Once again, we had a good, friendly, informal time at our monthly coming together of Folk and Jazz. In fact there were only 2 people who weren’t performers, and I suspect that they were hiding their talents for the present. John Taylor, one of the ‘listeners’, told us that in Spanish music shops that he’d visited, the CD’s are arranged according to which rhythm they represent, rather than artist or genre. Food for thought – certainly something that tells us about different musical attitudes.
I began with a couple of unaccompanied folk songs. One was Sally Free And Easy, written by the late Cyril Tawney, a song with the same theme as St James Infirmary Blues, so then we needed cheering up, so along came a trio, Minnie, George and Ian, with a jazzy All Of Me, with skilled improvisation from Minnie on the second chorus; She then taught us all a round, very ably sung by the whole company in 4 parts, just like that!
Sheila sang songs which were very cleverly connected, both about skylarks, and as you’ve guessed one was the jazz song of that name. Carrie did 2 of her own quietly reflective songs with guitar, George followed with 2 contrasting tunes, the second a sad but dramatic Greek tune, as I had demanded that he played something from his native land! Ian treated us to a rather naughty song about boy scouts having to be prepared, and his wonderfully lively version of It Don’t Mean A Thing. By now Michael and ‘listener’ Susan had appeared, so he treated us to Harlem Rag and a song about a highwayman who robbed only rich people.
The second set found me doing an unaccompanied blues with Ian on drums, Minnie sang about her funny Valentine, and a girl band appeared, when Sheila and Carrie joined forces on Moonlight In Vermont. George brought back memories with Those Were the Days, and Michael was beginning something good as I left for the Metro. Watch for Michael’s next appearance at the Lit and Phil.
Minnie is in charge for the next session on November 5, Fireworks Day, as I’m away on a blues singing holiday in Yorkshire. Thanks to everyone who supports this evening, and lots more of you will be welcome next time.