Nick Page – one of the the UK’s finest guitarists made a welcome return to Jazznights at Clare on Sunday 7th August 2011

(Click on images for larger pictures)

Jazznights@The Bell’s first August guest was Nick Page (guitar), accompanied by the Jazznights Trio.

This great guitarist made a welcome return to The Bell.
"Nick Page is without doubt the most underrated Jazz Guitarist in the UK – an undiscovered gem of the British Jazz scene. He is extremely talented, versatile and inspirational" – Alan Skidmore. "Kessel and Burrell would have relished his inventive lines" – Jazzwise.

Quotes ;
"Pages future must be Golden"
Jazz Journal International

"I’m ashamed to say I had never heard of the great British Guitarist Nick Page. He’s World Class,and his songs sound straight out of the Great American Songbook"
Just Jazz Guitar,New York

"Nick Page is without doubt the most underrated Jazz Guitarist in the UK.An undiscovered gem of the British Jazz scene.He is extremely talented,versatile and inspirational.I Love working with Nick"
Alan Skidmore

The Jazznights Trio were the A Team:with Larraine Odell

Roger Odell – Drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – piano
A very respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is always in demand to play many gigs with other bands when he is not teaching jazz piano or playing with the  Jazznights Trio
Bernie Hodgkins – 5 String 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 his 5 string double  bass
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

Our MC’s for the evening were the articulate and very jazz knowledgeable Donald Muir

Larraine Odell our lovely resident songbird opened the evening with her ½-hour set of great vocals all with new arrangements by Roger Odell.

I. I Love Being Here With You with words and music by Peggy Lee and William Schluger. This was first recorded by Peggy Lee in 1961 and Larraine brought this right up to date.
2. Once I Loved – (also known as  Amor em Paz – the 1963 Bossa Nova tune with Music by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Lyrics by Vinicius De Moraes and Ray Gilbert. A lovely song beautifully sung by Larraine
3. Wait till You See Her – The music was written by Richard Rodgers, the lyrics by Lorenz Hart and was published in 1942. The song was introduced in the musical play, By Jupiter. Ella Fitzgerald recorded it on her 1956 Verve release: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Rodgers & Hart Songbook. The song was featured in 1967 TV special: Movin’ With Nancy, starring Nancy Sinatra. This was sung as a ballad in double time.

4. I Didn’t Know What Time It Was was also written by Richard Rodgers, the lyrics by Lorenz Hart and was published in 1939. This Rodgers and Hart song was introduced by Benny Goodman, with vocalist Louise Tobin, on the Columbia label on September 13, 1939. It entered the charts on October 28, lasting for 13 weeks and peaking at sixth position. On December 23, Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra’s version hit the charts for 2 weeks and rose to thirteenth position.Tonight Larraine sang this in up tempo mode.

5. Mad About the Boy is a popular song with words and music by actor and playwright Sir Noël Coward tonight sunag and played as a samba.The song deals with the theme of unrequited love for a film star, and while it was written to be sung by female characters, Coward also wrote a version which contained references to the then risqué topic of homosexual love. It was introduced in the 1932 revue Words and Music by Joyce Barbour, Steffi Duna, Norah Howard and Doris Hare. The song gained new popularity in 1992 when Dinah Washington’s rendition was used in the Levi’s television advertisement "Swimmer", directed by Tarsem Singh.

Nick Page (sporting a new short haircut – clippers £5.00 from Argus!) opened his first set of the evening with the medium tempo How High The Moon at a medium tempo. On February 8, 1940, Alfred Drake and Frances Comstock introduced “How High the Moon” during the Broadway revue Two for the Show. The musical would run at the Booth Theatre for 124 performances. An instant hit, Benny Goodman’s recording of “How High the Moon,” featuring vocalist Helen Forrest, entered the pop charts a few weeks after the show opened, rising to number six.

The medium tempo 1947 Robbins’ Nest was written by tenor saxophonist Illinois Jacquet and pianist Sir Charles Thompson, and they recorded the piece in May of 1947. It was subsequently recorded by many artists, including the orchestras of Claude Thornhill and Count Basie. Another version was waxed by the excellent Sam Donahue Orchestra, and this record was as close to a hit as Donahue had; Donahue was still playing it on the road with his orchestra ten years later.
(Robbins’ Nest was named after the radio program of the same name hosted by well-known media personality Fred Robbins (1919-1992) in
New York City, heard on various stations over the years. Robbins was all over radio and television as a variety show and quiz show host, actor,
and writer. In 1947, he was primarily known as a modern jazz DJ, and the newest records were heard on his program.)

The 1935 I Loves You Porgy from the Gershwin folk opera Porgy and Bess. This was based on a 1926 novel Porgy written by a white poet from South Carolina, DuBose Heyward, who, with his wife Dorothy, adapted the novel for a play which had a successful run in 1927. The story centres on a disabled black man Porgy, the woman he loves Bess, her lover Crown, and a drug dealer Sportin’ Life. (Undoubtedly one of the most famous recordings of “I Loves You Porgy” is that of trumpeter Miles Davis. Not only is it memorable for his beautiful playing but for the lush arrangement of the talented Gil Evans but Nick Page’s version would take a lot of beating with a tender and beautiful display of musicianship. This number was combined with the Cole Porter You’d Be So Easy to Love. A great ending to the first set.

