Bateman, Abrams and Leach

For those of you who missed them, this was not a new firm of Malvern estate agents, but they certainly proved to be hot property at Spring Lane last Sunday. We saw the welcome return of Alan Bateman (tpt) and Frank Abrams (reeds) who played up such a storm in March, this time joined by Richard Leach on trombone. And what a great combination that turned out to be.

We got the whole bag from Louis Armstrong to Ellington with a fair sprinkling of swing era standards thrown in and judging by the applause, the audience had as much fun as the band. There's no denying it, Alan and Frank are an exciting pairing in any setting, and with Richard Leach on top form, the energy level never flagged.

Back in the engine room, we were joined this time by Rod Kelly on piano, and Barry Norman on drums. Now those of you who see a lot of jazz know that Rod is known principally as a mainstream/modern pianist, and Barry as a dixieland drummer. But the 'Malvern Factor' was well and truly at work and both these gents showed their versatility and musicianship by turning their hands to everything that was thrown at them, so the rhythm section chugged along like a well-oiled swing machine.

I wish we could bottle the ingredients that make Abbey Jazz so much fun for the musicians: month after month we get to the end of the evening thinking if only we could take this band on tour...! But I guess its the freshness and challenge of the combinations Len puts together that makes the bands feel so much fun from inside.

With the thirteenth anniversary coming up fast, that's lucky for some, and I sez more power to yer elbow Mr Thwaites!