Club Blog 2010

Kevin Grenfell (tbn/vocals)
Simon Banks (pno/vocals)
Matt Palmer (rds)
Tony Peers (dms)

The term ‘straight out of the box’ came to mind as Hot Banana launched a blistering Jump, Jive and Wail as a starter to set the scene for the rest of the evening with Kevin looking a little apprehensive as club steward, Rob, approached with a window pole but it was only to adjust the spotlight which mysteriously keeps moving on its own or, possibly, by the club ghost.


Let’s hope the ghost likes Jump Jive because we got the full works tonight. The boogie style shuffle rhythm, full bodied trombone and ‘Texas tenor’ sax combined to produce a hugely exciting sound from just four musicians plus the vocal talents of Simon, Kevin and Matt, solo or in harmony giving the treatment to an eclectic programme of numbers admirably suited to the party atmosphere. Nina Simone’s hit My Baby Just Cares for Me brought back a few memories, remember the Chanel advert?
A gentle, ‘Inkspots’ introduction to Blue Moon with softer toned sax and piano developed into a rocking beat which left George the Elf quite breathless after a frantic but silent solo on his plastic blow up saxophone at the back of the room. Simon delighted us with his solo version of Pine Top’s Boogie Woogie, the definitive boogie number by Pine Top Smith, poor chap, who was shot dead in a dance hall fracas at the age of twenty five. No such problem for Simon who survived to finish off with R & B backing from the front line who had sneaked back onto the stage. There seemed to be no bounds to the choice of numbers to play. Buona Sera had Elf and Mrs Claus jiving ecstatically and an instrumental version of Jambalaya with carib/creole rhythm and steel drum keyboard had the glasses tinkling on the bar shelf.

King of the Road provided a touch of country and western with finger snapping participation from the audience and a much cleaned up version of Barnacle Bill celebrated the birthday of Tony, one of our volunteer festival stewards. When Kevin asked for names to put a tune to, another festival steward, Sarah, responded and was serenaded with Que Sera (groans). Next name, Persephone? got Happy Birthday (more groans).

With Matt now on clarinet, a gently swinging When You and I Were Young Maggie satisfied the trad in our souls whilst again demonstrating the versatility of this accomplished band who continued with a quick fire party medley, Jingle Bells, American Patrol, Can’t Buy me Love and Rock Around the Clock, all played in true jump band style. And to finish, yes -time had slipped by whilst we were enjoying ourselves- Blueberry Hill, with a certain deference to Fats Domino but plainly stamped Hot Banana.

After such a terrific night’s entertainment, the band were not getting away without an encore so in reply to our demands we surprised and delighted with a straight forward, rather wistful rendering of White Christmas from Simon.

A wonderful finish to 2009 at Pershore Jazz Club with great jazz, humour and unashamed showmanship.

Peter Farrall