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| (© Jeff Pritchard) |
The last time Robin Sunflower played the Railway he had a different line-up with no drummer but, for tonight's gig he did have a drummer one whom I had not seen before, Rick Weedon.
As on his previous visit, and playing the house piano, was Robin Dewhurst who reminds me a lot of the late Junior Mance. The bass man, Matt Owen, I have previously seen in various bands although I don’t recall seeing him at this venue. The sound balance was excellent and the quartet were all positioned close together on the small bandstand.
Sunflower played a varied selection of tunes tonight - sixteen in total - and we heard material ranging from the Dixieland era and film themes to tunes by Ellington, Wayne Shorter. and Toots Thielemans who Robin referred to as being his main influence.
Way back in the early days of television, on shows like Sunday Night at the London Palladium, harmonica acts were quite popular and Larry Adler and Max Geldray were often on tv and radio. I first heard Toots Thielemans in the film Midnight Cowboy and Robin Sunflower’s rendition of this theme was a highlight of his performance. I also liked his rendition of Sophisticated Lady which had a great solo by Robin Dewhurst on piano.
It was good to see so many people attending and it was great value as, like all the other jazz nights at the Railway, there is no admission charge.
The next jazz night is Tuesday April 26 with Bryan Pendleton’s Shearing Sound plus special guests. Mike Farmer
Sophisticated Lady; Corcovado; Struttin’ With Some Barbecue; The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face; Indian Nuts; Footprints; Sesame Street Theme; Midnight Cowboy; Darktown Strutters' Ball; Dark Eyes; Smile; Theme From Moulin Rouge; So Nice; Dutch Film Theme; For My Lady; Bluesette
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