should have been listening to before. It's classic bebop, with Stan on tenor sax, Horace Parlan piano, George Tucker bass and Al Harewood drums. The album is called "Look Out", and its well worth lookin out for. Its a BlueNote reissue via EMI. They play mostly compositions by Stan, but "Tiny Capers" by Clifford Brown will be familior to most, as will Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays". Its one of Rudy Van Gelder's remasters, so the sound quality for the year is excellent.

OK, so Stanley Turrentine wasn't the most famous star of the bop revolution, but he should not have been missing from my earlier education, and so maybe he should now be included in yours!! The number is a mind blowing 50999-5-14377-25. What are they on!

Next Up, is a band that I listened to right from the start. It is again back in the 1960's, this time 1968. And The Kenny Clarke-Fancy Boland Big Band were making a big impact in Europe. Most people into Big Band Jazz had purchased "Smiles, and "More Smiles", and I'm sure some people bought those just for the covers alone, but this one "Fellini 712" had a more modest cover. The musicians were all legends, taken from Europe, the UK, and the USA. They included Benny Bailey, Tony Coe, Dusko Gojkovic, Johnny Griffin, Ronnie Scott and many more. It was a beautifully crafted and well rehearsed big band playing modern music with an accessible melody line. All soloists gave something to the music, and the mix was magic. And it can still be had today, because its all reissued on MPS Universal 02498 14805. Its not a new reissue (2004), but should still be obtainable.

The last album this time has been reissued so many times, and I have bought all of them!! Its one for my Desert Island. "Humph at the Conway" never ceases to enthral and entertain. Its from the "Dirty Bopper" period, with Bruce Turner joing Humph's well established band with Wally Fawkes clarinet, Johnny Parker piano, Micky Ashman bass, Freddy Legon guitar, and George Hopkinson on drums and washboard. What a mix, and it was 1954!

Timeless music, call it mainstream or whatever. I just call in marvelous. The sense of fun, the live atmosphere of the recording, it's was all, for me, wonderful stuff, as I discovered that jazz didn't have to be constrained to a trumpet, trombone, clarinet front line. One single track stands out for me, Bruce Turner playing "St. James Infirmary Blues". Go and search it out. I've got it this time round on Calligraph Records CLGD 038, published on 2000.

Well, that about rounds up this one. Look out for the CD's, and do keep live jazz alive by turning out to the gigs.

TTFN

Geoff C

I'm rushing this out in a hurry, because I don't want anyone to have forgotten, that TONIGHT, we have another of our wonderful jazz sessions at The Hedsor Social Club from 8.30 pm onwards. From TONIGHT, the entrance fee goes UP to £5, but it does include a raffle ticket (just 1).

The performers tonight are, of course, The Clive Burton Quintet.

CD's

Having rushed that off my chest, let me tell you of 2 of the CD's I've been listening to in the last few days (covers illustrated above).

First a lovely album from the present. Alan Barnes, who is in danger of being the most overworked saxophonist in the business, has released an album on his own Woodbridge label, playing just clarinet! Its in trio format, and is really paying tribute to the Benny Goodman Trio of the 1930's. With him he has 2 young musicians, Jim Hart on vibraphone, and Paul Clarvis on drums. It is incredibly well done, and wonderful in that these guys are playing music that one thought of as forgotten in the rush for young jazz musicians to reinvent the jazz genre!

Its well recorded, it swings, and you can whistle the tunes. "Seven Come Eleven", "Slipped Disk", "Airmail Special", all the tunes are there. But they are not note for note copies of those 1930's originals. Each musician appreciates the tune, but adds to its value. Highly recommended. And it is always nice to know that buying a copy will keep Alan's children from starvation!! "Swinging in Studio One" is on Woodville WVCD118.

The other Cd is in fact a Lake Records double album (2 for the price of one as the cover says), and like the majority of Lake releases, a re-issue.

This time its from the 1960's. Disk one from 64 and disk 2 of 66. They are both of the Humph band of the time, but accompanied by Count Basie trumpet Star Buck Clayton. In the days of the recording, the MU were still in dispute over visiting American musicians, and recording them in the UK was not allowed. So, the LP's (yes,I DO have the original LP's!) led one to believe they were recorded in a restaurant in Switzerland. Actually they were recorded in the back of a pub in Willesden!

