Peter King – the Master Saxophonist – gave us a fantastic night to a full house at Jazznights – The Cock Inn, Clare Sunday 5th January 2014 with the Roger Odell Jazznights Trio and Larraine Odell

(Click on pictures for larger images)

No better way to kick into 2014 than with the marvellous saxophonist Peter King. An absolute legend on the UK jazz scene he also has a peerless reputation throughout the world. Originally influenced by Charlie Parker and then inspired by John Coltrane, his  playing today is the perfect blend of the two combined with his own originality.

PETER KING, in the words of one critic, “is the finest alto saxophonist that Britain has ever produced, and one of the finest in the world today” (Dave Gelly, ‘The Giants Of Jazz’. He has been a major influence on the British Jazz scene ever since he played (at the age of eighteen!) the opening of Ronnie Scott’s Club,

Undoubtedly the finest jazz musician in the UK as these people will testify.

“I hear both Trane & Bird in his playing but he’s better than either of them” Gene Lees.
Peter King will be returning to Jazznights on Sunday 12th June 2011 to play with the Roger Odell Jazznights Trio and vocalist Larraine Odell

“World’s great altoist – my man!” Nat Adderley.

“A wonderful musician…master of his instrument” Elvin Jones.

“One of the best musicians in the world” Lalo Schifrin.  We would add: a world class musician 

What more can one say other than this world class musician gave an unforgettable amazing two sets with the Roger Odell Jazznights Trio who were:

Roger Odell – Drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak and the forerunner band Tracks. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous    CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day. Apart from a great power  drummer he is also a prestigious arranger. Musically, his first love was always straight-ahead contemporary jazz, and in the past he has played with many of the great names on the UK scene including Don Rendell, Barbara Thompson, Dick Morrissey, Terry Smith, Joe Harriott and countless others. Roger is the author of three technical articles which appeared in the international magazine Modern Drummer.
Bernie Hodgkins – Double Bass Inspired by an uncle, who played and recorded with Django Reinhart and Stephane Grappelli in the legendary Quintet de Hot Club of France,Bernie grew up in a Jazz-oriented family.Their influence led him to  become a  respected bass player behind such people as Matt Munroe,Dickie Valentine and Dennis   Lotus, in the early stages of his career. Bernie is  particularly acknowledged as  being one of the few players to bring an authentic, driving jazz feel to both the double bass and the bass-guitar, and for his fluent and creative soloing. Tonight Bernie was playing his 5 string double bass with the extra C string.
Simon Brown – Piano
Simon’s piano playing has long been the sound accompaniment of first choice for nationally and internationally known jazz stars appearing at Jazznights as well as Norfolk’s two leading jazz venues, He is also an accomplished soloist in his own right, blending  vivacity and creative attack with often gentle lyricism.  His influences are Oscar Peterson, Nat “King” Cole and Bill Evans. Since graduating from the University of East Anglia (UEA) in  1990,  Simon has worked as a performer, teacher of piano and music arranger and regularly appears at the most popular jazz clubs in East Anglia. His involvement in Blues, Jazz and Jazz-Funk combos have led to appearances at many jazz festivals and has shared the billing with the likes of Jools Holland, The James Taylor Quartet, Stacey Kent and Bobby Wellins apart from his regular performances as a primary member of the Jazznights Roger Odell Trio.
Larraine Odell – vocals
Beginning her professional singing career with the group CMU with whom she recorded two albums, Larraine performed at numerous venues throughout the UK and Europe, including the Purcell Room, RFH.  Boxford Fleece & Ronnie Scott’s.Larraine possesses a  unique smouldering tonal quality and a subtle jazz phrasing style that has elicited great    praise from two of her own vocal mentors, Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan. “A sensitive  singer who exudes a fine-honed jazz sensibility with every phrase.” She has since appeared at Ronnie Scott’s Club as a member of the group Jimpster, at the Boxford Fleece with pianist Steve Lodder, most of the other jazz clubs in the region, and at the Aldeburgh, Layer Marney and Southwold Jazz Festivals.

