KSTV: Kansas Smitty's play Kansas Smitty's - June 26

(Screenshot by Ken Drew)

Giacomo Smith (clarinet, alto sax); Alec Harper (tenor sax); Pete Horsfall (trumpet); Dan Higham (trombone); Theon Cross (tuba); Dave Archer (guitar); Joe Webb (piano); Ferg Ireland (double bass); Jas Kayser (drums) + Pedro Segundo (drums)

Something of a rare occasion, Kansas Smitty's crew, old and new, getting together to play the Smitty's back catalogue. Bandleader Giacomo Smith had a ball, it must be such a joy working with other A-listers. From way back, Smitty's one-time regulars Pete Horsfall, Theon Cross and Pedro Segundo joined forces with current house band favourites, including Jas Kayser, Giacomo rightly praising the contribution of the recent Berklee graduate. In the presence of a live audience and Smitty's many online followers, Giacomo and co. opened the show, appropriately, with Get a Move On. 

(Collage by Ken Drew)

Highlights were many, each and every tune, in fact, but to single out one, Backyard BBQ Blues effortlessly embraced a Kansas City small group session - this could have been Basie or Buck Clayton jamming into the early hours (bone man Dan Higham reaffirming his status as the man to watch).

North Henry Street (NYC's inhabitants will know the place) swung as if they were on 52nd Street and, to conclude another tremendous Kansas Smitty's session, Ruben Fox's Ellingtonian number You're Fantastic took it down and out. Russell    

Set list: Get a Move On; The Lies You Told Me; Eight Ball Rag; Backyard BBQ Blues; Monty; ?; North Henry Street; The Black Paddy; You're Fantastic.