A Tribute to Louis Armstrong and His All Stars
Alan Bateman - Trumpet
Ian Bateman - Trombone
Trevor Whiting - Reeds
Craig Milverton - Piano
John Day - Bass
Nick Millward - Drums
Maggie Reeday - Vocals
When Ian told me he was putting together a new band I knew that was a definite booking for the club and we waited anxiously for our May session so that we could listen to these talented musicians knowing that we were in for a special evening.
The first tune played was Sleepy Time Down South, which was Louis’ signature tune. We also had a surprise as vocalist Maggie Reeday was with the band and as she said “tonight Matthew I am Velma Middleton”. Maggie sang us a lovely version of Loveless Love adapted from the traditional song Careless Love. This was followed by a striking arrangement of All of Me. The title tune of the band’s new CD is Now You Has Jazz was the next tune we were treated to and this started with the drums followed by the bass and all instruments added in turn with a duet with Ian and Alan. This was truly outstanding.
The next feature was Tea for Two a beautiful tune played by Trevor Whiting and wonderfully backed by Craig Milverton on piano John Day on bass and Nick Millward on drums. Twelfth Street Rag was followed by La Vie En Rose a tune Louis adapted for the All Stars from the famous recording with Sy Oliver’s Orchestra. It was also the signature song for Edith Piaf and Ian and Alan have taken a bit of both versions for their band arrangement. Alan sang this and finished the tune with a stunning high trumpet note. Well done Alan. To close the first set we were treated to a number not played very often in the Armstrong repertoire called Chantez...Les Bas which means sing ‘em low. This is a beautiful tune with wandering chord sequence, a blistering trombone solo, vocals by Alan and a cracking finish on trumpet. What a first half!
In the 2nd set we were treated to a well arranged version of Muskrat Ramble with piano bass and 
drums and front line riffs. I am sure there was a trumpet solo of Bye Bye Blackbird too. Trevor Whiting’s beautiful clarinet behind the vocal for The Gypsy was superb as was C’est Si Bon. West End Blues with trumpet and clarinet duet had a Louis intro and On the Sunny Side of the Street followed this with some real Trummy trombone which is no mean feat and Ian has captured Trummy’s delayed action timing perfectly. Very impressive. Maggie introduced Pennies from Devon or Pennies from Heaven next and they all started to play On the Sunny side. There was much laughter before a restart and an excellent number from both band and Maggie. Long Gone, a track from one of Louis most famous albums had lovely 3 part harmony chorus was humorous and hot jazz. Nick Millward received cheers for his drum solo during Stomin’ at the Savoy, the front line leaving the stage so the audience could enjoy the solo. During the Faithful Hussar there was a lovely bass solo and swinging piano and drums with a vocal from Alan. The final number was St. Louis Blues with Maggie in Velma Middleton role and fantastic solos from trumpet, clarinet and trombone. What a finale it was. We were thrilled when the band gave an encore version of A Lot of Living To Do which Alan sang.
A very special night for Pershore Jazz Club and so pleased that so many people came to experience the band’s second club engagement since the band was formed. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to recreate the sound and it certainly captures the essence of Louis. We wish them every success with future gigs.
Maggie Smith