Larraine opened the first set with:
Night and Day is a popular song by Cole Porter. It was written for the 1932 musical play Gay Divorce. It is perhaps Porter’s most popular contribution to the Great American Songbook and has been recorded by dozens of jazz artists
Equinox is a minor blues jazz standard by the great American jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane. These Lyrics were written by Chris Caswell and is known by the alternative name of A Long Way To Go.
Some Other Time written by Leonard Bernstein from the Musical On The Town.
Dick Powell introduced I Only Have Eyes For You in the 1934 motion picture Dames, scored by Oscar-winning songwriters, composer Harry Warren and lyricist Al Dubin sung superbly by Larraine with an up-tempo rhythm.

Peter King then joined the trio for his first set which included the following extended versions:
Speak Low (1943) is a popular song composed by Kurt Weill, with lyrics by Ogden Nash. It was introduced by Mary Martin and Kenny Baker in the Broadway musical One Touch of Venus and is now a jazz standard
Vernon Duke’s 1935 I Can’t Get Started .
Impressions is from a 1963 album of both live and studio recordings with the by John Coltrane.

Following the interval and the Jazznights raffle of 3 jazz cd’s andbottle of Merlot we had  the traditional Jazznights sitting in spot  which is open to all musicians who have an  opportunity to play  with the band. Tonight we had the pleasure of of Geoff Harriman on harmonica and Michael Mason on drums playing All Of You

The Jazznights Trio with Michae l Mason replacing Roger Odell then played Alice in Wonderland which is the theme song composed by Sammy Fain for the Walt Disney 1951 animated film Alice in Wonderland.

Peter King then returned with the trio including Roger Odell to play:
Cole Porter’s Just One Of Those Things.
Gene De Paul and Don Raye’s Star Eyes (It’s undoubtedly due to Charlie Parker that “Star Eyes” became a jazz standard.
Pursuance from A Love Supreme is a studio album recorded by John Coltrane’s quartet in    December 1964 and released by Impulse! Records in February 1965. It is generally considered to be among one of Coltrane’s greatest works.
Johnny Green’s Body and Soul Out of all the hit recordings of Body and Soul, Coleman Hawkins’ is one the best remembered but after tonight it is now Peter King
Yes or No from Wayne Shorter’s album JuJu which was his fifth album recorded and released on Blue Note in 1964

ZOE GILBY (voc) Sunday 19th January 2014
Zoë Gilby is a UK jazz vocalist and songwriter who has been making a real impression on the jazz scene today with influences that include Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, Sheila Jordan and Roberta Gambarini. “An impressive performance from a sophisticated young singer. Her voice has real character. Powerfully sultry and expertly handled” Jazz Journal  International. She will be singing with the Roger Odell Jazznights Trio and vocalist Larraine Odell. You cannot miss this gig at The Cock Inn, 3, Callis Street, Clare, Suffolk, CO10 8PX

But book early – the last gig was a full house. All for £10.00 – see you there.

8pm start. Reserve seating on 01787 237653 or by email at info@jazz-nights.com  

For further information and future gigs go to www.jazz-nights.com

KEVIN FITZSIMMONS gave us a fabulous night at Jazznights in Clare on Sunday 22nd December 2013 "….an irresistible mix of Sinatra, Bennett & Buble", Kevin was the perfect guest for our Christmas gig

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With a repertoire based around The Great American Songbook his jazz influences were recently displayed at sell-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s in London and New York’s famous Birdland club. A brilliant gig to end a brilliant year!