Following the raffle ( 2 jazz CD’s and a bottle of Merlot)  we had the traditional sitting in spot which is open to all musicians who have an  opportunity to play with the Jazznights Trio. Tonight we had Will Jarmin on drums and Geoff Harriman on Harmonica playing an up-tempo version of Hoagy Carmichael’s 1938 Two Sleepy People

Nick Page then returned with Will Jarmin on drums for his first number, followed of course by Roger Odell for the rest of the set. The playlist for the second set was:

Black Orpheus  which is a 1959 film made in Brazil by French director Marcel Camus. It is based on the play Orfeu da Conceição by Vinicius de Moraes, set in the modern context of a favela in Rio de Janeiro during the Carnaval. The film is particularly renowned for its soundtrack by two Brazilian composers: Antônio Carlos Jobim, whose song "A felicidade" opens the film; and Luiz Bonfá, whose "Manhã de Carnaval" and "Samba of Orpheus" have become bossa nova classics.

That Old Feeling 1937 music by Sammy Fain played at a medium tempo

Cole Porter’s 1930 What Is This Thing Called Love? with its innovative alternating major and minor key changes came next as an up-tempo version

A slow tempo Imagination by Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke followed (The Dorsey/Sinatra version of “Imagination” was one of four renditions to make the popular song chart in 1940.)

Blue  Pearl followed which was written by Bud Powell who was aruably who has been described as one of "the two most significant pianists of the style of modern jazz that came to be known as bop", the other being his friend and contemporary Thelonious Monk.

I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free is a song written by Billy Taylor & Dick Dallas. Originally recorded by Nina Simone in 1967 on her Silk & Soul album. Billy Taylor’s own version (as "I Wish I Knew") was recorded November 12, 1963 and released on his Right Here, Right Now album (Capitol ST-2039) the year after. His 1967 instrumental take was later used as the theme music for The Film programme on BBC television ended the evening to rapturous applause.

This wonderful evening of great interplay and camaraderie between Nick Page and the Roger Odell trio was something to behold. Apart from music his music being "World Class" Nick is a gentleman with a dry sense of humour who introduces his music with great panache and interacts the audience.

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

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Clare Foster at Jazznights Clare on Sunday 23rd Jan 2011

(Click on images for  larger pictures)

Another great evening with Clare Foster accompanied by the Roger Odell Trio at Jazznights

"There’s no question Clare is technically a most accomplished artist…a bracing voice with precise, fluid delivery. She can bend a note or hold a phrase as well as varying pitch and dynamics in the tradition of the very best in her trade…a considerable talent is at work here!"
Geoff Chapman (Jazz Critic – Toronto Star).

“Foster’s smooth voice and inventive approach grabbed and maintained the attention in a set packed with new twists on old standards – superbly delivered.”
Chris Borg (The Stage)

The Roger Odell Jazznights trio opened the evening with 5 excellent vocals from the resident songbird Larraine Odell. The trio were:

Roger Odell – drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – piano
A very respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is always in demand to play many gigs with other bands when he is not teaching jazz piano or playing with the  Jazznights Trio
Bernie Hodgkins – electric 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 bass guitar rather than his 5 string double  bass
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.

Larraine Odell opened with the 1940 All Or Nothing At All (Lyrics by    Arthur Altman and music by Jack Lawrence). An up-tempo version with a new arrangement by Roger Odell. The Thrill is Gone by Ray Henderson and Lyrics by Lew Brown followed with another superb slow arrangement by Roger featuring Simon Brown on the electric piano. Cole Porter’s 1938 Get Out Of Town came next with an up-tempo arrangement featuring both Simon Brown and Roger Odell.

Victor Young’s I Don’t Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You with Lyrics by Bing Crosby and Ned Washington followed with a lovely slow tempo and great solo from Bernie with support on the drums using the brushes and cymbals to good effect from Roger. Larraine’s final number was an up-tempo version of Cole Porter’s Night And Day. For general information -  on November 29, 1932, Gay Divorce opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The show marked a departure for star Fred Astaire as it was his first appearance without his sister Adele. That night, teamed instead with Claire Luce, Astaire introduced Cole Porter’s “Night and Day.” Gay Divorce would continue for another 247 performances, distinguishing itself as Fred Astaire’s last Broadway appearance. All arrangements were by Roger.

Clare Foster opened with a medium tempo version of Johnny Mercer’s Accentuate The Positive and as a very pleasant surprise introduced Shanti Paul Jayasinha playing trumpet. Paul studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was featured soloist with Kenny Wheeler on the CD ‘Walk Softly’. In the 80s Paul toured with Tim Garland’s ‘Points on the Curve’ band, played with the Guildhall big band at Ronnie Scott’s with Randy Brecker, played with Jason Rebello, Cleveland Watkiss and Courtney Pine and discovered Afro-Cuban music with Roberto Pla. He  is also a regular member of Monica Vasconcelos’s Brazilian band. Clare’s second song was from Brazil and had the words: I Lost My Voice, I Lost My heart . For this Clare played a Brazilian Gobe drum similar to the Rebolo.

Clare then used a Clifford Brown tune to which she had added her own lyrics. This was a typical example of  Vocalese which is a style or genre of jazz singing wherein lyrics are written for melodies that were originally part of an all-instrumental composition or improvisation. Clare’s final number of the first set was Clare’s own version of Herbie Hancock’s transcription of the Gershwin’s Love Is Here To Stay. This was a medium tempo number featuring Simon Brown on keys.

After the interval we had the Jazznights raffle (prizes of 3 cd’s and a bottle of wine) leading into the traditional sitting in spot which is open to all musicians who have an  opportunity to play with the Jazznights Trio. First was our very own Geoff Harriman on Harmonica playing a medium tempo Satin Doll to great effect. Secondly we had the guest trumpet of Shanti Paul Jayasinha with a medium tempo number which showed his skills as a musician to good effect.

