Gary Wood – trumpet
John Hallam – reeds
Martin Veasey – trombone
Rod Kelly – keyboard
Jim Douglas – guitar
John Day – bass
Graham Smith – drums

What a band – what a night – what a way to end our sessions for 2016.

This band just goes from strength to strength and the musicians play together as if they played every night of the year. Graham originally put this band together for a one off performance in order to enjoy playing with musicians that he and Jim Douglas wanted to perform with – their aim being to provide an eclectic mix of music. Such was their success they are now in demand to perform as an ensemble on a more regular basis. Their repertoire for this evening was certainly varied, entertaining and interspersed with humorous introductions. It had a festive flavour with a couple of Christmas tunes and occasional musical festive quotes. In fact there was something for everyone!!

Tunes played in the first set were Crazy Rhythm, Swingin’ Shepherd Blues, That’s My Baby which Gary sang, That Da Da Strain, Mr Sandman & Panama. In between
these tunes were features by John Hallam, Martin Veasey and Rod Kelly.

The second half was equally exciting starting with Exactly Like You, then Don’t Get Around Much another Gary vocal, Crazy Bout My Baby, At the Jazz Band Ball, Perdido, Do You Know What it Means, Route 66 which was brilliant and finishing with a great tune St Thomas. This tune, with a Caribbean vibe to it, is considered a jazz standard and is based on the traditional English song The Lincolnshire Poacher.

Look out for this band to see where they are performing and join them for a guaranteed great evenings entertainment of quality music of a high standard. If you don’t catch them at a jazz club you will have the opportunity to see them at Pershore Jazz Festival 2017 in August.