The Jazz Rascals are now The Carnival of Crows - not a name that rolls easily off the tongue.
Elaine explained - Folk are perplexed when they see "Jazz". Is it Trad? Is it Modern? Is it way out? They are confused.
So, for the moment, it Is Carnival of Crows - albeit a work in progress..
I ordered a pint of Oxford Gold and asked the Landlord if the Sunday afternoons were regular gig? " yes" he replied, adding perhaps a little too hastily, "It isn't always jazz though."
Maybe Elaine was right to remove 'Jazz' from the band's name!
The room was indeed crowded seemingly contradicting my claim that grass roots jazz was in crisis. However, 90% of the audience, I guess, were friends and family of the band. Indeed, as the children danced in front of the band, I began to think these Rascally Crows must have done more begatting than the twelve tribes of Israel combined!
I jest - The Music.
It was their tried and tested repertoire and it still sounded good as Elaine floated through it with ease. Vocalist Eliza added some wordless sounds that had a really evocative effect. Eliza does them well soaring effortlessly above the ensembles - I even listened to my second Summertime in a row without cringing too much (lie!) and her chorus on Ain't Misbehavin' was bizarre but beautiful.
Elaine herself was on fire playing some sizzling choruses that made me fear thar the fiddle could soon be in flames.
Fritz Kreisler may have been turning in his grave but five will get you ten that Stephane wasn't!
This was a good afternoon. Great band, crowded room, good beer - what did the Bridge hold? Over to Russell.
Photos.
Lance.
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