Clare commenced her second set with an up-tempo Devil May Care followed by Cole Porter’s 1936 Easy To Love with Clare again playing the Rebolo with a samba rhythm. Paul again added to the number with his trumpet. Clare then sang Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (Music by Sigmund Romberg and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II). With opening 16 bars just Clare and Bernie on bass with Simon and Roger joining in for the bridge. Back In Your Own Back Yard again with Paul on Trumpet with a very modernised arrangement by Clare.

An unusual song followed with vocalese Chin Ding Dong which is a Brazilian tune, the name coming from the sound that the Tambourine makes. Roger Odell excelled with a very strong and powerful Brazilian rhythm. Clare then finished with an up-tempo number ably supported by Simon on piano. An end to a great evening at Jazznights.

For further information on forthcoming gigs go to www.jazz-nights.com

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Sophie Smith at Jazznights Clare, Suffolk on Sunday 31st October 2010

Sophie Smith visited Jazznights and following the quotes below we were looking forward to a great evening:

“Sophie Smith has all the attributes associated with being that rarity, a great singer. They are: superb intonation, beautiful quality of voice and an ability to pitch the most difficult of intervals with apparent ease. However, it is her peerless sense of swing, her phrasing and her harmonic awareness that move her into the category of a great jazz singer- an even rarer breed.” (Alan Barnes, 2009)

“Her fluent and lyrical singing displays a musical maturity beyond her years.” (Anita Wardell

This turned out to be the understatement of the year it was really superb evening – more about that later.

The Roger Odell Jazznights trio opened the evening with 5 excellent vocals from the resident songbird Larraine Odell. The trio were:

Roger Odell – drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – piano
A very respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is always in demand to play many gigs with other bands when he is not teaching jazz piano or playing with the  Jazznights Trio
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.
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 Scotts. 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.

Larraine opened her set with Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart’s 1939 I Didn’t Know What Time It Was – for historians this Rodgers and Hart song was introduced by Benny Goodman, with vocalist Louise Tobin, on the Columbia label on September 13, 1939. It entered the charts on October 28, lasting for 13 weeks and peaking at sixth position. On December 23, Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra’s version hit the charts for 2 weeks and rose to thirteenth position. This was sung at a medium tempo with a solo from Simon Brown.

A personal favourite came next On Green Dolphin Street with lyrics by Ned Washington. This was played and sung by Larraine at an unusually slow tempo which illustrates her flexibility and great styling. One may think of Davis, of Bill Evans with Davis performing On Green Dolphin Street but Simon on piano gave a superb solo to which Bernie followed on bass. Day by Day came next (not the Shakatak version I must say)  A very nice version featuring 8 bar trades between Roger and Bernie.

The fourth number was Wild Is The Wind by Ned Washington. This was originally recorded by Johnny Mathis but he did not sing it like Larraine who gave a very tender but haunting feel to it. This was in keeping as it was 31st October – Halloween. Just to finish the set retaining the Halloween theme we had Old Devil Moon. A fitting climax with a driving beat from Roger on drums. All these numbers were arranged by Roger Odell which should give a fitting reminder to how great an arranger Roger is.

Sophie Smith opened her first set with a driving Love Me Or Leave Me which was such a contrast from Doris Day’s original version. This received great cheers following everyone’s recognition of what a great voice, diction individuality and power Sophie had. Sophie followed this with It Could Happen To You by Jimmy Van Heusen & Johnny Burke. This is the title track from Sophie’s new CD on Alan Barnes record label – Woodville records. A wonderful number which included some of Sophie’s scat singing and featured solos from Simon, Bernie and Roger on drums.

The 1949 My Foolish Heart by Victor young and lyrics by Ned Washington followed was played with a Latin beat which had a lovely musical but strong rendition. The evergreen (sic) 1947 Autumn leaves by by Joseph Kosma with lyrics by Johnny Mercer and Jacques Prevert ended Sophia’s first set which was an unusually (for that song) swinging version. Sophie apologised for her voice as she had a cold but no one would ever know – what a professional she is.

After the evening interval and the Jazznights raffle (two jazz cd’s and a bottle of wine) we had the traditional sitting in spot which is open to all musicians who have an  opportunity to play with the Jazznights Trio. Tonight, one of the club’s favourites Geoff Harriman on Harmonica played Jimmy Van Heusen’s Nancy (with the Laughing Face)

Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer’s I’m Old Fashioned opened Sophie’s second set with an Introduction by Simon Brown on Piano leading straight into Sophie’s first number which also featured solos by Simon and Bernie on his five stringed double bass. Jimmy Rowle’s famous tune ‘The Peacocks’ for which Norma Winstone wrote the lyrics, and re-titled ‘A Timeless Place’ followed. Although this piece has since been recorded by other artists including jazz singer Mark Murphy, and The Swingle Singers it is not often heard due to the vocal complexities – quite a tribute to Sophie Smith.

The 1946 Come Rain Or Come Shine with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Johnny Mercer followed with a scat singing intro of this up-tempo number and solos by Simon & Bernie with a fine scat chorus to finish. Ray Noble’s 1936 The Touch Of Your Lips was next. played and sung as a Samba with Roger opening the rhythm playing with his hands instead of the sticks or brushes. Roger also gave us a superb solo using the brushes as drum sticks.

