There was a lot of 'Global warming', musically speaking, down on Railway St. last night. What an enjoyable gig and not a Christmas hat or jumper in sight although Surmacz did sneak a Rudolph quote into one of his solos but he was soon forgiven as the chorus that followed quickly made up for it.
More a Harlem jump band from the 1930s than a New Orleans band from the '20s, although they did cover both styles and more. As much Louis Jordan as Louis Armstrong they did what bands did back then - they entertained.
The audience were enraptured by the sheer swing, going along with the flow, displaying their dancing skills and applauding vociferously.
Impossible to single out one musician above the rest. Paylor on bass led from the front singing numbers such as The Candy Man, If Yus a Viper, Sugar Blues, Digga, Digga Doo and Reefer Man among others.
Pianist Lloyd, apart from being one of the best blues/swing pianists I've heard, also shone in the vocal department. Shoot the Likker to me John Boy, Ain't Misbehavin', a super sensitive solo feature on Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out and Enjoy Yourself over a Latin beat.
On guitar, the unlikely named (for a guy singing the blues) Mike Rudland-Simpson, did some mean pickin' and sang a Bechet number, the title of which escaped me, Tiger Rag, My Bucket's Got a Hole in it and Old Fat Woman Blues which segued into Shake, Rattle and Roll reminding me that it had been a hit for Big Joe Turner before Bill Haley got hold of it.
Two Williamsons in the band, I'm guessing they were brothers. They did bear a resemblance to each other and both were exceedingly good musicians.
The trumpet playing Williamson sang If I Only Had a Brain and displayed a prodigious technique throughout. Reminded me of Teddy Buckner with the Kid Ory Band.
Williamson, the drum, was also Williamson the washboard and Williamson the spoons. He displayed amazing dexterity on all three of his skills. He washboarded to great effect on Tiger Rag, spooned on 12th St. Rag and played the Zutty Singleton break from the 12" Fats Waller single on Ain't Misbehavin'.
Apart from backing vocals, Surmancz didn't sing but he blew hot alto - think Tab Smith, Cleanhead Vinson, Louis Jordan and Pete Brown. He also produced some strange clarinet sounds.
A surprising highlight was a funereal version of the Beatles' Hard Days Night. They'll be excommunicated from the Cavern.
Other instrumentals that knocked on my door were Ellington's Jubilee Stomp and Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.
An evening of classic jazz at its stompingly good best.
They're down the road at Saltburn on Friday, I must check the train times ... Lance
1 comment :
The band's Saltburn gig is sold out.
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