NEWS ARCHIVE
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SEPTEMBER 2011
GREAT FACES OLD AND NEW
I’d like to start this month’s editorial with a big thank you; the support you showed for the band over the last month was tremendous. What a wonderful atmosphere at Eastbourne’s Winter Garden for our matinee with nearly 600 in attendance. David Jacobs served up a treat of wit and charm - both in equal measure as he recalled his meetings with the likes of Sinatra and Vic Damone. The anecdotes were a lovely compliment to some very classy performances by Eleanor Keenan and Gary Williams. Also a great success was our weekend at the South Downs Holiday Village. I think it’s safe to say that a most enjoyable time was had by all and that this was helped in no small way by our cabaret Colin Roy’s debut with the band. His renditions of Nat “King” Cole’s catalogue were superbly executed and his presentation was excellent. I certainly hope we will see more appearances of Colin with us in the future.
I would also like to mention this year’s BBC Proms and in particular, the John Wilson orchestra’s “Hooray For Hollywood” offering. I was glued to the TV from start to finish as arrangements from great movies such as “Hello Dolly”, “Top Hat” and “Mary Poppins” came forth with affection and exuberance from both the orchestra and singers. Those of you who caught the concert may have spotted ex-Len Phillips Band members Emer McParland (in the chorus) and trumpet player Jim Lynch amongst the ranks. Matthew Ford had a starring role in the evening and I thought carried it off beautifully. Don’t forget that Matthew will be our guest cabaret in March at Potters!
Joe.
DOWN THE CLUB
Our date for the United Services Club this month is September 25th. Both Anton and Eleanor will be singing and both have a couple of new arrangements up their sleeves so I know we’ll be in for a good evening. Tickets are available on the door but as usual it’s advisable to book in advance through Ann Phillips on 01322 521 515.
MUNDESLEY WEEKEND
It’s only a few weeks now until our weekend break at the lovely Mundesley Holiday Village in Norfolk. For those of you who haven’t been, Mundesley offers a great dance floor and a great sound system so it really is a good place to dance and listen to the big band. For those who have been before, you can expect many more refurbished rooms and a much better layout in the restaurant. Our guest cabaret is favourite Emer McParland. Emer is now living on the Wirral so we don’t get to see so much of her these days (unless of course you count the Prom!) so I for one am thoroughly looking forward to what I know will be a top notch performance. Rooms are still available and at £165 per person for full board accommodation this break represents excellent value for money. Call 0844 770 2918 to book your place.
AN AFTERNOON AT RONNIE SCOTT’S
As I have mentioned before, I play bass in a swing band imaginatively titled King Candy and the Sugar Push! This nine piece outfit features a number of players who would be familiar to you from appearances with the LP Big Band (trombonist John Stokes, trumpet player Gabriel Garrick, saxophonist Jon Shenoy, pianist Will Bartlett and singer Kate Mullins). The band will be playing an afternoon gig at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho on September 25th where the programme will feature music from the libraries of Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Anita O’Day and Ella Fitzgerald amongst others. This concert has always sold out in the past so I do recommend booking in advance if you’re thinking of coming. The Ronnie Scott’s booking number is 020 7439 0747.
SPOTLIGHT ON...CHRIS GOWER
Born in London, Chris moved to the Isle of Wight at age eleven. His father who was an oboist and woodwind teacher also conducted the military band in Shanklin. When he was thirteen Chris was encouraged by his father to play instruments and he taught him to read music at home while Chris started teaching himself trombone. Whilst at school he was influenced by players including Chris Barber and George Chisholm and bands from the ‘Trad boom’ but was also listening to modern jazz, rock and soul music. At fifteen he went to work in a local pottery, joined the ‘Unity Stompers’ jazz band and at nineteen decided to make his living from making music. After two holiday camp seasons and various gigs he answered a Melody Maker advert for a job as musician in a backing band for U.S. artists Ben E. King, Jimmy Ruffin and the Fantastics.
In the 1970s and 80s Chris’ gigs included a week with U.S. singer Randy Crawford and horn section work with Shakin’ Stevens, Desmond Decker, Kirsty McColl and Cliff Richard. Sessions were played with Amazulu, Musical Youth and the JB All Stars, as well as soul artists the O’Jays and Odyssey. He also played many gigs with the Andy Ross Orchestra. In the 1990s Chris played with the Glenn Miller Orchestra UK, rock star Suzi Quatro, George Melly, Digby Fairweather and Paul Jones. After many years as a deputy in the Len Phillips Big Band, Chris joined as a fully fledged member in 2007.