Sophie’s favourite ballad is apparently Johnny Green’s  Body and Soul – words almost failed us after listening this – it was breath-taking and even out shone all the other previous numbers. After a very slow intro it moved into a very sensitive and soulful piece. Every one should hear Sophie singing Body and Soul. You felt nothing could better this. After saying that Cole Porter’s You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To in E minor was a very up-tempo number with a happy feel to Sophie’s voice which expressed fully the sentiment of the tune. She is a truly great jazz singer. This number is also featured on her new Album and in fact is the title of the album.

Tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray’s Twisted with lyrics by Annie Ross (I think) played up-tempo ended this wonderful evening. It also featured Simon and Bernie playing with that understanding that they have between them and an extended solo by Roger on the drums.

The evening was summed up perfectly by our master of ceremonies Donald Muir who  said “One of the best performances at the club for a long time” Follow that

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

Roger Beaujolais (Vibes) at Jazznights, Clare, Sunday 17th Oct 2010 with the Roger Odell Trio

One of Jazznights most popular guest artists, Roger made a welcome return to The Bell at Clare. As the most experienced of the few UK vibes players he has enjoyed a long career both as a leader of his own various bands and as a sideman, most famously with the band Fairground Attraction.

Roger has played at at numerous jazz festivals including Montreux, North Sea & others in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Belgium & France. Now he was at Jazznights again.

The evening opened with the Jazznights Roger Odell Trio and our resident songbird Larraine Odell:

 

Roger Odell – drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – piano
A very respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is always in demand to play many gigs with other bands when he is not teaching jazz piano or playing with the  Jazznights Trio

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.
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 Scotts. 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.

Larraine opened the evening with the 1945 Rodgers & Hammerstein song – It Might As Well Be Spring, Richard Rodgers says that he wrote the number at a bright tempo and this is how Larraine performed it. I’ll Close My Eyes, another 1945 song but by William Gordon Reid and Buddy Kaye followed with solos by Simon Brown, Bernie Hodgkins and Roger Odell using the brushes and trading with Bernie. The third number Just In Time by by Jule Styne with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green opened with Just Larraine and a backing by Bernie before being joined by Simon and Roger.

Next came a haunting arrangement and version of The Thrill is Gone by Ray Henderson and Lyrics by Lew Brown with a superb arrangement by Roger Odell. A very swinging version Cole Porter’s 1955 number from his last Broadway show Silk Stockings – All Of You ended Larraine’s set: with a great solo from Simon.

Roger Beaujolais opened his first set with an up-tempo version of Alone Together by by Arthur Schwarz. This showed Roger Beaujolais’s dexterity with the mallets. This included an extended solo by Simon  on the piano. Chick Corea’s  Sea Journey was Roger B’s next number which had a driving beat from Roger Odell who also offered the first solo.

The trumpeter Thad Jones best known composition A Child is Born (not the Johnny Mathis cover version of course) was very tenderly  played by  Roger B which showed off to a great effect his versatility of styles over his first set. The quality of the trio also showed through – this must be one of the finest jazz trios in East Anglia.

After the Jazznights raffle which included 4 jazz cd’s as well as a bottle of red wine we had the traditional sitting-in-spot which tonight featured the popular Geoff Harriman on harmonica playing two numbers – all warmly appreciated by the audience: a sensitive version of Tenderly and an up-tempo Fly Me To The Moon

Roger B opened his second set with Wes Montgomery’s well known West Coast Blues  followed by solos from Simon, Bernie and 8 bar trades between Roger B, Roger O and Simon. A contrast followed by the Italian bossa nova Estate – which is Italian for Summer by the composer Bruno Martino – a lovely number truly  reflecting the theme name. Miles Davis’s Half Nelson was next featuring solos from Simon and Bernie with 4 bar trades between the two Rogers. All the band excelled on this number. If only some of these secessions were available on down load or CD.

I Remember You was ‘slightly’ differently played than the 60’s yodelling song by Frank Ifield! All the band featured on the solos including Bernie who used all five strings on  his double bass to good effect. Bass player and arranger Bob Haggart’s composition What’s New? from 1939 featured an unaccompanied solo from Roger B which contrasted with the up-tempo finale from Roger B – Hank Mobley’s This I Dig Of You which was a great climax to the evening with the applause continuing for some time. All the band were featured with breaks from Roger Odell on drums. Roger Beaujolais is truly a master musician.

The next gig at Jazznights – Clare on the 31st October 2010 features Sophie Smith:

"Sophie Smith has all the attributes associated with being that rarity, a great singer. They are: superb intonation, beautiful quality of voice and an ability to pitch the most difficult of intervals with apparent ease. However, it is her peerless sense of swing, her phrasing and her harmonic awareness that move her into the category of a great jazz singer- an even rarer breed." (Alan Barnes, 2009)

Come and see heat at this great venue

Go to www.jazz-nights.com for further details and gigs

Dominic Norcross at Jazznights at Clare, Suffolk on Sunday 3rd October 2010

Jazznights welcomed Dominic Norcross (tenor & baritone saxophones) to Clare. He was accompanied by the Jazznights Trio

After an appearance with Mornington Lockett at the Brecon Jazz Festival ’09 and the release of his CD "Here Goes", Dominic is attracting rave reviews everywhere. "Fast becoming a main stay on the UK jazz scene." The Guardian. "Like having Zoot Sims playing next to you." Digby Fairweather. Dominic was called “the Welsh Stan Getz” by Alan Barnes. With quotes like these we were expecting a great evening. Not only were we not disappointed, he excelled all those hopes – a truly wonderful evening.

