Jazz Co-op: Grand Launch of Upstairs Performance Area at the Globe Djangologie & Lindy Jazz: Saturday October (4)

Jim Birkett (guitar); Giles Strong (guitar); Emma Fisk (violin); Mick Shoulder (bass)

(Review by Ann Alex/photos Ken Drew).

And what a great launch this was, with lively music and dancing, it was the Hot Club de Globe! There was even a demonstration of shimmying and now that I’ve tried it, all I need is a sister named Kate!

Julie, leader of the Lindy dance group, started proceedings with a lesson in their kind of dancing, which was terrific fun and not too difficult.  Charleston-like steps, handclapping, finger-snapping, twists, turns and shimmies galore.  By the time the band came on at about 8pm, the room was full.

They began in great form with Dinah; other tunes included a waltz, Musette, composed by Mick; a Sacha Distel song; and a slow, slinky French tune.  All done in this band’s enthusiastic, good-time, stomping, 1930’s/40’s style.  Sorry that I can’t name any other tunes, but I was too busy enjoying myself, chatting and dancing, along with many others. At finishing time, the audience demanded an encore and we were treated to an unofficial dance display by two of the men.  Minnie Fraser of the Co-op then thanked all those who’d helped to get the Co-op and the pub up and running, then the dancers danced on to records, presumably into the small hours. Watch out for future events: see the website www.jazz.coop. Next Saturday  (Oct.11) we have the Blue Jazz Quintet, and next Sunday afternoon is the first of the afternoon Jam Sessions, from 3pm to 6pm, so come along with your axe, horn, voice, whatever. 

Ann Alex