Gene Autrey Rides Again. Saville Exchange North Shields

An evening dedicated to the music of Fats Waller, put together by Mike Durham and featuring, in the main, some of the ‘Harmful Little Armful’s’ lesser known tunes. Cast as Fats the Pianist was Keith Nichols, now, seemingly, almost the house pianist at the Saville; a role he performs to perfection aided and abetted by a splendid grand piano. The part of Fats the Vocalist was ably split between Keith and Mike and I wonder if I was the only one in the audience who felt a tad uncomfortable at Keith singing “Black and Blue?” Probably was, judging by the applause. Sharing the front line with Mike was John Crocker (ten/clt) whose tenor playing recalled Fat’s former sideman Gene Cedric in spirit if not in style although it was his clarinet playing that got the gold from this listener. Mike the Trumpet stood in for Herman Autrey and played with the punchiness of Humph the Younger. Mike the Compere, of course, displayed much of the humour of Humph the Elder. On guitar and, for one number only, banjo, Keith Stephen added contrast with some Bernard Addison/Al Casey style solos. On bass, Bruce Rollo did the business in a totally professional manner and Nick Ward on what, back then, would probably have been described as “The Traps,” had some “Slick” and imaginative solos. An enjoyable gig even if the Earth didn’t move too far.