We had an interesting private email today about the typical jazz repertoire. We all know there's a tendency, if you visit a lot of jazz venues, to hear 'the same old tunes'. On the other hand our correspondant admits that just when you're thinking 'I'd like to hear something different', your mind typically goes completely blank. I guess that's why we actually don't get more requests.
Anyway, here's an invitation from Abbey Jazz. We're always delighted to take requests. On a particular night, it'll depend on who's playing and if we know your requested tune. So if you don't get it played the first week you ask, try again the next session. Our tastes are generally pretty wide ranging, as long as you dont ask for Barry Manilow!
Most musicians like the challenge of trying something new or dredging up a long-forgotten melody we haven't tried for years, and often we find ourselves wondering how we could possibly have neglected such and such a great tune. So don't hang back, ask.
Monday, 4 February 2008
Abbey Jazz Coming Up - 17th February
Next time up, we have Tony Pipkin and Ron Hills of the Swing Kings, backed by Rod Kelly piano, with Ken Wright on drums and Len Thwaites on bass.
Look forward to Tony and Ron giving us another great sample of the swing and early bebop repertoire they have perfected with the Swing Kings.
See you there.
Look forward to Tony and Ron giving us another great sample of the swing and early bebop repertoire they have perfected with the Swing Kings.
See you there.
Steaming!!!
Another full house at Malvern Rugby Club on February 3rd had its ears pinned back in a steaming session with front line guests Alan Bateman and Terry Roberts. With a four man rhythm section comprising Rod Kelly, Phil Probert, Nick Millward and Len Thwaites, the front men gave us a lesson in how contrasting styles can blend into something really exciting.
You knew you were in for something special when you saw Terry lining up three saxes and his clarinet, and Alan not only had his trumpet but also his alto sax. Alan's trumpet lead is always exciting and creative, with a brightness of tone and an astonishing range. And when he picks up the sax, you'd think he played nothing else. Mind you, you have to stay awake in the rhythm section when Alan stomps you in at a tempo that would challenge a cheetah on steroids! The bands version of Hindustan, with a great drum solo from Nick, left certain members of the banjo section with something akin to W***kers Cramp! On the other hand, Alan gave us wonderfully relaxed accounts of Lazy River and Gee Baby where his inventive improvisations showed another good reason why Terry Lightfoot has taken him up.
Terry's playing mixes a tone like honey with a dash of chili. Samba Dorfeu featured Terry in seductive Latin mood while his clarinet feature on Creole Jazz gave us something hot from the trad years. And there's another guy who really knows how to improvise. Insider tip for jazz audiences - when you see a rhythm section really listening to a soloist, you know he's good!
That nice Mr Kelly, a man of impeccable jazz piano credentials, occasionally bursts out of his cage in the guise of a total rock 'n' roll hooligan. This time, Rod gave us Route 66 in a way that let the hidden teenager out of this respectable Malvern audience. For those of you secretly bopping at the back, who think we can't see you from the front, you know who you are!! One of the huge pleasures about playing Malvern is the open-minded attitude of you, the punters. It's great to be able to play an evening with everything from Louis Armstrong to Chuck Berry via swing and bebop, and see feet tapping to every number. Take our word for this - it ain't the same everywhere!
Altogether a fun night. We all enjoyed ourselves on the stand and thanks to everyone for turning out on a filthy night in such numbers.
Hope you like the blog. If you feel moved to comment, the floor (or whatever you get in cyberspace??) is yours.
You knew you were in for something special when you saw Terry lining up three saxes and his clarinet, and Alan not only had his trumpet but also his alto sax. Alan's trumpet lead is always exciting and creative, with a brightness of tone and an astonishing range. And when he picks up the sax, you'd think he played nothing else. Mind you, you have to stay awake in the rhythm section when Alan stomps you in at a tempo that would challenge a cheetah on steroids! The bands version of Hindustan, with a great drum solo from Nick, left certain members of the banjo section with something akin to W***kers Cramp! On the other hand, Alan gave us wonderfully relaxed accounts of Lazy River and Gee Baby where his inventive improvisations showed another good reason why Terry Lightfoot has taken him up.
Terry's playing mixes a tone like honey with a dash of chili. Samba Dorfeu featured Terry in seductive Latin mood while his clarinet feature on Creole Jazz gave us something hot from the trad years. And there's another guy who really knows how to improvise. Insider tip for jazz audiences - when you see a rhythm section really listening to a soloist, you know he's good!
That nice Mr Kelly, a man of impeccable jazz piano credentials, occasionally bursts out of his cage in the guise of a total rock 'n' roll hooligan. This time, Rod gave us Route 66 in a way that let the hidden teenager out of this respectable Malvern audience. For those of you secretly bopping at the back, who think we can't see you from the front, you know who you are!! One of the huge pleasures about playing Malvern is the open-minded attitude of you, the punters. It's great to be able to play an evening with everything from Louis Armstrong to Chuck Berry via swing and bebop, and see feet tapping to every number. Take our word for this - it ain't the same everywhere!
Altogether a fun night. We all enjoyed ourselves on the stand and thanks to everyone for turning out on a filthy night in such numbers.
Hope you like the blog. If you feel moved to comment, the floor (or whatever you get in cyberspace??) is yours.
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