| gig reviews 2008 |
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| The Kings of Jazz - July |
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John Howlett (tbn), Pete Towndrow (tpt), Brian White (clt), Tony Pitt (bjo), Vic Pitt (bs), Graham Smith (dms )
The band took to the stage sporting a dazzling array of ties, which led to some speculation regarding sponsorship from Tootal. John introduced the musicians and ties disappeared behind instruments as they swung into ‘I’ve Found a New Baby’ with solos all round, to the unmistakable ‘British Trad’ sound. The programme continued with many familiar tunes, and some standards which we don’t hear too often, all played with the assurance of many years experience. We heard John’s trombone particularly standing out on ‘Fidgety Feet’ and a banjo and drum conversation halfway through. ‘Hesitation Blues’ with a clarinet introduction, featured vocal from John, wah wah cornet by Pete and a snatch of Tony’s ‘duelling banjo’. There was some nice muted trumpet in ‘Someday You’ll be Sorry’ and Vic’s bass could be felt coming up through the floor as the band really took off. ‘Mandy, Make up Your Mind’ - which we don’t hear very often; and to finish the first set, ‘Wolverine Blues’ where Vic demonstrated real bass slapping,
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| Aug Review - JBs Jazz and Blues |
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‘Brian’s bubbling clarinet reminded us of when he was last in Pershore with the Gresty-White Ragtimers and Graham’s drum breaks included his favourite cowbells.
‘Marching Through Georgia’ swung us into the second half, ‘Sleepy Time Girl’ and then the much anticipated ‘Big Noise from Winnetka’ from Vic with just  drum accompaniment. Graham vacated the drum stool, said hello to Vic,and continued the beat with sticks on the bass strings whilst Vic performed a stunning series of left hand improvisations including a mischievous deference to Beethoven. After a couple of changes in tempo Graham returned to his kit and the pair finished the number to a well deserved ovation from the floor. Then a musical visit to Davenport ( Iowa) where Tony had recently attended the Bix Beiderbecke memorial celebrations.
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by Peter Farrall |
photos by Val Wood |
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His banjo introduced an evocative ‘Davenport Blues’ with the Bix styled cornet solo from Pete. Maggie had requested ‘Bugler’s Lament’ remembered from last time the band were together so Tony’s banjo again came to the fore with a bluesy intro and a super double tempo solo in the middle, the number ending with an ethereal sounding bugle call from Pete. ‘Nobody’s Sweetheart Now’ taken at a fast tempo, contained some blistering solos all round with excellent drum work by Graham in spite of his suspected broken finger - ouch! But where were our usual dancers? - perhaps the music had left them too breathless to get up.
In a quieter moment John explained how to give a posh greeting as in ‘air-hair-lair’, and then to the last number, a red hot version of ‘Weary Blues’ with final solos from everyone. But we certainly weren’t weary of this band; we could have listened all night.
Six of the UK’s finest musicians who can only rarely get together and we are very proud to have presented them in Pershore. Thanks for a wonderful evening’s jazz and, when you can all make it again - please come back. |