Between 64 and 66 the band Humph led went through a number of changes. The earlier tracks have Tony Coe on tenor sax, coupled with the amazing Joe Temperly on baritone sax, a marriage made in heaven from my viewpoint. On bass was Pete Blannin, and Eddie Taylor was on drums (Stan Gregg, who had been playing drums up to 1956 (yes, drums) for Humph had been called up as a reservist to do his bit in the Suez Crisis and never got back to being the drummer. He got back eventuallyas the pianist!). On piano was Eddie Harvey, who also played the trombone! Its just wonderful music, and as we are all blindfolded you cannot easily tell who is playing the trumpet at any one time. "Unbooted Character", "The Hucklebuck", "The Wrestlers Tricks" are the better known tracks, but they are all good, and despite the venue of the recording, its not half bad.

The second disk see's Chris Pyne on Trombone, and Kathy Stobart on tenor sax. Eddie Harvey remains on piano, but Dave Green is on bass, and Tony Taylor on drums. "One for Buck", "Poor Butterfly" (well they are now an endangered species!), "Russian Lullaby" and "Bernies Tune" leave you with plenty of opportunity to join in on your whistle. Lake should be congratulated on there reissue of British Jazz heritage. These 2 came from 77 Records, which used to be Doug Dobell's label (the 77 being the shop address in Charing Cross road). It's not a lot of money for a double album, so spend it! LAKE Records LACD227

Well, as the winter returns (did it ever leave?) I shall probably get around to listening to more from my collection, bu until the next time its

TTFN

Geoff C.

The Chris Barber LP "Battersea Rain Dance"
The Humph CD, "Georgia Mae"
The Chris barber CD "Jubilee Stomp"
The Nicki Parrott, Rossano Sportiello CD

Razzamajazz
Singer Lea Lyle and Some Young Fans

If you are one of my many friends who are below retirement age, looking forward to the long lazy days of post 65 years, forget it!! I haven't written a nag of any value (if they are of any value anyway) since BEFORE my 70th birthday party, because I have been too busy! And I still am, but thought I ought to upgrade the priority list.

So, here it is, a Jazz Nag!

What's on?

Hedsor on Thursday has The Clive Burton Quintet with Mike Wills on saxophones. Don't forget that VERY soon, the entry price is going to go up to a mammoth £5, but with the added value of a raffle ticket included, but this week, it is still £3 to get in, from 8.30 pm onwards.

Fifield on Sunday also has the same regular band for your delectation. 8 pm start, free entry, hot food available.

Tuesday 2nd September has another of Mo's value jazz events at The Bourne End Community Centre. The band is one I dont know, but I'm assured they play good "mainstream" jazz. They come from the St Albans area I think and are called "Martin Horsfields Melody Room Jazz". Usual rules apply, entry includes raffle and light bites in the interval.

Also on Tuesday 2nd Septemer, the young saxophonist who sat in during my 70th Birthday Bash, James Shaw, is running a Jazz Jam session evening at The Old Ticket Hall, Windsor Railway Station. With him as backing rhythm section are Ken Thompson guitar, Peter Hutchinson bass, Nick Monnas drums. Do feel free to go along and listen and/or join in.

That's about it for the weeks plugs. I have listened to a few things at home in the last 3 weeks, do look below for details.

One last mention. Yesterday at the Littlewick Green Show, it was a very pleasant end to the day to see "Razzamajazz" drawing an audience to listen to some pretty competent Dixieland Jazz. Some well know (and worn!) faces were there, including Mo's Derrick on bass and Mike Jeffries on Drums and Denny Islet on Trumpet. Lea Lyle joined them for some entertaining vocals, and she did her best to grow a younger jazz audience. I've added in some snaps to show the event!!

Recorded Music

First of is an LP, a generous gift on my Birthday Bash. In 1969 Chris Barber surprised most of us by releasing this most amazing record. An amalgam of Jazz, Funk and Rock. The purists of any of those musical forms hated it, I loved it. How to turn a trad band into a "wow" band, well, listen to it. "Mercy Mercy Mercy", "People get Ready", Dancy Dancy", and my favourite "I Think It's Going To Rain Today" (very apt for this summer particularly!). Its a wonderfully rich and varied sound, in early left, right stereo, with a good depth of sound. I dont think this has ever been reissued on CD. It was originally release on the Marmalade Label, and the LP's are re selling at around the £25 mark.

