Nantwich Jazz & Blues Festival April 3rd 2010
We had a ball and it didn't rain! It was our first year at this festival - just off the M6 near Crewe - not really as far as I thought. When I arrived to set up the sun was shining - and it continued all through our show. We were playing on a stage in the town square and as soon as we started the Ceroc dancers were in full swing - we also had a very appreciative audience of all ages. The kids dancing competition went down well - easter eggs as prizes! We were very well looked after by Philip Martin the organiser who owns the Crown Hotel just down the road. A photographer from the local paper took loads of shots of us after the show and I hope to get hold of a few so I can stick them up. CDs sold like hot cakes afterwards - which is GREAT !! The first festival of the year - a good sign for the rest of the year......
Jazz After Dark
Well we had an absolute ball last Friday (September 11th). We managed to cram six of us on the stage - not quite all on the stage to be precise. Richard on bass was standing off the stage and my piano was also off stage. The horn section was right behind me and if I wasn't careful I would get a bell end in my ear ! But that I am afraid is what makes this place. Not only are the band on top of each other but the audience is too ! There is seating (apart from the VIP area) in the front area for around 30 people but that is tight. But it means that during the course of the night you can get to know everyone. We started off with an empty table for six which was reserved. I created a bit of expectation as to who the mystery guests were - on their arrival nobody was disappointed....! Six leggy blonde Latvians on a birthday night out - perfect! We also had a couple from Finland , four from France, Two scots, four Irish girls and some Brits - just one big international party knees up !
I have always said that our nights at Jazz After Dark come the closest to what the old Barrel Houses must have been like in New Orleans back in the day - with no boundaries between musicians and the audience and girls and alcohol a plenty.....it is amazing that we are still doing it nearly 100 years later
It is Rock'n'roll at its best - nowhere to hide - right in amongst it!!
If you ever get the chance to get down to see the band at this little unique soho club then please do !!
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