Jim McBriarty (clarinet, vocals); Lawrence McBriarty (trombone); Brian Bennett (banjo); Bill Colledge (bass guitar); Fred Thompson (drums, vocals) + John Broddle (vocals)
The Vieux Carré Jazzmen were quick out of the blocks when pubs first reopened, initially performing in the Holystone's pub beer garden, more recently indoors. Now it's face coverings on entry, face coverings when moving around the premises, face coverings to exit, this is the gig-going experience, seemingly for the next six months. Today's inclement weather no doubt deterred some, no doubt others opted to forego the 'new normal'. The VCJ set sail on the little heard Mezz Mezzrow-Sidney Bechet number Out of the Gallion.
On board the Good Ship Holystone today were the McBriartys (Jim, clarinet, Lawrence trying out his recent eBay purchase, a nice-sounding King trombone), the unobtrusive Bill Colledge, bass guitar and singing drummer Fred Thompson, all four skippered by Captain Brian Bennett. Why Don't You Go Down to New Orleans? sang McBriarty J. Presumably we were aboard the Good Ship Holystone sailing down the Mississippi. Alright, admittedly a bit of a stretch but use your imagination!
Fred Thompson sang about The Gypsy, an old Inkspots' tune, apparently. Mr J Broddle was in the house. Skipper Bennett motioned to John who made his way to the stand, wondering if he had to sing wearing a mask! Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams then I'll See You in My Dreams - two dreamy numbers to momentarily forget these nightmarish times.
During the interval a near-disaster occurred. No one was in a mile of it (honest, guv'nor!) when...Captain Bennett's banjo, perched on a stool, slowly but surely toppled, crashing to the floor! No harm was done. Phew!
Second set. Vocalists McBriarty and Thompson said they didn't know/couldn't remember the lyrics to Red Sails in the Sunset. Captain Bennett called up John Broddle, he would know it, and he did! The other McBriarty, Lawrence 'King' McBriarty, suggested Bugle Boy March. Captain Bennett pointed out the band was short of a bugler. McBriarty declared he would play the intro on his newly-acquired King. And off he went...playing the intro to Bourbon Street Parade! Bennett called an immediate halt. McBriarty said: Oh, aye, that was Bourbon Street Parade. Take two...Bugle Boy March. Hooray!
The 1919 Rag added a bit pep to proceedings, drummer Thompson took it down again singing Float Me Down the River and with the time fast approaching three o'clock the VCJ said 'good afternoon' with a spritely Ain't She Sweet?
Russell
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