Second, and I'm listing these in chronological order, is a 1995 CD from a German label of the 1974 Humphrey Lyttelton Band called "Georgia Mae". This is the band that brought together the talents of Bruce Turner and Kathy Stobert on saxophones, Mike Pyne on piano, and Dave Green bass with Tony Mann on drums together with , of course, the leader playing very fine trumpet. Bruce Turner was, is, and always will be one of Britain's finest jazz stars, and finding another album with him on it is always a treat. Small group swing at it's best. I have it on a German CD Pastels CD 20.1623

Next, another Barber Band CD, one that I have had since 2003, mainly because it has the Big Chris Barber band on it. 11 men, playing 1920's and 30's scores without the aid of the dots themselves. Lovely sound, and so sensible of Chris to give himself and Pat Halcox a break by employing not only Bob Hunt on trombone, but other members taken from the Bob Hunt Ellington Orchestra. the tune "Battersea Rain Dance" gets another outing, as does a very little known Fields and McHugh tune called "Freeze And Melt" ( which also seems very appropriate to this years summer!). Go and buy it. Timeless Records CDTTD654

Finally, a real new comer to the listening booth (who remembers them then?). A lovely, beautifully recorded album (one for audiophiles, it is so good) from a piano player and a bass player. One from Australia (the lady bassist), the other from Italy. Some singing too, but great late night listening. I always find it difficult to convey with words what the sound is, and for a pianist, to give references. Well, he has heard all that has gone before, but a kind of extended stride style best describes him. The bass playes all the right notes, and is in fact very pretty. I do mean the sound, although the lady herself does look rather fine in the photos!! Tunes include "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To", "What a Little Moonlight Can Do", and Chopin's Revolutionary Etude (in C Minor)and there are some originals too, so it is a very interesting listen. If your Hi Fi has clarity and bass, you will love this one. Nicki Parrott and Rossano Sportiello: People Will Say We're In Love : Arbours Records ARCD 19335

That should keep you going for a few days so its.....

TTFN

Geoff C

I thought I would include for everyones information all of the text of a letter I put out last Thursday to all the Hedsor Jazz club people. We announced on that night our need to increase for the first time in 3 years our admission charge from £3 to £5.

JAZZ AT THE HEDSOR SOCIAL CLUB

Following on from some discussions with both band and Angel members, we have decided that we would make some changes in how we run things here at Hedsor, in order to, not only maintain the current position, but to enable it to improve.

We are dedicated to ensuring, to the best of our ability, that the Jazz does continue here, and we would also like to be able to put on the occasional “Big Show” in the larger room at Hedsor. Some of the inspiration for this has been this years Cancer Research Concert, and “My” Birthday Party.

We also have a vision of perhaps helping the Hedsor Social Club itself by arranging with them some joint ventures. We would be helping Hedsor Club with their income by bringing in more people on those “big” nights.

Bigger names or the same big names more often is one of our objectives, and sometimes that will mean paying more for that privilege.

We are not going to reduce either the frequency of our meeting, it will still be every week, or the quality of our players and guest artists. So do watch this space for who is coming. In the next few weeks it will be mostly the regular band, featuring Mike Wills alongside Clive, but we will be adding in the occasional additional player to enlarge the sound.

If you have any ideas regarding the jazz clubs operation that you think we can accommodate, then let either Clive Burton or Martin Hart know.

One sad bit of news is that owing to the Hedsor Club deciding that they will not open on a Monday at all, my Monday Jazz session with James Fenn and guests will not be able to recommence in September as I had hoped.

I myself don’t want to carry on with quite the level of activity as in the last 2 or 3 years. I will still be involved as an angel scribe. I’m going to carry on with nagging and blogging, but I don’t want to carry on the responsibilities of deputy treasurer, or advertising manager. We are looking for volunteers to take on both these rolls.

We need someone to be responsible for collecting the Red Box money and for paying the band every week that John Dutton is away. We also need someone to help improve our advertising and public image in a proactive way. It is something I am not very good at, and we do need to improve in this area. Not just doing my bits of paper, but liaising with newspapers and local radio.

Like Clive, I am very proud of the band, and I am very proud of the friendly atmosphere that we have at our jazz sessions. I just want it all to carry on.

Geoff C

Scribing Angel


Tuesday, 12 August 2008

"I feel very honoured indeed that some of you have come a long way to be with me here AT THE HEDSOR SOCIAL CLUB tonight, on this my 70th birthday.

