Even by recent weeks' standards the Maine Street Mob were depleted - the BEF at Dunkirk had a higher percentage of survivers! - hence the slightly tongue in cheek re-naming of the band.
Sadly, it isn't all fun. Reedsman Jim McBriarty was taken to hospital yesterday with a bowel condition - diverticulum? - and Gavin Lee stepped in at the eleventh hour.
We all wish Jim a speedy recovery.
The deps abounded today and they did the job with musical precision - Bill Watson blew some modernish trumpet, Neville Hartley played tailgate and sang whilst Gavin, using that piece of antiquity an Albert System clarinet, evoked the spirit of Pee Wee Russell and Edmund Hall. Gavin also blew some pre-Parker alto with a wide vibrato that is so rarely used these days - sounded good.
Rhythm section were on top of it all whilst Olive - slightly over worked today - sang Tuxedo Junction, Hard Hearted Hannah, You Can Depend on Me, All of Me, It Don't Mean a Thing to mention but a few.
Herbie is due back next week - his 8 weeks of Turkish Delight diminishing rapidly.
Lance.


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