The Wabash Jazzmen
Date published: 12 June 2008
A steamy hot night for steamy hot jazz and ‘Jazz on a Sunday’ were delighted with the support on an evening when an outside venue beckoned!
The Wabash Jazzmen are well established and led by the wizard of the banjo Mark Challinor who, with bassman Ray Owens, provide the rhythmic input so as to relegate a drummer to the substitute’s bench!
Trumpeter Gordon Whitworth is one of the best in the business and his powerful rendition of Jamaican march was coupled with the extravagant Tromboning of guest Terry Brunt.
The larger than life Brunt is a maestro which shows in his solo ‘Terry’s Old Trombone’ in Which he plays 28 tunes whilst the rest of the band goes for a nap! And he leads an unusual version of ‘Georgian Camp Meeting’ with duos of banjo and bass and of banjo and Mike Haylers Clarinet.
Hayler blends it all together with the ‘Intros’ and is prominent in ‘Wabash Blues’ (ofcourse) with Owens’ bass solo. Vocals are shared with ‘Under The Bamboo Tree’ led by Whitworth, Owens entertaining with ‘Blue Turning Grey Over You’, ‘Jambalaya’ and ‘When Somebody Thinks Your Wonderful’ and leader Challinor.
The Banjo plays an important part in the band blend, and Challinor’s expertise shines through in ‘Memphis Blues’, ‘Wolverine Blues’ and his accompanying vocals on ‘Sweet Bye and Bye’, ‘Said I Wasn’t Going To Tell Nobody’ -The very powerful gospel number- And ‘Royal Telephone’ backed by Whitworth’s muted trumpet!
And with the driving sounds of ‘Algiers strut’, ‘Downhome Rag’ and ‘Steve Dare Stomp’ the heat just went on and on!
The Wabash Jazzmen
The Broadfield Hotel
Sunday 23 July 2006
Do you have a story for us?
Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1High-speed electric train linking Rochdale and London could be on track for 2027
- 2Pedestrian crossing to improve safety on busy town centre road
- 3Rochdale businessman accepts national award at 2024 British Muslim Awards
- 4Mayor launches £600k initiative to uplift housing standards in Greater Manchester and combat rogue...
- 5Young child and dog driven at 150mph in attempt to escape police
To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.
To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.