On Sunday 17th September 2023, a new lineup of HOME BREW, Richard Stevens (Sousaphone), Peter Uppman (Trumpet and Vocals), Jo Bloomfield (Keyboards), Kevin Brown (Trombone), Paul Williams (Clarinet and Tenor Sax), David Burrows (Guitar and Vocals), Rod Andrews (Drums) blended to play exciting music.
The opening “Sweet Georgia Brown” set the standard for the afternoon. Peter sang the opening with the group blowing up a storm behind him. Drummer Rod not to be outdone gave us a nice “Sugar” followed by a shufle “You are my Sunshine”. Dave Burrows sang and played mighty guitar on “Milk Cow Blues”.
Then a pleasant surprise, Peter invited the Club’s hard-working President Julie to warble sweetly and plead for “Bill Bailey Wont You Please Come Home”. Peter joined in for the second chorus with a great round of applause from the audience. A moving Ellington’s “Mood Indigo” then led into “Down by the Riverside” for a first-set finish.
The second set opened with two movie hits “I Wanna Talk Like You” and “The Straw Man's Plea” (from The Wizard of Oz). Peter then sang “If I only had a Brain”, who then introduced Jo Bloomfield to play Joplin's “The Entertainer”, and naturally the audience wanted Jo’s Boogie Woogie, which she obliged.
Paul played Acker Bilk’s “Stranger on the Shore”, and then Richard featured a stirring sousaphone solo of “Alexanders Ragtime Band”. Another duet from Julie and Peter “Goodie Goodie” and it was a Goodie Goodie!!!
“Minnie the Moocher”, “St. James Infirmary” and a little of Herman's “Golden Wedding” crept in as well making a storm!. The final “Way Down in New Orleans” gave way to dancers stomping, audience applauding with a whistle or two, and why not!!
What a musical treat from HOME BREW!!
