The Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band - Jazz on Sunday

The Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band

Jazz On A Sunday welcomed The Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band.

Though sporting a radically altered front line, albeit one comprising faces long familiar to members in Jim Lucas (trumpet), John Hallam (reeds) and Andrew Mackenzie (trombone) in support of stalwarts Ray Owens (string and brass basses), Tony Ormesher (banjo and guitar) and Brian Singleton (drums) The Teds proved as assured and entertaining as always.

Bass player, vocalist and band MC Owens opened the pre-Christmas proceedings, not unexpectedly, with Jingle Bells then it was down to business with the popular standards Doctor Jazz, featuring Hallam on alto and Jazz Me Blues showcasing Owens on brass bass, followed by Bob Crosby’s Bobcats’ forties hit That Da Da Strain.

Next the enduring influence that Duke Ellington has on every kind of jazz was reflected in Lucas’ and Mackenzie’s contributions in Mood Indigo, the Andrew Sisters were recalled with Bei Mir Bist Du Schein and the set came to an end via a storming version of Wolverine Blues.

Set Two began with Hallam guiding the ensemble on a trip to Hindustan, everyone pleaded Lady Be Good then with Ormesher on guitar in support trombonist Andrew assumed vocal responsibilities to insist Deed I Do.

Just A Little While To Stay Here evoked memories of the Chris Barber Band in its considerable pomp and what proved to be the ovation of the evening acclaimed Hallam’s masterly clarinet solo offering on Running Wild before everyone weighed in again with Tin Roof Blues.

The final set was a mix containing tried and tested standards Royal Garden Blues, Muskrat Ramble and with Owens again at the microphone Up A Lazy River.

A nod to small group jazz and Django Rheinhardt’s Swing 42 followed with Hallam and Ormesher excelling equally, a novelty number by way of accomplished Country & Western performer Owens’ classic take on how the legendary Johnny Cash might have interpreted George Formby’s When I’m Cleaning Windows then to finish off we were afforded a festive potpourri cum audience sing-along encompassing Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Mary’s Boy Child, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and finally a reprise of Jingle Bells.