Kevin Fitzsimmons is a London born jazz singer, lyricist/songwriter & producer, who s sung everywhere from well-worn local jazz clubs to glittering international occasions. He s enjoyed sell out shows at Ronnie Scotts, a one hour concert live on Jazz FM, TV appearances with his jazz band on E4 s Made In Chelsea. Kevin has entertained royalty twice and been the voice of a TV advert with Hollywood moviestar Naomi Watts. A natural lyricist (& artist/cartoonist), he also writes in collaboration with musicians, most notably with Jools Holland s saxophonist Derek Nash. He also stars in the theatre concert-show based on Frank Sinatra s iconic years with Capitol Records, Sinatra Sequins & Swing The Capitol Years Live!

At around the age of five Kevin first discovered ‘the American songbook’, singing Pennies from Heaven accompanied by his father, whose constant renditions of Gershwin, Porter and Berlin were to leave an irreversible impression. By his early twenties, Kevin found himself in the company of and performing with other like minded aficionados and their profound knowledge and musicianship helped forward his studies; they included the late American saxophonist Spike Robinson, John Critchinson (piano accompanist with Ronnie Scott at his eponymous Club), and bass player Lennie Bush – who sessioned with Frank Sinatra himself, on his album “Great Songs from Great Britain”.

Kevin performs fresh-sounding jazz standards, own jazz arrangements of iconic pop tunes & the odd self-penned song (the ones on his album were praised by Malcolm Laycock, former BBC Radio 2 Big Band presenter, who said “may I flatter you on the quality, both the music and the clever lyrics. I am impressed”).  These live dates have proved very popular (his debut at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club was sold out a month prior to the date, and he’s also performed at the historic Birdland Jazz Club, off Broadway, New York),  as well as  receiving great feedback.  Described by Jazz FM as “….his voice is an irresistible mix of Sinatra, Bennett & Buble – backed by a world class band”, Kevin’s sextet featured in their own hour long live show on Jazz FM’s Discovery Show.

This performance at Jazznights was delivered with a superb presence and this was a truly memorable experience which he performed with the Roger Odell Trio who were:

Roger Odell – Drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak and the forerunner band Tracks. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous   CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day. Apart from a great power   drummer he is also a prestigious arranger. Musically, his first love was always straight-ahead contemporary jazz, and in the past he has played with many of the great names on the UK scene including Don Rendell, Barbara Thompson, Dick Morrissey, Terry Smith, Joe Harriott and countless others. Roger is the author of three technical articles which appeared in the international magazine Modern Drummer.
Steve Cook – Double Bass
Steve has a wonderful rounded tone with great clarity. In the 1960s and 70s Steve Cook played with many leading jazz artists including Don Rendell, Art Themen, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Alan Skidmore, Pete Jacobsen, Michael Garrick and numerous others.  He was in several of Barbara Thompson’s bands including the Quintet, Jubiaba and Paraphernalia.  He  toured and recorded with progressive rock bands CMU, Gilgamesh, Seventh Wave, Mirage  and Soft Machine.   He worked at Ronnie Scott’s with Mark Murphy and Gil Evans.  He spent several years touring and recording with the Mike Westbrook orchestra, appearing on three albums.  He’s done dance bands, pit bands, and film and TV soundtracks.  Recently Steve has played salsa with the Spanish Harlow Orchestra, Latin jazz with Que Pasa, and recorded albums with folk and world musicians Wes McGhee, Janie Romer and Ravi.  He may occasionally be seen with the Harmony in Harlem band and the Cambridge Sinfonietta.  He has also had a 35-year career as a professional software engineer.
Peter Lemer – Keyboards
Peter Lemer is an English jazz musician. He has worked with the Pete Lemer Quintet, Spontaneous Music Ensemble, Annette Peacock, Harry Beckett, Gilgamesh, Baker Gurvitz Army, Seventh Wave, Harry Beckett’s Joy Unlimited, Pierre Moerlen’s Gong, Mike Oldfield Group, In Cahoots, Miller/Baker/Lemer. He currently works with In Cahoots, Peter Lemer Trio/Quartet, Barbara Thompson’s Paraphernalia, and the Peter Lemer-Billy Thompson  Quartet and Duo. Peter made his recording debut as a leader (Local Colour) in 1996, the band by then including Jon Hiseman, John Surman, George Khan and Tony Reeves. A year in New York followed, which included extensive jamming, gigging and study. Coaches included famed jazz pianists Jaki Byard and Paul Bley and Double Bass guru David Walters.