The Jazznights Trio were:
Roger Odell – drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – piano
A very respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is always in demand to play many gigs with other bands when he is not teaching jazz piano or playing with the  Jazznights Trio
Steve Cook
Steve has a wonderful rounded tone with great clarity. He has played with Mike Westbrook, Mike Kilpatrick’s Duke Ellington Orchestra, Barbara Thompson, Soft Machine, Seventh Wave and Gil Evans big band at Ronnie Scott’s

Larraine Odell started the evening with the 1944 Like Someone In Love (written by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Johnny Burke) which was introduced in the movie Belle of the Yukon by Dinah Shore who played a dance hall singer in one of her early films. A great start to the set which featured Simon Brown on piano and Steve Cook on double bass who used the high register to very good effect. The 1939 Cole Porter number I Concentrate On You followed featuring Simon.

The Richard Rodgers 1945 song It Might As Well Be Spring was in a medium tempo but had a beautiful bouncy interpretation – a lovely version by Larraine. George and Ira Gershwin’s Embraceable You  again featured Steve Cook on bass with a lovely sympathetic solo to Larraine’s vocals. The 1956 song Love Came Just In Time ended this set with and intro end ending with just the double bass and Larraine’s vocals with a solo from Simon Brown. All songs were arranged by Roger Odell which just shows how versatile Roger is.

Dominic Norcross opened his first set on tenor with an up-tempo version of the 1931 Beautiful Love featuring Simon Brown on Piano. The 1932 Alone Together by Arthur Schwarz played with at a medium tempo with some of Dominic’s solo played in a high register which could almost have been be nan alto solo rather than a tenor. Dominic was supported by solos from both Simon and Steve. Oliver Nelson’s Stolen Moments which first appeared as "The Stolen Moment" on the 1960 1960 album "Trane Whistle" by Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. Solos also by Simon, Steve and Roger Odell showing his originality within a steady driving beat. This was a great introduction to Dominic at his debut visit to the club

After the break and following the Jazznights raffle with no less than four CD’s and a bottle of wine. We had the traditional Sitting In Spot which tonight featured two numbers by the very talented songstress Karen Davies. The first was George & Ira Gershwin’s Fascinating Rhythm followed by the ballad Lover Man.

Dominic opened his second set on baritone with Gerry Mulligan’s Five Brothers which also featured all the band members including a solo by Roger using the brushes as conventional sticks. Rodgers & Hart’s 1937 My Funny Valentine followed in C minor with Dominic on baritone again. Played superbly and I have always liked the rich sound of the baritone ever since I first saw Ronnie Ross on this side of the pond and heard a Gerry Mulligan recording from the other side. This ended with an accompanied solo by Dominic which culminated in with a bowed bass from Steve. Jerome Kern’s Yesterdays was next with Dominic back on tenor. Charlie Parker’s twelve bar blues Now’s The Time was played next at a very fast tempo with Simon’s fingers a blur across the keys although Steve played with some long sustained notes despite the tempo held by Roger – great effect.

Duke Ellington’s 1969 Do Nothing till You Hear From Me was the penultimate number with a very fast Bye Bye Blackbird to finish the set. We have all heard many versions of this 1926 standard played by just about all the jazz greats but this was outstanding and fitting ending to a wonderful evening. To re-quote Alan Barnes “the Welsh Stan Getz” statement would not be an exaggeration. Come back any time Dominic

Come and visit Jazznights on Sunday 17th Oct –with ROGER BEAUJOLAIS (vibes)
Now one of our most popular guest artists, Roger makes a welcome return to The Bell. As the most experienced of the few UK vibes players he has enjoyed a long career both as a leader of his own various bands and as a sideman, most famously with the band Fairground Attraction.

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

Dick Pearce at Jazznights with the Roger Odell Trio Sunday 19th September 2010

Dick Pearce joined the Roger Odell Trio and Larraine Odell at Jazznights, The Bell Hotel, Clare in Suffolk with our Master Of Ceremonies – Donald Muir

One of the UK’s finest and most exciting jazz trumpeters, Dick Pearce was Ronnie Scott’s frontline partner for fourteen years. More recently he has performed with Gilad Atzmon, Clark and Stan Tracey’s Ellingtonia, Alan Barnes and Don Weller in A Tribute to Cannonball Adderley

‘Look at the Trumpet player with Ronnie Scott tonight, Dick Pearce. Tremendously talented- I called home to a couple of friends of mine about him.
‘ Oscar Peterson – (Interview in Melody Maker)

‘Dick Pearce plays the most exquisite, heart stopping music … his elegant, flowing lines are up there with anything by Bobby Hackett, Chet Baker or Miles Davis that I have heard.’ (Brian Blain) – what an in introduction!

The Jazznights trio with Larraine Odell  opened the evening with a medium tempo Alone Together composed by Arthur Schwartz with lyrics by Howard Dietz featuring both Simon Brown and Andy Doyle

Roger Odell – drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak, Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – piano
A very respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is always in demand to play many gigs with other bands when he is not teaching jazz piano or playing with the  Jazznights Trio

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Andy Doyle – double bass
Andy is a superb bass player and a regular member of the Lewis Wright quartet. and the Rhythm and blues band the Keno Kings
Larraine Odell – vocals 
Larraine has performed at numerous venues throughout the UK and Europe, including the Purcell Room, RFH, Boxford Fleece & Ronnie Scott’s.

Larraine opened the first set with Alone Together composed by Arthur Schwartz with lyrics by Howard Dietz which featured both Simon Brown on piano and Andy Doyle on double bass.A sensitive The Gentle Rain followed by Luiz Bonfá with a very lovely solo by Simon. Night and Day by Cole Porter which was written for the 1932 musical play Gay Divorce was a very swinging up-tempo again featuring Simon with great support from Roger on the drums. A tender A Time For Love by Jonny Mandell was beautifully sung by Larraine with brushwork giving the support from Roger.

