A full house welcomed the Caxton Street Jazz Band with resounding applause. The band led off with a rip-roaring “New Orleans Hot Spot”, “Lady Be Good” and then keyboard Maestro Bernice sang a gutsy blues number. Star tenor sax man Paul blew away Count Basie's “Ride Red Rider”. The band quietened down a little with a calypso “The Martinique Song” and then John stopped the show with a trumpet solo of the Duke's tribute to Cootie Williams “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me”. Django's turn - sorry Dave's turn - with his fun song “Doo Wha Diddy” plus a Django style guitar solo. There was great cheering when the washboard was introduced. The set finished with Bernice singing an old standard “4 or 5 Times”.
Set 2 two opened with a toe tapping full blast of “Darktown Strutters Ball” and Bernice 's “Deed I Do” had the floor full of dancers. Paul played a Bechet tune and Bernice “Wanted a Little Sugar”; then a Cozy Cole drum solo and some incredible bass solos from Andrew (never heard Andrew play better) followed by “The Charleston” which had the floor covered with flappers and guys vying to win a prize. The end always has to come and “Symphony Syd” was a great end to a brilliant, fun afternoon from the BEST JAZZ BAND. Our sound man Ben keeps the sound perfect. The afternoon finished with a member of the audience thanking our President Julie for the hard work she and her band of volunteers do in presenting wonderful entertainment each month. The large crowd gave an enormous agreement. Julie assured us 2022 will be as good if not better.