He also studied at the Royal Academy of Music and included Tommy Rajnaand Sven Weber among his classical coaches. In 1969, he worked with the Spontaneous Music Ensemble. In the last few years, Lemer has remained a fixture of In Cahoots – he can be heard on Parallel (1996), Out Of The Blue (2001), All That (2003) and Conspiracy Theories (2006), most of which also feature his writing – as well as playing one-off gigs with old friends Steve Cook (bass) and Roger Odell (drums), recording an album with them in Israel
Larraine Odell – vocals
Beginning her professional singing career with the group CMU with whom she recorded two albums, Larraine performed at numerous venues throughout the UK and Europe, including the Purcell Room, RFH.  Boxford Fleece & Ronnie Scott’s.Larraine possesses a unique smouldering tonal quality and a subtle jazz phrasing style that has elicited great  praise from two of her own vocal mentors, Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan. “A sensitive  singer who exudes a fine-honed jazz sensibility with every phrase.” She has since appeared at Ronnie Scott’s Club as a member of the group Jimpster, at the Boxford Fleece with pianist Steve Lodder, most of the other jazz clubs in the region, and at the Aldeburgh, Layer Marney and Southwold Jazz Festivals.

The first of our two great vocalists Larraine Odell opened the first set which included the following numbers:

Misty (1954) Music by Erroll Garner andLyrics from Johnny Burke. (In 1954 the Erroll Garner Trio introduced the instrumental “Misty.” A year later Johnny Burke penned the lyrics)
The film Broadway Melody of 1940 introduced I Concentrate on You with words and music by Cole Porter
You Stepped Out of a Dream is a popular song with music written by Nacio Herb Brown and lyrics by Gus Kahn that was published in 1940. The song has become a pop and jazz standard, with many recorded versions.
The 1946 song For Heaven’s Sake with words and music from Sherman Edwards, Donald Meyer and Elise Bretton

Kevin Fitzsimmons then joined the trio for his first set which included:
If I Had You was a 1928 British ballad popularized by Al Bowley
I Get A Kick Out Of You by Cole Porter in 1934
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 1945 with composed by Jule Styne and lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Where or When by Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart featured by Peggy Lee in 1941
You Go To My Head Music by  J. Fred Coots and Lyrics from Haven Gillespie
Baubles, Bangles & Beads is a popular song from the 1953 musical Kismet, credited to Robert Wright and George Forrest on a melody based on works by Alexander Borodin unusually sang with a Latin rhythm.

Following the interval and the Jazznights raffle of 3 jazz cd’s and bottle of Merlot we had  the traditional Jazznights sitting in spot  which is open to all musicians who have an  opportunity to play  with the band. Tonight we had the pleasure of of Geoff Harriman on harmonica and Brian Stapley on drums playing Hit The Road Jack