I’m Old Fashioned, a 1942 song composed by Jerome Kern, with lyrics written by Johnny Mercer.It was written for the film You Were Never Lovelier (1942), where it was introduced by Nan Wynn who dubbed for Rita Hayworth as part of a song and dance routine with Fred Astaire. (O.K. you didn’t want to know that!). This was a great finale to Larraine’s set which had a solo from Simon and 8 bar trades between Andy and Roger. All these were arranged by Roger Odell.

Dick Pearce, who coincidentally replace Harry Beckett, another great British trumpet player who sadly passed away recently, opened with a cracking tune which we new so well, but could not bring the name to mind (old age is my excuse). Victor Young’s A Weaver Of Dreams followed in E flat with intro from Dick with breaks by Simon and Andy.Great opening solo from Dick on Horace Silver’s Adjustment with Roger featured on drums after trades with Andy on bass. Thelonius Monk’s Purple Shades ended the first set. Dick introduced this number with “It is not played a lot and tonight is no exception” – it was of course superb. Dick’s dry sense of humour continued throughout the evening and certainly had shades of Ronnie Scott, after all, he did spend 14 years with the Ronnie Scott Quintet!

After the break we had the Jazznights raffle which apart from a bottle of red wine, a Buddy De Franco quartet CD and an Anita Wardell CD, we had one of Ron Mattewson’s socks (un washed) which was proudly presented by Dick Pearce! (Ron Mattewson was of course a bassist with Ronnie Scott for many years). Geoff Harriman with his harmonica then featured in the Jazznights sitting in spot playing Ray Charles’s You Don’t Know Me.

Dick opened the second set with another Victor Young number: Stella By Starlight in E flat. Sigmund Romberg’s Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise was played as an up-tempo number which featured the flying fingers of Simon Brown. The third tune was composed by Dick Pearce. This had no title and was passed round to the band on a scrap of paper about the size of a page in a small notebook. It all gelled so well with a swing rhythm powered by Roger on drums.

 Happy Man composed again by Dick was played in an “uppish” tempo (Dick’s word, not mine and was played at a medium tempo.

Dick’s next tune was played in a “Bossarish  manner as sung by the White Rabbit in Alice In Wonderland” (guess who said that!) played at a medium tempo. (Wikipedia tells us that "White Rabbit" is a psychedelic rock/acid rock song from Jefferson Airplane’s 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow.) Unusually, Dick finished the evening with a ballad at Roger’s request.the 1942 Lover Man  was a superb number which had great bass support for both Dick and Simon by Andy Doyle on bass who gave a very sensitive break. A wonderful evening yet again from Jazznights – all thanks to Roger Odell who organises the club.

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

Art Theman at Jazznights: Clare, Suffolk Sunday 5th September 2010

Art Themen started playing jazz with the Cambridge University Jazz Group, and then in London playing with blues musicians Jack Bruce and Alexis Korner. In 1965 he played with the Peter Stuyvesant Jazz Orchestra in Zürich, going on to play with such English luminaries as Michael Garrick and Graham Collier’s Music.

In 1974 he entered on what was to be one of his central musical relationships when he started playing with Stan Tracey. He has played with all of Tracey’s groups, touring with him all over the world as well as around the UK. He has also played and toured with musicians such as Nat Adderley, Ian Carr, George Coleman, and Al Haig.

Art was joined by the Jazznights trio and Larraine Odell on vocals
Roger Odell– drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak, Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – piano
A very respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is always in demand to play many gigs with other bands when he is not teaching jazz piano or playing with the  Jazznights Trio
Bernie Hodkins – 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.
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 Scotts. 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.

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Larraine and the Trio opened the first set with Brooks Bowman’s East of the Sun and West Of The Moon featuring Simon Brown on piano. Second was Estate – French for Summer by the composer Bruno Martino with words by Joel Siegal. This really is a lovely song and Larraine more than did it justice in a sensitive and soulful manner. An up-tempo Night and Day by Cole Porter (from the 1932 production of Gay Divorce) featured a notable (sorry about the pun) solo from Bernie Hodgkins on bass.

The 1930 standard Body and Soul by Johnny Green with lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour and Frank Eyton was a interesting as Simon was playing in a different key to every one else!. Quite interesting to note that one is hard pressed to think of jazz groups that don’t include it in their repertoire but it was but it was Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra (Jack Fulton, vocal) who popularized it first. Their recording hit the charts on October 11, 1930, and held the number one spot for six weeks. Cole Porter’s 1955 number from his last Broadway show Silk Stockings – All Of You ended Larraine’s set: with an opening solo by Bernie leading into an up-tempo finale.

Art Theman on tenor opened his first set with Jerome Kern’s 1939 bouncy All The Thing You Are with 8 bar trades between Art and  Roger on drums as well as an outstanding solo on bass by Bernie. Art’s second number featured his soprano sax which has a curved neck and bell which looks much like a baby alto. (There is  some debate over the effect of the straight and curved neck, with some players believing that a curved neck on a soprano gives it a warmer, less nasal tone) the 1937 Someday My Prince Will Come by Frank E Churchill. Interesting that many associate this with the Miles Davis recording but he didn’t record his rendition until 1961. This featured solos from both Simon and Bernie.

