Under New Management ...
The Jazz Club at Bradford On Avon has been running for so many years that some of us have played here with too many different bands to count! The club owes its continued success - indeed, its very existence - to the hard work and dedication of Gerald Griffin over 40 years, but at long last he has handed over the driving seat to Gordon, who looks well set to steer it along for another 40 years!
He'd rustled up a great crowd for us, and we were delighted to spot a few old friends among them - one couple had even driven up from Weymouth! Bristol drummer Roger Wells was there (without his Hot Shots but with Vivacious Viv), and long-term fans Di and Les (from jazz weekends and festivals) were also on hand to welcome us. Biggest surprise of all, Mr Bradford Jazz himself was there in the shape of Gerald Griffin, who, despite his 'retirement' from management, was busy lending a hand and seeming amazingly sprightly, despite now being into his - er - nineties! Unbelievable!
We'd learned very late on that Trevor Whiting's 'feeling a bit rough' had actually proved to be Covid (yes! - it's still out there waiting to pounce, so get jabbed!), and we were mightily relieved to find that Nick White was able to cover for him. Nick's jazz CV is second to none - to name only the Barber Band and The Charleston Chasers! - so he easily gobbled up Pete's arrangements without batting an eyelid, and played as fabulously as ever on clarinet, alto and soprano. His presence was undoubtedly a treat for the band as well as for the audience!
In addition to Nick's expertise on three reed instruments, the audience was treated to further virtuosity in the shape of Steve Graham's mellifluous kazoo - on When Erastus Plays His Old Kazoo - and Mike Denham's tear-jerking Swanee whistle on Sobbing Blues ... whether 'treated' is quite the right word is rather debatable, but their back-to-back performances certainly brought smiles to lots of faces!
We thoroughly enjoyed our session here and look forward to our next one, whenever that may be. Gordon is clearly determined to make a great go of his tenure in the Hot Seat, and he's planning a really eclectic mix of bands over the coming months. Make sure you good people give him all the support he deserves! Thanks for the welcome, and hope to see you all again soon!