Kevin Fitzsimmons then rejoined the Jazznights for his second set which included:
I’ve Got You Under My Skin is a song written by Cole Porter. Written in 1936, the song was introduced in the Eleanor Powell MGM musical, Born to Dance. Frank Sinatra first sang the song on his weekly radio show in 1946.
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter is a 1935 popular song with music by Fred E. Ahlert and lyrics by Joe Young. It has been recorded many times, and has become a standard of the Great American Songbook.
Watch what Happens written by Michel Legrand has become jazz standard.
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore is a jazz standard with music by Duke Ellington and lyrics by Bob Russell. The tune was originally called “Never No Lament” and was first recorded by Ellington in 1940 as a big-band instrumental. Russell’s lyrics and the new title were added in 1942.
Norwegian Wood  (This Bird Has Flown) (also known as simply “Norwegian Wood”) is a song by the Beatles, mainly written by John Lennon, with the middle eight co-written with Paul McCartney.
Bewitched (1941)AKA Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered by Richard Rodgers with Lyrics from Lorenz Hart. Benny Goodman and his Orchestra with vocal by Helen Forrest recorded this January 28, 1941.
Deed I Do is a 1926 jazz standard composed by Fred Rose with lyrics by Walter Hirsch.  Notable recordings have been made by Blossom Dearie and Diana Krall.
Call Me Irresponsible is a 1962 song composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics written by Sammy Cahn. Always remembered by the Frank Sinatra version and it is also the name of an album by Michael  Buble.
The Christmas Song (commonly subtitled “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” or, as it was originally subtitled, “Merry Christmas to You”) is a classic Christmas song written in 1944 by musician, composer, and vocalist Mel Tormé and Bob Wells.
That’s Life is a popular song written by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon and first recorded by Marion Montgomery. The most famous version is by Frank Sinatra, released on his 1966 album of the same name. Both the album and the song proved major successes for Sinatra.

The full house audience made its appreciation and enjoyment of Kevin’s performance abundantly clear, they loved Kevin’s interpretation of the great American songbook. It was beautifully sang and not just with the standard versions but with Kevin’s unique personality and unique interpretations. A wonderful evening and a great success at The Cock Inn, Clare – Jazznights new venue.

PETER KING (alto sax) will be at Jazznights on Sunday 5th January 1914
No better way to kick into 2014 than with the marvellous saxophonist Peter King. An  absolute legend on the UK jazz scene he also has a peerless reputation throughout the world. Originally influenced by Charlie Parker and then inspired by John Coltrane, his playing today is the perfect blend of the two combined with his own originality.

Booking for thus gig is a must at The Cock Inn, 3 Callis St, Clare, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 8PX

8pm start. £10 admission.
Reserve seating on 01787 237653 or by email at info@jazz-nights.com.

GEORGIA MANCIO (voc) gave a fantastic performance for the BBC LIVE RECORDING at Jazznights on Sunday 8th December 2013

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Award-winning jazz vocalist and lyricist, Georgia Mancio, is one of the UK’s most important and original new artists. A performer of pure class and integrity, Georgia has proved herself a true improviser with an unfailing flow, innate musicality and a boundless and bold imagination.

Award-winning jazz vocalist and lyricist, Georgia Mancio, is one of the UK’s most important and original new artists. A performer of pure class and integrity, Georgia has proved herself a true improviser with an unfailing flow, innate musicality and a boundless, bold imagination. Her music embraces her Anglo/Italian/Uruguayan background.

Her music embraces her Anglo/Italian/Uruguayan background: seamlessly performing in five languages and interpreting Fats Waller, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Tom Waits, David Bowie, Kenny Wheeler, The Beatles, Brazilian samba, Chilean folk and Italian pop often with her own beautifully crafted lyrics.

She has worked with Bobby McFerrin, Sheila Jordan, Ian Shaw, Liane Carroll, Jason Rebello, Gwilym Simcock, James Pearson, JimMullen, Nikki Iles, Jim Hart, Laurence Cottle, Gareth Lockrane, Michael Janisch, Kate Williams and Bobby Wellins among many others.

She has played several residencies at Ronnie Scott’s opening for Monty Alexander, Cedar Walton, Milton Nascimento, Joey DeFrancesco, Ramsey Lewis, Steve Smith, Lee Retinue,  Ray Gelato and Dave Holland’s Overtone Quartet.

She has produced 3 albums (Peaceful Place, Trapeze and Silhouette) on her own label, Roomspin Records. BBC Radio 3’s Jazz Line-Up have twice broadcast her live concerts: with Darius Brubeck in 2011 and with John Parricelli in 2013. 