There are people here from The Midlands, Norfolk, Suffolk, Surrey, Essex, Oxfordshire and Greater London.

Give yourselves a round of applause for turning out, thank you so much.

And a big “thank you” to all of the jazz people who have been part of my life. Jazz has been my kind of music for the last 57 years.

Some of you know about my thoughts on Angels, no, not Jazz Angels, although we have some of those to.

I believe that angels are people, who come into your life, and share it with you. Share some of lifes burdens with you.

Sometimes they stay, sometimes they do there bit and then leave, but Angels they are.

Many of you are very aware of the difficulties June and I have faced in the last 7 years. My Angels have helped me through some of those very dark days.

Some of my angels are the players themselves, who give us this remarkable music called JAZZ.

A Happy Music, a Swinging and exciting Music. A music that has lifted me very often when I have been very down.

So Thanks to all the players.

Some of you are the punters. Some of you have turned out week on week, paying your £3 into the red box, to listen. BUT you also bring with you the very real warmth of friendship.

Some of you have been around when you were most needed and perhaps you didn't know that you were!

Thank you to all of you from the bottom of my repaired heart.

God bless you all."

These are some of the words that I used to thanks all who turned out for my birthday bash at Hedsor on7th August.

For me, it was a wonderful occasion, and I hope you all enjoyed it too. Both socially and musically it worked in a way that you can only hope it will when you plan the event.

What I wasnt prepared for was the generosity of all who came "bearing gifts". To say that I was overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness is an understatement of grand proportions!

Clive Burton and his Quintet played as well as I have ever heard them, and all of the guests (John Coverdale, Mike Jeffries, John Slater, Vasilis Xenopoulos and James Shaw) excelled themselves. And didnt Mike Wills and Vasilis do an awesome tenor sax duet?

James Shaw is a young man, who had previously sat in at a Gig organised by Mo, and that he thought was going to be a jam session. Clive kindly invited him to join in on a couple of numbers in the second half. 3 Months later he emailed me, just the day before my party, to tell me about his new gig in Windsor, and asked help in promoting it. I suggested that he might like to come to my "do" and do that himself. And didnt he do well? Not just in telling us about it, but by standing there alongside Vasilis and blowing with the confidence of a much more experienced player. And to choose to do "Body and Soul" as his solo number was incredibly brave. But it worked!

This is what he wanted to tell everyone (from his email)....

"I've got a new monthly jam session going at The Old Ticket Hall in Windsor. If you know any musicians that might be interesting in coming, especially rhythm section players, it'd be great if you could give me their contact details. The next session is Tuesday 2nd September".

At the top of the blog I have put in some of the photos taken on the night. I hope it gives you all a flavour of the occasion.

I've promised not to organise another 70th birthday party anyway, so you can all rest with that assurance, well, at least until NEXT THURSDAY, because at Hedsor this week, we have the regular band with us, and guess what, Mike Wills will be celebrating his 60th birthday!!

TTFN

Geoff C

Some Thoughts on The 2008 Swanage Jazz Festival

The Swanage Jazz festival is always one of my years highlights, and over about 17 years, I haven't missed one, even if I have been carted away from one with an operable heart condition. I was even back in time for the following years events.

Some Festivals are more memorable than others, some great, and some just good. But hey, good is great isn't it? A few more good week ends would keep the world happy, so no criticism is ever intended.

One persons view of Swanage is obviously very subjective. You could go to the same festival, and always see something that I didn't. And you can say that for at least three people, which is why I always say to people that they must go and "stroller" round to find out who/what they like.

So what did I see.

Friday Evening

Marquee 2 Alan Barnes and the Woodville Allstars.
And they are all stars! I have an awful memory for names, but the stars included Enrico Tomasso on trumpet, Andy Wood (? might have been a dep) trombone, Andy Panaya reeds, Robin Aspland piano Andy Cleydert bass and Bobby Worth on drums. A stunning evening full of rich harmonies as Alans band played tribute to Johnny Hodges. He kept apologising for playing these wonderful tunes. When I saw him next day I told him he didn't need to do that,and that when I had recovered from Ken Colyer in the 1950's, my next love was Johnny Hodges!

It could have been the 6 session pints he had consumed that made him apologetic!

Saturday

The Lee Gibson Quartet were my first port of call. Lee is an attractive singer, well able to handle the jazz standards she sang. She was more than ably supported by Robin Aspland on piano (in my view a greatly underrated player, who was excellent through the whole weekend), Andy Cleyndert on bass, and Bobby Worth on drums.

