Tom Sawyer in Tenerife

Back from 11 days in Tenerife. Didn't expect to find any jazz but got several surprises. At lunch time each day the local Spanish Radio 3 put on an excellent jazz program featuring all styles and always a comprehensive list of the artists.

As usual the entertainment in the hotel was limited to bingo, a keyboard player doing "Oompah" music for the Germans.

There was also a guy who we called Tommy the Trumpeter who stood and played keyboards and sang or played trumpet at the same time. He did quite a good job of "Wonderful World" and "We have all the time in the world".

I know you are now part of the Jazz Clubs of the World site - but I found a venue that slipped through the net.

Music concerts are held in Puerto de la Cruz every 2 weeks by the Canaries Foundation (see program).

Last Saturday night 5 euros found me in a nice venue with approx 100 other ageing European holidaymakers. The band were all young Spanish guys - and, despite the name - the Tom Sawyer Dixieland Band - there was no Tom Sawyer. It was all a bit clinical. They were classically trained and played from the copy. The (curved) soprano player blew with a nice tone, sometimes like a clarinet on the likes of High Society. For me the real plus was the fact that drummer did not have a full kit with him. His side drum and cymbal playing was great. In 50 years time will this by the type of jazz people will be listening to?

Please note Tiger with no Rag and only one Saint etc

Mark Twain a.k.a. John Taylor.