Despite the presence on vibes of former Squadronaires - and I mean the 'real' Squadronaires - drummer Lawrie Brown, the first set meandered aimlessly along in workshop mode. Some numbers gelled and some didn't. Lawrie had his moments on "Besame Mucho" and "Moonglow" whilst Dave W did something with Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way". All in all, at this stage, a fairly routine evening. Come the second set however; the hoards descended! The room was overrun with trumpets and saxophones and basses and guitars and vocalists and sellers of raffle tickets (Allan pictured above) not all of whom made it to the bandstand.
The turning point was Freddie Hubbard's "Chicken Wings". This was 'Chicken Supreme' with Chilli Sauce added and everyone playing out of their skulls. Unfair to single anyone out as it was total interactive inspiration.
The night finished off with Shorty Rogers' "Short Stop". It swung mightily, with Lawrie, who'd sat out most of the second set, returning to turn in a pulsating solo that kept the pot boiling.
One of the better ones - eventually - and Dave has to be applauded for his efforts to keep modern jazz alive whilst providing a scenario for young players to hone their trade.
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