The Pasadena Roof Orchestra live streaming from Ronnie's - April 4

(Screenshot by Ken Drew)

Duncan Galloway couldn't be at Ronnie's tonight, being stuck in Germany, Covid travel restrictions and all that. In the absence of the Pasadenas' frontman it was down to pianist Simon Townley to handle the announcements. The concert began with a good ol' good 'un, South Rampart St Parade. 

Tom 'Spats' Langham got to sing all the numbers which are normally the preserve of Galloway, so, an extra ration of next to nowt for our classic jazz era crooner! Spats the vocalist joined forces with 'bone man Adrian Fry on I Got a Right to Sing the Blues, Fry soloing. A hot take on Business in F as played by the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra featured Oliver Wilby (Glenn Miller Orchestra UK) blowing a swinging tenor chorus. 

(Screenshot by Ken Drew)

From Fletcher Henderson to Al Bowlly of the British dance band era and Spats singing Ray Noble's The Very Thought of You. At this point in the proceedings more than seven hundred were online, on YouTube alone! You Ought to See Sally on Sunday (comp. R. Noble, as sung by A. Bowlly) heard Spats' vocals, Oliver Wilby's warm-toned tenor and precision ensemble playing. It Don't Mean a Thing put string bassist Dave Berry in the spotlight ably supported by his rhythm section buddies.  

The orchestra struck up High Society (Malcolm Baxter, trumpet, Robert Fowler's clarinet)...a cast iron choice! If I Had a Talking Picture of You served as a fitting tribute to the late Keith Nichols who arranged many of the PRO's charts. Well said Mr Townley. And to close - in 'normal times' the dance floor would have filled up in double quick time - Happy Feet. 

(Screenshot collage by Ken Drew)

Professional isn't the word, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra played a memorable gig, and, of course, they were ready with an encore...Nagasaki at what Keith Nichols liked to call 'tempo de tear-arse' which, by tradition, concluded with a few bars of Home in Pasadena.   

Russell

Dave Ford (trumpet); Malcolm Baxter (trumpet); Robert Fowler (alto sax, baritone sax, clarinet); Oliver Wilby (tenor sax, clarinet); Dai Pritchard (alto sax, clarinet); Adrian Fry (trombone); Dave Berry (double bass, sousaphone); Simon Townley (piano); Tom 'Spats' Langham (banjo, guitar, vocals); Dom Sales (drums)

Set list: South Rampart St Parade; I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby; Paddlin' Madelin' Home; Beau Koo Jack; East St Louis Toodle-Oo; Anything Goes; I Got a Right to Sing the Blues; Business in F; The Very Thought of You; The Casa Loma Stomp; You Ought to See Sally on Sunday; It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing; If I Had a Talking Picture of You; A Flower is a Lovesome Thing; Happy Feet; Nagasaki; Home in Pasadena.