Their dedication to the music they have devoted their lives to over the years is well documented depicting their undiminished enthusiasm in an ever-decreasing world of jazz clubs and musicians au fait with the music.
With Paul playing drums and Liz on clarinet they formed the Mississippi Dreamboats in 1975 gigging around the Newcastle jazz clubs and, as they became established, further afield. The eponymously titled book, Paul Bacon's fifth*, relates many anecdotes of life on the road and the frequent hazards of the seemingly simple task of getting from A to B. The author describes the book as being about his wanderlust, meandering journey, playing jazz and discovering that the journey is often as important as the destination.
Although now 82, that wanderlust continues. In 2024,in the period July 20 to July 27, they gigged in Louth, Chesterfield, Leeds, Carlisle, Ayr and Newcastle. The latter gig was at the Prohibition Bar and reviewed by myself on BSH. The review is included (p41).
More touring this year (2025). In May they go from Carlisle to Colchester via Ayr, Chesterfield, Wivey and Watford whilst in July it's Leeds, Amersham, Cossington and Bigbury Kingbridge.
Many a much younger band would think twice about covering such distances but Paul and Liz Bacon, along with trombonist Jim Blenkin, Sarah Thatcher (banjo/guitar), Mike Kennedy on bass and other additions including daughter Emily Bacon on piano and vocals take it in their stride. Emily also has her own band, Emily Bacon's Good Time Gang.
It's written in an engaging style with the author's love of the music and the peripheral events surrounding the band's performances, like Paul and Liz's love for each other, shining through. Lance
Available on Amazon (hardback £12.96, paperback £8.96, Kindle £2.50).
*Previous books by Paul Alex Bacon: Heads Turned by Jazz; Once Upon Eternity; Becoming 80; Self Publish Your Book. Details on Facebook.
1 comment :
Wow thank you Lance for you excellent review. You are indeed an encourager. Indeed to our jazz world. Together with many like minded we keep the jazz music live.
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