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From Hong Kong Colin Aitchison, leader of the China Coast Jazzmen long-time resident band at Ned Kelly's Last Stand in Kowloon, sent me some photos of the Victoria Jazz Band taken at another 'joint' - Grappa's.
Colin informs me that they are a swingy band playing Basie, Buck Clayton style arrangements with a large young following. He didn't supply any names.
What struck me most was that people were actually dancing and enjoying themselves!
Isn't that the way it should be?
When people stopped dancing to jazz the fun element disappeared and it became a pin-dropping exclusive exercise exorcising the eclectic and often the excitement and the ecstasy from the experience.
Lance.
HI Lance,
ReplyDeleteYes, it is great to see young people dancing once again to good music, the line up of the band is John Hubbard (trumpet - UK) Oliver (Tenor Sax)!!!! - France, Bayani Balderverona (Alto Sax) - Philippines, Peter Lally (Piano) - UK, Steve Mui (Bass) - Japan, Tom Cord (Drums) - UK.
They started off with Blues Back Stage, and they were already on the floor...it seems that out here in Asia, the young go for any type of jazz, be it Trad, Swing, Be-Bop, Jazz Latin or Jazz Rock, and I've just heard that there is a new Trad venue in Macau.
Cheers
Colin
I wonder if Peter Lally is related to that much maligned arranger Jimmy Lally?
ReplyDeleteGuitarist is Ken Sugawara - Japan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Colin.
And, the large young following is Hong Kong Swings, a group promoting swing and lindy hop. We're at Grappa's every Wednesday night and conduct classes and socials. See www.hongkongswings.com for more information.
ReplyDeleteAnd, the large young following is Hong Kong Swings, a group promoting swing and lindy hop. We're at Grappa's every Wednesday night and conduct classes and socials. See www.hongkongswings.com for more information.
ReplyDelete