Jason Isaacs (vocal/tenor); Darren Irwin, Mark Webb (trumpets); Dave Brock (trombone); Sue Ferris (alto/flute/clarinet); Alexis Cairns (tenor/clarinet); Stu Collingwood (keys); Neil Harland (bass); Simon Ferry (drums).
(Review by Lance).
Hoochie Coochie was steaming, the snow outside melting, inside, the air was filled with the aromas usually inhaled at Fenwick's cosmetic counters. I'm sure there was some aftershave in there too but, just as it was in the old days at Sinatra, Elvis and Dino gigs, us males were in the minority.
Yup! Jason was back at Hoochie and, as always, the crowd adored him.
He was in good voice - is he ever not? - Wonderwall; Beyond the Sea; Mr Bojangles; Ain't that a Kick in the Head? and Let it Snow had the room buzzing. The band were right behind him booting it along all the way.
Why Don't You Do Right? featured the singer who, from my perspective, appeared to be only slightly less tall than Grey's Monument, blowing tenor and yes, he could give up the day job!
Elvis time - Just Can't Help Believing. Frank time - That's Life. Cab Calloway time - Minnie the Moocher and the room hi-di-hi and ho-di-hoing.
King of the Road then more Elvis and the American Trilogy. Now, don't get me wrong. It's a great arrangement and Jason sings it as if he was standing on the steps of the White House but, sorry, I'm afraid it always makes me cringe.
Sway was more relaxing, the gentle Latin rhythm coaxing a few dancers on to the floor.
Interval time.
Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown had the room jumping from bar one but it was Cheek to Cheek that they crowded the floor for.
Moon Dance; One For my Baby with just Jason and Stu reenacting the classic barroom ballad. More Elvis - The Wonder of You. Mucho audience participation on Can't Take my Eyes Off You; Lou Rawls' You're Gonna Miss my Lovin'; rock and roll with Jump Jive. The dancers were up for this one and my two companions for the evening were in the middle of it all shimmying like their sister Kate.
Spandau Ballet's Your Indestructible is designed as a sax battle between Jason and Lewis Watson. However, Lew was indisposed so it was up to Alexis Cairns to pick up the gauntlet. The girl did good but, if she'd stood up to blow instead of remaining seated, she may have got the decision!
The afternoon/evening was drawing to a close but not before Suspicious Minds; the killer New York New York, and Everybody Needs Somebody.
Simply fantastic. Singer, band, venue and, of course, the man who makes it all happen - Warren.
More photos.
More photos.
Lance.
PS: More big band jazz on April 22 with SSBB.
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