Kevin Eland (trumpet/flugel); Donna Hewitt (tenor/clarinet); Django (trombone/vocals); Ron Smith (bass); Dave Archbold (keys); Mark Hawkins (drums); Kate Bulman (vocals).
When a band that has been together for more than two years under the leadership of Kevin Eland is booked as the guest band at Dorman's, then an excellent night of music is to be expected and we were not disappointed.
Starting the night in fine style, Blues Walk gave the whole band the chance to show how well they all played together. Straighten Up and Fly Right, with vocals from Django was followed by Cute, featuring Mark on drums and Kate on vocals.
Further numbers included 88 Basie St, from the album of the same name, All The Cats Join In, from the 1940s, with more fine vocals from Kate and All Blues, featuring Ron on bass.
As Long as I Live, played for the first time, had solos from Kevin, Donna and Dave and vocals from Kate.
Kevin sat aside while Kate and Django sang Black Coffee, with a great bluesy feeling. Petite Fleur, featured Donna on clarinet with a fine solo by Dave on keys before Kevin rejoined the band to finish the first set with a swinging Milestones.
Benny Golson's Blues March, opened the second set followed by Bluff Point, with Kevin on flugel. A favourite of mine with Kate on vocals was Taking A Chance On Love and then You Fascinate Me So and Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me.
Kate sang Ray Charles' Hallelujah I Just Love Her So, to bring the evening , almost to a close but, with the audience demanding more, the performance finished with Monk's Straight No Chaser, played with great passion.
The band went down well with an enthusiastic audience showing their appreciation for a night of first class music spanning many decades.
Thanks again go to Dorman's for their help and support enabling us to run the jazz night. Ron H
No comments :
Post a Comment