This was one of those nice jazz in miniature gigs in the club lounge. Roly always describes the lounge as cosy - a description that could equally apply to the music.
Salon jazz of the highest order.
A host of quality standards both vocal and instrumental. In the latter category I Wished on the Moon stood out - it always does for me - Roly's gentle croon bringing to mind his faves Crosby and Bowlly. A first timer was Berlin's Say It Isn't So with Steve rhapsodising a la Hawkins on tenor and Roly successfully walking the vocal tightrope as he did once or twice tonight. All, I hasten to add without mishap.
These day he seems to like playing acoustically into a mic which, to avoid feedback, means low level volume. In other words, if you want to hear it you've gotta listen!
Steve fluctuated back and forth from tenor to clarinet and, on one occasion, penny whistle! - Tishomingo Blues no less. He blew well from the opening Gone With The Wind to the closing Lester Leaps In with Body and Soul and Stars Fell on Alabama, Honeysuckle Rose in which Roly sang the verse just some of the others.
Holding it all together, anchor man, Roy Cansdale, proved that even anchors have hearts with some soft and gentle solos.
If someone had dropped a pin it would have been like a Buddy Rich explosion!
If someone had dropped a pin it would have been like a Buddy Rich explosion!
Grand evening.
Lance.

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