(Review by John T)
It seems TJs recent tour of the south of the
region has gone unnoticed. Starting at Bedale Golf Club on Friday 13th
they did a lunchtime gig at Darlington NOJC the following day. In the evening
they headed south to appear at Boston Spa JC on their way back to the
smoke. Well done to whoever organised this small tour.
I have three favourite piano players who sing. Jools Holland
is brilliant on piano. Hugh Laurie is the best singer. Overall by far the best
at both is T J Johnson on his good old Korg keyboard. What an eclectic mix
of music from lots of genres, all played in a lovely smooth, laid back jazz
style. A sell out audience at Darlington enjoyed a perfect performance
from these real pros. Al Nicholls on sax is by far the best reedman I have heard with this band. Taking to Tony Pitt (Banjo/gtr) afterwards he said it had been a difficult time over the last couple of years. Five bandleaders of bands he had played in have passed away. These include Acker, and Kenny. Tony informed me that his brother (bassist Vic) has now retired from the Kenny Ball band. Tony himself has no thoughts of retiring. It must be over 50 years since he started out in Acker’s band! A living legend!
John T.
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