The ever popular ballad Hoagy Carmichael’s 1929 Stardust followed with Art reverting  to tenor. Great sequence of 8 bar trades between Art and Roger again (Roger certainly earned his corn this evening) and a tender solo from Bernie. Sigmund Romberg’s 1928 Softly As A Morning Sunrise as featured by Sonny Rollins ended Art’s first set which went far to quickly.

The regular Jazznights sitting in spot opened the second set of the evening with a debut performance of two songs from Patrice Taylor (or was it Patrese Taylor?)L: Henry Nemo’s 1941 Tis Autumn and the 1950 Orange Coloured Sky by Milton DeLugg and Willie Stein – better known as I was walking along, minding my business, When out of an orange-colored sky, Flash! Bam! Alakazam! A regular local songstress followed with her version of  I Wanna Be Loved By You from the 1928 musical Good Boy, the song being made famous by Marilyn Monroe in Some Like It Hot.

Art Theman opened his second set with Sonny Rollins Take Off Your shoes featuring solos by all the bans and 4 bar trades with Art, Roger and Simon. You are The One followed followed again with solos from all. Ellington’s In a Sentimental Mood followed which Art played as a tribute to Harry Beckett who sadly died as was due to play at Jazznights this evening. This also featured Bernie with a very subtle solo accompanied by superb brushwork from Roger

  Art’s next tune featured a great rendition of Dexter Gordon’s Cheesecake (many of Dexter’s tunes were named after food – despite his slim build!) followed which was opened with Bernie on bass leading into Art and the trio and a noteworthy solo from Simon. Sonny Rollin’s Doxy (which was also the name of Sonny’s own record label: Doxy Records) in which Art featured both the soprano and tenor saxophones.

A powerful version of Ray Noble’s 1938 Cherokee closed what seemed to be a far too brief evening. It is no surprise of course that Cherokee is often chosen to close a gig  with its naturally fast beat which is often  played at “tempo de bitch”

A wonderful evening with a trio of East Anglia’s finest jazz musicians together with one of thw UK’s leading saxophonists, Art being one the The Three Tenors (not of voice though – just the tenor sax!

For further details and future gigs go to www.jazz-nights.com. The evening also has the the Jazznights sitting-in spot open for any musicians who would like to play at the club with the Roger Odell Trio.

Peter King at Jazznights, Clare Sunday 22nd August 2010

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. "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

Peter King joined the Jazznights Roger Odell trio for a magical gig this month:
Roger Odell– drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak, Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – piano
A very respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is always in demand to play many gigs with other bands when he is not teaching jazz piano or playing with the  Jazznights Trio
Dave Olney – bass

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Apart from his superb jazz accompaniments he has been a resident musician on both Parkinson and Strictly Come Dancing. including Rod Stewart, Ronan Keating, Dionne Warwick, Elaine Page. Elton John as well as Sooty & Postman Pat
For the first set the trio were joined by the resident songbird Larraine Odell 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.

Larraine opened with I Didn’t Know What Time It Is was written by Richard Rodgers and the lyrics by Lorenz Hart for the musical Too Many Girls (1939) which included solos from Simon Brown & Dave Olney. The 1934 song You And The Night And The  Music followed featuring a solo by Simon Brown. Larraine’s third number was an up-tempo All Of You which was a variation of the Miles Davis arrangement by Roger Odell. A very tender You’re My thrill was followed by Cole Porter’s Get Out Of Town in an up-tempo version which featured Roger on drums that finished Larraine’s set. A great feature of all these songs was the original arrangements by Roger Odell.

The Man In Black of the Alto, Peter King opened his first set with Kurt Weill’s Speak Low featuring trades with Roger – a superb up-tempo opening which had the packed house (plus those standing outside the door who couldn’t get in) roaring with approval. The ballad I Can’t Get Started – which certainly belied the title, featured Simon on piano and Dave Olney on the double bass which showcased his very rounded smooth sound. John Coltrane’s Impressions ended Peter’s first set with a superb opening solo – where did he get those upper register notes that you thought must have come from a soprano rather than an alto! 8 bar trades worked so well with Peter and Roger. This left us all so looking forward to the second set.

The traditional Jazznights sitting in spot (open to all musicians who have an  opportunity to play with the Jazznights Trio) featured two numbers by Paul Oldfield on piano with Roger on drums and Dave Olney on bass. The audience certainly appreciated the performance if the reception he got was anything to go by.

Peter King opened his second set with Night And Day featuring trades with Simon, Dave and Roger – their smiles certainly showed their enjoyment of the whole number – although they had to work hard! A swinging version of Alone Together preceded Someday My Prince Will Come which included solos by Simon Brown and Roger Odell.

A medley of ballads followed which included Peter’s own composition Lush Life featuring its fluttering high register patterns followed by Body & Souls, unfortunately the Lush Life solo was not as long as his magnificent solo on his Lush Life Peter King Quartet CD – time was running out – surely it couldn’t be 10.30 already. Time though did not stop a rousing finale with Cherokee, the fiery spirit was encompassed by the whole band.

See www.jazz-nights.com for further information and future gig

Joanna Eden Trio at Jazznights: The Bell Hotel, Clare, Suffolk Sunday 25th July 2010

Jazznights@The Bell’s July gig features the Joanna Eden Trio – Joanna Eden (vocals and keyboard), Jonny Gee (bass & backing vocals) and Charlie Price (drums). What a great gig with many of Joanna’s own compositions and her inimitable interpretations. Charlie price (whose many influences include Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Max Roach,was a driving power house and Jonny Gee’s superb bass (has played with Ravi Shankar, Antonio Forcione, ZUM, Jacqui Dankworth, as well as English Touring Opera and The Sixteen.

