Mike Durham's Classic Jazz Party @ Village Hotel - Nov.2

Saturday evening - Nov.2

(Review by Russell)

The second of this year's three half hour Professor spots featured Andrew Oliver. The man from Oregon, USA first came to the attention of BSH more than four years ago when the pianist visited Newcastle's Jazz Cafe leading the Kora Band. That was very much a contemporary outfit, here at the CJP Oliver fully immersed himself in the jazz of the twenties and thirties. Stride, ragtime, Jelly Roll Morton a current obsession, Oliver, soon to return to the States after several years domiciled in London, gave a brilliant, robust barrelhouse display. 

Bands within the Bands gave Richard Pite licence to roam across the 'classic jazz' era landscape picking and choosing material from a vast number of small combos led by big band leaders. Assisting the Cadogan Hall jazz concert series' mastermind were Duke Heitger, trumpet, the reeds of David Horniblow and Matthias Seuffert, the fine trombonist Alistair Allan, the ever-elegant Martin Litton, piano and Frenchmen Félix Hunot, guitar/banjo and Henry Lemaire, string bass.

Joan Viskant is a welcome presence at any Classic Jazz Party and this year's edition found her leading a swift half hour set titled Joan Viskant - The Chicago Songbird. Ms Viskant was indeed born in Illinois' Windy City, relocated to Paris before settling in London. Praise from the likes of Benny Carter and Frank Sinatra suggests JV has what it takes and she has. Flapper, vamp, Viskant plays the part. Saucy, sassy numbers featured with our singer guided through the speakeasies and gin joints from West Allotment to downtown Chicago by an A-list band including Malo Mazurié, trumpet, Claus Jacobi, reeds and pianist Martin Litton. 

London's Bright Sparks were active during the 20s and 30s. Martin Wheatley prepared arrangements for a five piece outfit comprising Michael McQuaid, reeds (equally accomplished on clarinet or saxophone), Morten Gunnar Larsen, piano, Josh Duffee playing xylophone and vocals of the debonaire kind by Spats Langham.

Hits of McKinney's Cotton Pickers required no fewer than fourteen musicians to handle Claus Jacobi's set of Don Redman's arrangements which ushered in the swing era. Malo Mazurié and Enrico Tomasso took on the trumpet parts, Bixian Andy Schumm played cornet, Brit Graham Hughes and American CJP debutant Dave Bock shared 'bone duties, David Boeddinghaus played piano and, following a quick costume change, Ms Joan Viskant returned to help swing that music. 

It turned eleven o'clock, the bar was open, Saturday evening's Pub Jam session was about to begin. Four hours later it was time for bed.          

Russell
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