As I wanted to catch a young lady saxophonist in Marque 1 usually reserved for traditional jazz, I didn't stay for all of Lee's second set, but went to Marque 1 to see Amy Roberts Jazztet. I had seen her before, and thought for a 19 year old she was a bit special. Unfortunately although she was, I didn't enjoy 2 of her "tet", so moved on, which is one of the joys and abilities of a stroller ticket.

Back in Marque 2 due to an immigration intervention, the billed Aaron Weinstein was unable to attend, and in his place we were all lucky enough to have tenor man Don Weller, who was supported by Craig Milverton on piano, Simon Thorpe bass and Bobby Worth drums. He was also joined by Andy Panayi on tenor, and that session produced some wonderful, unrehearsed, straight ahead modern jazz. A wonderful bonus session. I wonder how many people noticed Dons boot laces, carefully coloured for port and starboard shoes!

After a brief pause for some sustenance, I went to the Molem Committee Room to see a young Scottish lady saxophonist, Jo Fooks. I had seen her once before in the late Humph's band, and she is a very accomplished player and writer of tunes. The room was very full, and isn't the nicest one for atmosphere, but I'm sure all who could get to see and hear her were really impressed. In her quartet she has the advantage of Dave Cliff on guitar, so it was a good time to catch him too, as he is another of my favourites.

The evening session (back in Marque 2) was Arnie Somogyi Scenes in the City. Now because I had taken a break for dinner, I only caught the second set by this group, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I know some who were at the first set left as it wasn't to their taste, which just goes to show that one size doesn't fit all. As well as Arnie on bass, the set had Alan Barnes and Tony Kofi on saxes, Alister White on trombone, Mark Edwards piano and Enzo Zirilli on drums. Mingus type tunes, wonderful writing, and harmonies to die for. I thought it showed how good jazz in Britain can be.

Sunday

I started the days jazz listening to the Bournemouth Youth Orchestra. All youngsters being given the benefit of playing as a band before the public. One or two were really accomplished players, but for me it was the young Sinatra singer who was their star. The young man has a wonderful voice, and sense of style, and I do hope he carries on with the music, because he was GOOD.

Next up was the same band as Arnie's from the night before, but without the scores, and without the trombonist. Well done all, I particularly enjoyed Tony Kofi. Everyone had good extended solos, and there was an overall supportive rapport between all. It was also very encouraging that for at least one number, Alan Barnes needed the Theloneous Monk Fake book!

Following them was another tightly organised band, the Matt Wates Sextet. Not a lot of room (just about enough) for individual solo's, but carefully crafted arrangements and very tight playing. They have been around for many years now, and it shows. The regular band (Martin Shaw trumpet, Steve Kadestad tenor sax, Leon Greening piano, Julian Bury bass), were joined by Jamie Cullums drummer Sebastian de Krone (?spelling?). Some of the original material that Matt has produced is fast becoming standard in the repertoire of other modern jazz ensembles.

My final real listen this year was in the Marque 3. Initially I had gone for the walk to see on of my long time favourite saxophonist Tony Coe. He was to be part of the band backing singer Julie Dunn. However, due to ill health, he had opted out. I stayed on to be enthralled by the singing of Julie, and the piano playing of John Horler. I stayed for the entire performance, and was sad by the sessions end. It was a masterful example of singer entertainment. Right voice, right songs, and right links to the audience. And isn't John Horler good?

An arranged dinner with some of the many friends I now have at the Swanage Jazz Festival followed, at the end of which we walked to Marque 2 for our last set of the show. However, I just couldn't take to the singer, and left to take in a quiet Scotch whilst watching the sun go down on another excellent Swanage Jazz Festival.

Just a suggestion for the organisers. How about using Ray Gellato and His Giants for a finale next year, and how about presenting Vasilis Xenopoulos to Swanage Jazz's discerning audience. After yesterdays Ealing Jazz Festival Performance, he should be exposed to Swanage!!

One last comment. Thank you to all who organise this annual event. I have been coming since almost its inception, I have been removed from it for heart surgery, have returned to it days after my son died of cancer and before his funeral, and look forward to it every year in the knowledge that I will enjoy most of it, and meet many, many friends. So thank you Swanage Jazz for all your efforts.

Geoff C