Last night was the night of the fortnightly jam at the Black Swan and, although I didn't make it, the venue was uppermost in my mind as I listened to Chris Hodgkins and his band on this, his latest album - A Salute to Humphrey Lyttelton - for it was only last November at the Black Swan that I heard this very band, give or take a couple of players, doing this same set.
It was a knockout then and no less now hearing it reprised on a studio recording.
The solos are gorgeous and not strung out over a dozen choruses - just long enough to whet your appetite for the next one.
Leader Hodgkins captures the spirit of Humph to perfection throughout.
Alex Clarke plays beautifully on We Fell Out of Love exquisitely backed by Jinjoo on piano who also takes the Johnny Parker role on Bad Penny Blues.
I could go on forever about this band and the soloists several of whom contributed arrangements as did Frank Griffith. This was last November re-visited and beautifully remembered - unforgettably so. If you were at the Black Swan concert or, indeed, at any of the gigs on the tour, this is a welcome reminder of just how good it was. On the other hand, if you didn't make it to any of the gigs, this is telling you what you missed.
Absolutely wonderful - Lance
PS: There's also a couple of small band items released by Hodgkins that will be reviewed here over the next week or so.
Cross a Busy Street; Cecil Beaton Strides Again; Tribal Dance; Fat Tuesday; Susan; Holy Main; In Swinger; Late Night Final; Mezz's Tune/Mezzrow; We Fell Out of Love; One For Buck; Wrestler's Tricks; Bad Penny Blues; Kath Meets Humph; Let's Get Out
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