Hot Club du Nord @ St. Cuthbert’s Parish Hall, Crook, - Nov. 30.

Emma Fisk (violin); James Birkett, Dave Harris  (guitars); Bruce Rollo (bass).

(Review/rhyme/pics by Jerry E).

Saint Cuthbert’s Hall was heaving,

Most of Crook was there.

Emma stepped in wearing blue suede shoes

And tossing her jet-black hair.

The opening tune was introduced

It was Honeysuckle Rose –

James Birkett’s heels were tapping then

And so were Emma’s toes!

The crowd was quickly in the groove,

No-one could sit still

Through Django’s Oriental Shuffle

Or his later hit, Belleville.

On Dinah the guitars both soloed

They really owned the place,

Then up stepped Big Bruce Rollo

And wowed us with his bass.

Nuages was a typical title

The night was très Francais –

We were thrilled to bits with Django’s hits:

Si Tu Savais and J’attendrai.

While Crazy Rhythm abounded

With Charleston and Minor Swing,

We were also there in Berkeley Square

Where we heard a nightingale sing.

Christmas was not forgotten –

Merry Gentlemen need not frown

As Emma and the boys reminded us,

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

So for Crook ’18, a rousing end

But readers do not fear –

Paul Edis has promised a “big reveal”

When he knows who’s on next year.

Big thanks to all Crook’s helpers

And Patrick, Anne and Paul

For making us welcome to feast on jazz

God bless them, one and all!

Jerry