In 2010 Georgia launched her own international voice festival, ReVoice! in association with the Pizza Express Jazz Club. A much lauded annual event which Georgia produces, presents and performs in, ReVoice! has hosted stars including: Tuck & Patti, Raul Midon,  Gregory Porter (his first UK booking), Karin Krog, David Linx, Maria Pia de Vito, Jhelisa Anderson/Robert Mitchell, Mycale (John Zorn’s acapella quartet), Becca Stevens Band and Diana Torto/Kenny Wheeler/John Taylor/Palle Danielson Something Else Quartet.

2013 has been an extraordinary year for her musically: supporting two heroes Milton Nascimento and Jon Hendricks at Ronnie Scott’s; duo performances with piano/vocal genius, Ian Shaw; a 24 date national tour with 3 different projects; a new live recording, Come Rain or Come Shine, with award-winning guitarist Nigel Price; the 4th and longest edition of my ReVoice! Festival at the Pizza Express Jazz Club and an opening set at the Purcell Room for the incredible singer/songwriter, Christine Tobin.

On Sunday you she gave us a fabulous evening singing with the Roger Odell Jazznights Trio who were:

Roger Odell – Drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak and the forerunner band Tracks. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous   CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day. Apart from a great power  drummer he is also a prestigious arranger. Musically, his first love was always straight-ahead contemporary jazz, and in the past he has played with many of the great names on the UK scene including Don Rendell, Barbara Thompson, Dick Morrissey, Terry Smith, Joe Harriott and countless others. Roger is the author of three technical articles which appeared in the international magazine Modern Drummer.
Bernie Hodgkins – Double Bass Inspired by an uncle, who played and recorded with Django Reinhart and Stephane Grappelli in the legendary Quintet de Hot Club of France,Bernie grew up in a Jazz-oriented family.Their influence led him to  become a  respected bass player behind such people as Matt Munroe,Dickie Valentine and Dennis  Lotus, in the early stages of his career. Bernie is  particularly acknowledged as  being one of the few players to bring an authentic, driving jazz feel to both the double bass and the bass-guitar, and for his fluent and creative soloing. Tonight Bernie was playing his 5 string double bass with the extra C string.
Simon Brown – Piano
Simon’s piano playing has long been the sound accompaniment of first choice for nationally and internationally known jazz stars appearing at Jazznights as well as Norfolk’s two leading jazz venues, He is also an accomplished soloist in his own right, blending vivacity and creative attack with often gentle lyricism.  His influences are Oscar Peterson, Nat “King” Cole and Bill Evans. Since graduating from the University of East Anglia (UEA) in  1990,  Simon has worked as a performer, teacher of piano and music arranger and regularly appears at the most popular jazz clubs in East Anglia. His involvement in Blues, Jazz and Jazz-Funk combos have led to appearances at many jazz festivals and has shared the billing with the likes of Jools Holland, The James Taylor Quartet, Stacey Kent and Bobby Wellins apart from his regular performances as a primary member of the Jazznights Roger Odell Trio.
Larraine Odell – vocals
Beginning her professional singing career with the group CMU with whom she recorded two albums, Larraine performed at numerous venues throughout the UK and Europe, including the Purcell Room, RFH.  Boxford Fleece & Ronnie Scott’s.Larraine possesses a  unique smouldering tonal quality and a subtle jazz phrasing style that has elicited great  praise from two of her own vocal mentors, Mark Murphy and Sheila Jordan. “A sensitive  singer who exudes a fine-honed jazz sensibility with every phrase.” She has since appeared at Ronnie Scott’s Club as a member of the group Jimpster, at the Boxford Fleece with pianist Steve Lodder, most of the other jazz clubs in the region, and at the Aldeburgh, Layer Marney and Southwold Jazz Festivals.

