Jammers play real music: audience now seriously confused

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The Lunatic Soup Lounge went mildly well last Sunday. Due to a misunderstanding, the not inconsiderable number of musos that turned up started  well and then got progressively better. I accept that not everyone gets as much pleasure out of a comprehensive cock-up as the more seasoned jammers, but our patience was not rewarded. Even the Captain could not conjure up some chaos, it would seem.

Props then to Julian (flugel) (1) and Sir Roger De Coverley (sax)(2) for a memorable opening competition on I’ll Remember April. (3)

The somewhat debonair Mr Curtis did the tinkly bits for a while, followed by the rather more percussive Jude Russell de Bendigo. We ‘ll glue the notes back on later, but it was fun while it lasted..

Some gentle drumming from Danilo, followed by Jacopo. What is it with Italians and drums?

Sewing Machines: Chelly (the evening’s bop version of My Funny Valentine) and Melinda (murdered Don’[t Go To Strangers, ably assisted by John C) and an experimental bracket from Jude, which was quite fun. Frances got up and, despite the best efforts of the rhythm section, sang briefly and beautifully.

Et ceters: Lots of other people: playing lots of other instruments (Ben, Yassin, Trent, Bob, etc.etc. And probably half a dozen bassists. And a few woolly headed etceteras that I can’t remember. I have tried taking notes, but the other pianists don’t like it.

Anyhoo, all in all a really good session. So the next one will probably be back to normal. Ity normally is.

Explanatory Notes
(1)        Apparently this is a sort of horn, not a treatment for coughs and colds

(2)        I think that is how he spells it, you can never be sure with de Coverley, the cad.

(3)        Which I can never remember.

(4)          (Reserved for futute use?)

TW

The Grand Hotel: Parisi runs hot, Rogers to come

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Last Friday, Chelly Parisi put in a stylish and confident set of jazz standards, directing the rhythm section with aplomb, and drawing a good crowd. Kip Dale and Dean Constable were also to blame. Nice.

This week, Ruby Rogers will be swinging it up in her own unique style, supported by Rene Tessmer on bass and Putna Mondrum. Ben Stewart (ukulele or something) will be soloing, and I will try not to get in his way on the piano forte. The Rogers sessions are a favourite with the locals and the  Bar staff, always different, and invariably good fun.

The Ruby Rogers Experience at The Grand Hotel, Cnr Flinders and Spencer Streets, Friday May 24th from 5.30pm

Dizzy’s Big Band

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Wednesday, 22 May

Dizzy’s outstanding 18-piece Big Band plays every Wednesday playing traditional arrangements from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Duke Ellington through to modern masters such as Gordon Goodwin and Tom Harrell. Featuring a rotating roster of great singers each week. An absolute treat to listen to, undeniably the best Big Band in Melbourne! A lovely way to spend your Wednesday nights; dinner and drinks with Dizzy’s Big Band.

Start Time: 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: $14.00/$10.00

The Leinster lurches… and that was a big phat zero…

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The Gold Street Gossip Shop was so popular with the Mothers that Glen cancelled last week’s jam. I didn’t realize Collywobblesville had that many people with mothers. Ah, well…apologies to anyone who didn’t get an sms:- it was very late notice and we managed to get about 60 texts out, but I know some peeps turned up… console yourselves with the thought that the music was, whilst non-existent, therefore of a significantly higher standard than usual..

Of course, that was the day we advertised under Drummers Wanted on Melband and got 115 hits in 36 hours…
TW

The News from RefineryTerrace, Altona West

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Madge of course had more sense than to turn up anyway, and may well have spent the day in the idle pursuit of discount Winnie blues, cheap wine and innocent sailors – a pastime which, she maintains, keeps her fully fit, despite being largely horizontal. Which is a reasonable description of Madge these days, come to think of it…

Hortense is indisposed, I think.

TW

What’s on at The Grand Hotel

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Last week was decidedly strange: Col, Rene and I played 15 minutes to an empty room, before Senorita Bronwen and one of her friends turned up. Miss Jaulin was then persuaded to get up and sing, and had 25 people in the room by the end of her first song. Atkinson bopped in once he had the traffic sorted. Thereafter, a groovin’ little soiree in front of a good crowd ensued.. nice work!

This week, Chelly Parisi is singing, with Kip Dale on bass, and Dean Constable on drums. Since this is one of my favourite rhythm sections, and Chelly is one of my favourite singers, I am reasonably certain the night will be an unmitigated debacle (well, you didn’t want perfection every week, did you?). On the other hand, it may turn out great. Why don’t you drop in and find out?

Chelly Parisi and the Captain Chaos Quartet: Friday 17th May from 5.30 to 8.30, The Grand Hotel, corner of Flinders and Spencer Street