Gerry Richardson (pno); Garry Linsley (alt); Neil Harland (bs); Paul Smith (dms).
The Cherry Tree was crowded tonight - it was Graduation Night.
Graduation Night it may have been for some but the members of the Gerry Richardson Quartet graduated with Hons. many years ago and tonight proved they had lost none of their skills - and nor had the chef. The Peppered Squid with Bury Black Pudding, Broad Beans, Rocket and Parsley Pesta was as piquant as Steve Kuhn's Chicken Feathers played with an infectious Latin beat.
A Train and Just Squeeze Me were a couple of more familiar numbers that provided the virtual sauce to my Wallington Estates Rump Steak, Marmite and Peppermint Butter, with French Fries and Watercress - appropriately, both pieces were by Ellington for indeed this was truly Ducal fare! Oh! and yes - Marmite never tasted like this before!
The room was heating up and Gerry managed the impossible trick of removing his jacket without missing a beat - well not many!
I was tempted to try and do the same whilst eating my British Strawberry, Eton Mess, and Rosewater - ordered upon the waitresses recommendation - but decided it wasn't worth the risk of spilling this most enjoyable dessert. The final number was very applicable - How Sweet It Is!
The quartet swung and grooved. This was Gerry in Jools mood. He threw in a couple of vocals but the P.A. didn't do him any favours.
Garry blew, with apparent lack of effort, some scintillating choruses. If Canteloupe had been on the menu his take on the island of that name would have had everyone eating Canteloupe!
Paul and Neil - as dependable a duo as you'll find.
Shame there wasn't room for a small dance floor as tonight's combo would have had them crowding the floor.
Also enjoyed the company of Brian and Sheena Chester.
Finally, a special thank you to the Head (?) Waitress for giving me a pen without which these notes could not have been written!
Lance.
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