Larraine opened the first set of the evening which included:
Weaver of Dreams written by Jack Elliott and Victor young and is an album and the title number by guitarist Kenny Burrell first recorded in 1960.
Close Your Eyes by Bernice Petkere (1933) but took twenty years for the composition to find its way into the jazz repertoire by Lee Konitz in 1956 .
Artie Shaw was the premier jazz musician to record Alone Together in 1939. Written by Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz who were extremely prolific, writing over two hundred songs each. Of their many dozen collaborations, “Alone Together” is the most enduring and most often recorded.
According to composer Matt Dennis, Herb Jeffries was the first to record Angel Eyes which was later popularised by Ella Fitzgerald in 1952. This version featured Roger Odell’s unique arrangement

Georgia Mancio then joined the Jazznights Trio for her first set which can only be called stunning and and included extended versions of the following jazz standards:

September in the Rain (1937) by Harry Warren with Lyrics from Al Dubin. Although Shearing’s version of the song only made it to number 25 on the Billboard chart, his album introducing “the Shearing sound” was an international million-seller and linked the song to his name forever.
Get Out of Town is a 1938 popular song written by Cole Porter, for his musical Leave It to Me!, where it was introduced by Tamara Drasin and was featured by Ella, Thad Jones, Stan Kento and Peggy lee to name but a few.
The Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer Skylark with its lovely melody was given a first-class treatment in a 1941 recording by drummer Gene Krupa’s big band. (Krupa had played and recorded with cornetist Bix Beiderbecke, whose playing inspired Carmichael’s composition.
In her 1956 autobiography, Lady Sings the Blues, Billie Holiday recounts that “Jimmy [Davis] was in the Army when he wrote Lover Man and brought it straight to me.”  Georgia’s version was very unique and lovely version.

Following the interval and the Jazznights raffle of 3 jazz cd’s and bottle of wine Georgia Mancio then re-joined the Jazznights Trio for the second set which included:

Ann Ronell’s 1932 Willow Weep for Me.  The Count Basie Orchestra made its first recording of this song in March 1939 for Columbia Records.
The Christmas Song (1946) AKA Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire (The most commonly known story about “The Christmas Song,” by Mel Torme and Robert Wells, is that it was written on a very hot summer’s day.
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart ‘s Falling in Love with Love (1938),
Don’t go to Strangers – music by Arthur Kent with David A Mann and Lyrics from Redd Evans. It is an album recorded in 1960 by jazz vocalist Etta Jones. It was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
The Antonio Carlos Jobim composition Chega de Saudade (No More Blues) with the Brazilian to English translation of the lyrics by Jon Hendricks.
And to provide a very seasonal finale Georgia sang a great version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Music composed by Hugh Martin with lyrics by Ralph Blane. It was immortalised by Judy Garland when she sang this song to Margaret O’Brien and brought tears to the eyes of the audience

What a stunning performance from this wonderful jazz singer and we are sure she will be back to see us again.

Hear for yourself – this gig will be broadcast on BBC Radio Suffolk at 6.pm
on Boxing Day.

KEVIN FITZSIMMONS (vocals) will be at Jazznights on Sunday 22nd December 2013
There is a change of venue for this Christmas gig. Jazznights will be at The Cock Inn, 3 Callis Street, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8PX
Described by Jazz FM as “….an irresistible mix of Sinatra, Bennett & Buble”, Kevin is the perfect guest for our Christmas gig. With a repertoire based around The Great American Songbook his jazz influences were recently displayed at sell-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s in London and New York’s famous Birdland club. A brilliant gig to end a brilliant year!

Come along for this gig and reserve your table seating on 01787 237653 or email info@jazz-nights.com  Pay on the night.

Admission £10.         Doors 7.30pm.       Music 8.00-10.30pm.

For further information and future gigs (which includes
EMILY DANKWORTH (vocals, ANITA WARDELL (vocals), LOZ SPEYER (trumpet), Tim Whitehead (saxes) and the wonderful PETER KING (alto sax) go to www.jazz-nights.com