More apologies for the delay in posting comments and answering Emails but The Net has been down yet again in my little corner of the planet - thank you Mr Branson - not!
(I've been told that planets do not have corners unless you're a member of the FES so I'll change it to 'neck of the woods'.)
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Good news, however, is that subscribers to Jazz Journal International are now receiving their copies of the re-launched publication and selected shops should soon have theirs - watch this space.
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More good news - RUTH LAMBERT struts her stuff at the Highfield Hotel, East Rainton, this Sunday (May 10). Paul Edis and Andy Champion complete the triumverate. The bad news is that, after this gig, the jazz sessions at the venue will be monthly (last Sunday in the month). So please show your support - you did it for Tony K and Julian S - do it for Ruth, Paul and Andy. And it's free...
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Mention of Ruth prompts me to draw attention to last night's rehearsal/recital by Ruth and the Customs House Big Band at the New Crown in South Shields. The eternal teenageric Ruth was in fine voice - her smoky take on "Black Coffee" is up there with Peggy's whilst "Mambo Italiano" was inspired by George's Auntie Rosemary.
As for the big band, if you get the chance, cast an ear to their workout on an arrangement of Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band's "High Maintenance" - a groover was how CHBB's leader Peter Morgan described it - he was right! Next New Crown session Tuesday June 2 (I think).
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I've got a soft spot for vocal groups - The Boswell Sisters, The Andrews Sisters, The Four Freshmen, The Mills Brothers and Manhattan Transfer...Click here for their version of "Blue Champagne".
Lance.


Loved that " Blue Champagne" Lance,I had forgotten how good Manhattan Transfer was. The Ink Spots were another great vocal group & a fave of mine. I recently got to thinking about Les Paul & Mary Ford, my dad & I used to listen to them "How High the Moon" springs to mind.
ReplyDeleteLiz
Les Paul is, I believe, still performing live age 94.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the memory, as Mr Hope used to say..How unique was that Lance? and innovative at that time.
ReplyDeleteLiz