(Screenshot by Ken Drew) |
A delightful vignette that may not have had the instant appeal of a Playback Session but to those in the know - in other words the regular KSTV viewers - the line-up in itself was sufficient temptation to forego all others.
Joe and the two Wills laid down a choice selection of goodies from the repertoires of Nat Cole, pianist John Lewis, Duke Ellington, Jim Hall (by way of Bob Hope), Fats Waller, Charlie Parker and Art Tatum.
(Screenshot by Ken Drew) |
2 Degrees East - 3 Degrees West, John Lewis recorded this with Bill Perkins and Jim Hall. Even without Bill Perkins this version stood up.
In a Sentimental Mood, arguably the best of Duke's ballads. That middle eight really makes it extra special. Tonight it was extra special too!
Thanks For the Memory. A great tune, tonight's performance was based on a version by Jim Hall - whenever you have a jazz guitarist on a gig Jim is never far away - but, for us of 'a certain age', it's Bob Hope singing it to Shirley Ross in The Big Broadcast of 1938.
Jitterbug Waltz. When it comes to playing Fats Waller, Joe Webb's your man.
Yardbird Suite. The most melodically satisfying of all Parker's compositions. The trio got it absolutely spot on. The unison passages by guitar and piano in perfect sync.
(Collage by Ken Drew) |
But again, the eternal question, why the disparity in numbers between Smitty's and Ronnies? Apart from Thursdays they're on different nights so there's no clash of interests and both offer top names on a pay what you can afford basis.
Lance
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