Highlights of the first set included A Taste Of Honey, Mr Bojangles and Where Do You Turn To Now, Joanna’s own composition from her first album My Open Eye. A wonderful sensitive version of Arthur Herzog and Billie Holiday’s Don’t Explain  followed great interpretation. Joanne then sang Yesterday (Beatles) in another of her unique styles. I Don’t Smoke from the album A Little Bird Told Me, which ended the first set, featured a great drum solo from Charlie Price and scat singing from Jonny Gee

The second set began with the Jazznights sitting In Spot featuring Steve Laws on  Alto with the Trio while Joanna sang Autumn Leaves in French, 8 bar trades between bass and drums. This concluded with a duet between Steve on Alto and Joanna’s vocals. Another composition by Joanna followed as an up-tempo So Many People. A superb version of Summer Breeze was followed by another Arthur Herzog Billie Holiday  – the classic God Bless The Child played and sung in a very sensitive manner.Two waltzes followed with a piano solo from Joanna from an Erik Sarie number and Joanna’s own Singing Out from her My Open Eye album.. Not known as a jazz standard but the  You Make Me Feel Brand New

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(which was a 1974 hit by the Philadelphia soul group The Stylistics) written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed seemed as though it ought to be.

A wonderful evening – do not miss any of Janna Eden’s gigs

For further Jazznights gigs go to www.jazz-nights.com

Christine Tobin + Phil Robson at Jazznights: The Bell, Clare, Suffolk Sunday 27th June 2010

Phil Robson and Christine Tobin will be performing with the Jazznights Roger Odell Trio: Simon Brown (pno), Dave Olney (bs) & Roger Odell (drs) plus Larraine Odell (voc)

Christine Tobin’s sound is rich, authentic and deeply expressive and was described by the Guardian as “Tobin’s 24 carat voice” while praising her both for the poetry of her compositions and her golden voice. Much of her repertoire is self-penned and Tobin has received many accolades for her skills as a writer and arranger. Romantic and radical, Christine is a musical free spirit who blurs the lines to create her own unique style that is streetwise and eclectic. In 2008 she was named Best Vocalist at the BBC Jazz Awards.

Her versatility and musical integrity has ensured that she is a much in demand guest with other bands. She has been invited to record and work with a long list that includes: Billy Childs, BBC Big Band, Mike Gibbs, Django Bates, Kenny Wheeler, Nigel Kennedy, Billy Hart, Julian Arguelles, Tim Garland, Gary Husband, Phil Robson, Liam Noble, Hans Koller and a performance of a Bessie Smith song in the Mike Figgis directed film, ‘Red, White & Blues’, produced by Martin Scorsese.

Phil Robson is a guitarist/composer based in London , UK . He is internationally regarded as a highly versatile and creative player who appears in all kinds of diverse settings.

Winner of:
1997 -BT Best soloist of the year award
1998 Perrier Young Jazz award for the best instrumentalist of the year.
2008 – Parliamentary Jazz Awards musician of the year.

Members of The Jazznights Trio & vocalist tonight are:
Roger Odell – drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak, Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.

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Simon Brown – piano
A very respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is always in demand to play many gigs with other bands when he is not teaching jazz piano or playing with the  Jazznights Trio
Dave Olney – bass
Apart from his superb jazz accompaniments he has been a resident musician on both Parkinson and Strictly Come Dancing. including Rod Stewart, Ronan Keating, Dionne Warwick, Elaine Page. Elton John as well as Sooty & Postman Pat
Larraine Odell – vocals
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

The Jazznights resident songbird; Larraine Odell opened the first set with a wonderful selection from Close Your Eyes, When Sunny Gets Blue. Love For Sale to a superb samba by Milton Nascimento Nothing Will Be As It Is accentuated a solid beat from Roger Odell. All songs in this set were skilfully arranged by Roger Odell.

Christine Tobin opened with a stunning extended version of "You Go to My Head", a 1938 popular song composed by J. Fred Coots with lyrics by Haven Gillespie. This was followed by great rocky version of the Rodgers & Hart tune: “I didn’t know what Time It Is” featuring solos from Simon Brown and Dave Olney. The Brazilian “Corcovado” (or in English:Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars) by Antonio Carlos Jobim was sublime. To end the first set of the evening a very bight version of Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer’s “I’m Old Fashioned”

The second set commenced with three numbers from Christine’s  new album “Tapestry Unravelled” this is a beautiful and elegant re-working of songs from Carole King’s beloved classic 1971 album Tapestry plus one original number. The first number was “Home Again” which was a masterpiece with Christine’s bluesy voice. The simplicity of  “It’s Too Late”, the second of the three songs was sun g with perfect ease and was a real delight. The third number (unfortunately, because we would love to hear the whole album) was “Just Call My Name”

Phil Robson then joined Christine and the Trio with Jerome Kern’s “Yesterdays” – not the Beatles version! Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Meditation”  followed sung and played with great feeling. Next wasanother real pleasure to listen to: "Afro Blue" is an afro-cuban  jazz standard with a complex, smooth-sounding beat composed by Mongo Santamaría, perhaps best known in its arrangement by John Coltrane. Superb accompaniment from Phil and the trio.

The set finished with Bill Carey and Carl  Fischer’s “You’ve Changed” (the tune often remembered from the 1961 recording by Dexter Gordon) provided a superb sensitive solo from Phil Robson. How did the evening go so quickly?

A gig to remember!

For news on future gigs visit www.jazz-nights.com