Magpies of Swing @ the Globe - April 10

© Sheila H

Neil Hopper (drums, valve trombone); Nigel Robson (trombone); Lara Hopper, Polly Corbishley (trumpet); Lachlan Fotheringham (clarinet, soprano sax); Gill Bisdee (clarinet); Aleksandra Karpiuk (flute, vocal); Rachel Richman (alto sax); Fiona Finden (tenor sax, vocal); Stu Finden (baritone sax); Alex J. Gamble (guitar, banjo, vocal); Owen Jones (bass); Jordan Barnes (piano); Elise Rana (drums, vocal); Kate Stebbing, Darius Oraree (vocals)

The conventicle of magpies assembled both on and off stage - such were their numbers. Their supporters were out in force, the intention being to put some currency into the coffers to help fund the  repairs to the Globe's upper room. A worthy cause.

© Sylvia T

Stomping off with Fats Waller's Yacht Club Swing the floor was soon awash with bodies out-shimmying sister Kate. Sister Kate herself, Kate Stebbing, sang In a Mellow Tone and I'm Beginning to See the Light. Kate has a pleasing babyish voice that brings to mind Ruth Etting, Annette Hanshaw and bathtub gin.

Lachlan blew Petite Fleur on soprano getting an authentic sound that was somewhere between  Bechet's original and Monty Sunshine's later recording with the Barber band. 

© Sylvia T

Neil moved behind the kit and Elise took centre stage for Just Because You Can. Along with the vocal, solos from guitar, flute and trumpet impressed. Elise hung around for Blue Drag which had solos by Nigel and the three saxes.

Aleksandra played and sang It's Only a Paper Moon, her Polish accent adding that little bit of extra charm to the voice as did her fluting which was quite delightful.

The set closed with C Jam Blues which segued into The Hucklebuck. There were solos-a-plenty with guitar, alto, trombone, tenor and baritone to the fore.

The 'Mischief of Magpies' were rounded up for the second set and they took flight with a Lucky Millinder number that I didn't recognise but which had a vague suggestion of Tuxedo Junction about it. Baritone and trombone soloed.

Time to gamble on Alec Gamble doing the business and he did just that with The Ghost of the St. Louis Blues and Russian Lullaby.

Kate returned for Sugar and Sunday. The former having a fine solo from Lara, living up to the glowing reports I'd heard from elsewhere. In September she heads down south to Trinity Laban - watch this space...

A new kid on the block, one Darius, who'd just returned from New Orleans where he'd learned of the many facets contributing to the birth of jazz (or jass) in that fair city. He sang Dinah in a pleasant baritone - a welcome addition to the scene.

The evening drew to a close with a spirited rendering of Jive at Five followed by Fiona singing and playing Lester Leaps In. Everyone did indeed leap in and bodies, arms, legs and goodness knows what else were flung about with reckless abandon. I was exhausted from just watching! Lance