On a cold wintery night the audience were richly rewarded with a top class jazz quartet, enhanced for the first time at Dormans with fine vocals from Mark's daughter Laura.
Opening with an original composition of Mark's - Do You Have The Time? with solos all round - the standard was set for the night. A favourite of mine, All The Things You Are, was followed by another of Mark's compositions, a swinging number called Jump High.
Laura sang three numbers: Only Trust Your Heart (Benny Carter & Sammy Cahn),
Bewitched (Rodgers & Hart) and We Could Be In Love Again (Mark Toomey). With the backing of the quartet, it was a pleasure to hear three varied songs sung so well.
The set was brought to a close with the lovely If I Should Lose You (Leo Robin & Ralph Rainger).
The second set began at a blistering tempo with Parker's Ornithology followed by a more relaxed version of Victor Young's Stella By Starlight.
Laura sang three more songs: the premiere of You're With Me Every Day (Mark Toomey), Cheer Up Charlie from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Killing Me Softly With His Song (Fox & Gimbel).
After an original bossa by Mark - These Changing Times - the evening was brought to a close with an up tempo rendition of Cole Porter's What Is This Thing Called Love?
An interesting and impressive session with Laura's vocals giving an extra dimension which was greatly appreciated by the audience. Also, it gave Mark the chance to demonstrate his compositional skills.
The usual thanks go to the management and staff of Dormans for their help and support in running the jazz club. Ron H
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