Hot Club du Nord @ St. Cuthbert’s, Crook - May 16

Emma Fisk (violin); James Birkett, David Harris (guitars); Bruce Rollo (bass). Photos © Jerry

From the off, the music took flight,

The playing, as always, was tight,

Emma tapped heel and toe-tip

(And sawed heel and bow-tip)

And RHYTHM was king for the night!

A cleverly varied first set

Brought cheers for Dark Eyes – you bet

And the band on a roll

Nailed Body and Soul

And likewise Whiteman’s Coquette!

Bruce Rollo was slapping the bass,

And David and James were both ace:

These guys sure have Reinhardt

Down to a fine art –

Swing 42 lit up the place!

The ensemble playing was hot

–The Crook crowd liked it (a lot)

And those shiny new floors

Echoed applause

After every solo we got!

On Sweet Chorus the violin sang

Above guitar’s striking twang –

Sweet, soothing and quiet

Then a Fats Waller riot

Ain't Misbehavin' sure swang!

Grappelli played with a smile (or ten)

And I’ll bet my boots that when

Emma did her thing

On Minor Swing,

He was up there smiling again!

All too soon it was time to go

At the end of another great show.

Thanks to Anne, Patrick and crew

For this wonderful do,

And merci, Hot Club et bravo!!!

Jerry