Lickety Split @ Ashington Jazz Club Sept. 4

Eddie Bellis (trombone), John Hudson (ten. Sax.), Alan Marshall (alto. Sax.), Kevin Eland (tpt.), Bill Britain (Keyboard), Alan Rudd  (bs gtr.), Roy Willis (gtr.), Paul Wight (dms.).

(Review and photo by Peter S.)

This impressive small Big Band made its third appearance at AJC and they get better with every performance. Well  organised and rehearsed, each arrangement skillfully presented and the members know the parts they play moving seamlessly from soloist to soloist and enjoying a professional creative musical event. The blend is as smooth as strawberries and cream and every course on the menu is served to the customers with pleasure. There is no doubt that these musicians can with great dexterity work each instrument and themselves as a well balanced unit.

Front line harmonies are superb and the back room staff support with skill and self assurance. It was a very warm evening at the AJC and the lads did well to play so well in the extreme conditions and "something cool " was  needed at times within the music while some numbers were hot and extensive and some melodic and innovative.
Programme:- Bags Groove, Blues Walk, Joy Spring. Afternoon in Paris, Lift Off, Sister Sadie, Doxy, Well You Needn't, Whisper Not, Three Putt, What's New? Bolivia, Green Dolphin Street, Around 12 a.m. I'm Beginning to See the Light......and others. (I may not have got them all)

The AJC members had a good night and so we continue to bring a variety of Jazz to Ashington.
One final comment - the origins of the name Lickety Split is a mystery to me. I did invite the musicians to offer their thoughts but they seemed to be vague about this, pointing to leader Eddie. I think they may have signed the unofficial Jazz secrets Act. I'm no wiser tho' Lickety Splits as ice cream would have been very acceptable on Wednesday.
Next Month - Wednesday October 2  at the earlier start of 8.00 p.m.
Maureen Hall and Rendezvous Jazz.

Peter S.
Photos by Jim Fay.