Second Set Corner House

Having been delayed elsewhere I dashed to the Corner House hoping to sample the interval buffet and listen to the second set featuring the guest for the evening clarinetist Don Armstrong. A big disappointment was the lack of a buffet ! A decent alternative was a nourishing pint of Guinness. So, pint in hand, the second set commenced with a rousing rendition of ''Happy Birthday'' by band and audience alike for birthday boy Mr. Armstrong (75 years young today). The jazz resumed with 'Over the Waves', a tune associated with George Lewis and, no doubt, well known to Don Armstrong (solos from Armstrong, Wright and Soulsby). An unexpected hiatus occurred when someone (no names, Mr.Soulsby) dropped a pint glass, shattering glass and spilling its contents all over the dance floor. The miscreant went off in search of brush, dustpan, mop etc. On his return it was suggested that, in clearing up the mess, he had found his true vocation ! Drummer Fred Thompson took a vocal on ''Sweet Sue'' followed by an excellent muted trumpet solo by Peter Wright on ''Sentimental Journey''. Louis' ''Someday You'll Be Sorry'' was another vocal feature for Thompson, with a solo turn from Brian Sibbald as Soulsby switched to alto for this one only during the set. An audience request - '' 'Tain't No Sin to Take Off Your Skin'' - saw Barry Soulsby reading the lyrics sheet with Bennett and Sibbald reading the dots to supply the rhythmic foundation. It was almost time to go but not without a two clarinet stirring of ''Clarinet Marmalade''. It was good to see a better turn-out than of late. A good night.

Russell.