Paul Skerritt (Vocals), James Harrison Keyboard), Anthony
Ord (Bass), Tom Chapman (Drums).
(Review by Peter
S.)
The August meeting at the AJC attracted our best audience
of the year with the appearance of the Paul Skerritt Band. This was a first
time for the Club witnessing an up-front male vocalist singing
throughout the evening. Dave Hedley of the River City Jazzmen may have
come close to this in the past and occasionally male instrumentalists in other bands vocalized
but at this session the voice led from the front.
It was an amazing tribute to the music
and swinging era of Frank Sinatra and the lyrical phrase "If you can
make it there you can make it anywhere" sums up our view of these
remarkable young musicians. They offered a cocktail of favourites presented
superbly to a captivated audience. The youthful energy and enthusiasm for
the music shone through each joyful performance - a delight for all and for me
an uplifting experience as a Sinatra fan. It is encouraging for those
of our age to know that our music with its wonderful lyrics can inspire
the young of today which they present so skilfully and interpret with so much
vigour.
These boys certainly made it in Ashington and we look forward to
their return in the new year. They deserve your recognition.
PROGRAMME - I've Got
You Under My Skin; Witchcraft; Cry Me a River; My Funny Valentine, Come Fly
With Me; Mr. Saturday Dance (AKA Don’t
Get Around Much Any More!); Let There
be Love; Georgia on my Mind; The Gentleman is a Tramp; I Want to be Like You;
Street Life; I Left my Heart in San Francisco; Satin Doll; Almost Like Being in
Love; Orange Coloured Sky; Sway; Secret Love; Play That Funky Music White
Boy; Mack the Knife.
As you can see they also included in their repertoire a
variety of other songs related to Nat, Dino, Randy Crawford and more.
I cannot ignore the dexterity and imaginative improvisation
of James Harrison on the Roland Keyboard.
Next Meeting ......Wednesday, September 3 ......Maureen
Hall and Rendezvous Jazz at 8.00p.m. at the Elephant.
See you there.
Peter S.
1 comment :
What a great selection of ace songs - timeless classics and some fab modern numbers - Play That Funky Music White Boy sung live in Ashington! I wish I could have been there ......
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