Jim Wilkes Stompers

Reporter: Tony Sheldon
Date online: 12 June 2008

A visit from the Jim Wilkes Stompers always guarantees a full house and this was no exception. They were complemented by the talented pianist/entertainer Derek Harrison who often stole the show with his humour and improvisation.

In a lengthy first set, Jim followed his popular pattern of performing favourite numbers rather than pure Jazz traditionals beginning with 'Dinah' and ending with 'Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered'.

In the absence of regular banjo and bass players and the influence of Harrison and guest bassist Phil Campion meant an rather disjointed early team performance though the music individuality remained firmly to the fore until a more united blend took root.

Harrison's vocals dominated many numbers with Wilkes vocal chords in full flow on 'Someday Sweetheart', 'Bewitched. . .' and a fine duo with Harrison on 'Old Rocking Chair'. The talented reeds work of Bouncing Paul Broomhead: switching from clarinet to soprano and tenor sax excelled on many numbers, especially 'China Boy' with Harrison and 'I've Got Rhythm'. The front line of Wilkes, Broomhead and tombonist Terry Butcher went marching through the audience with 'Mardi Gras'.

The second set featured a selection of Fats Waller numbers by Harrison - 'Sit Right Down', 'Somebody Else, Not Me' and a superb version of 'My Very Good Friend the Milkman' with Campion and drummer Howard Maud. Broomhead's saxes showed their prominence in 'Sweet Sue' accompanying Harrison in a sad tale of unrequited love a long time ago and the set ended with a neat Wilkes/Campion duo in 'When I Grow Too Old To Dream'.

Set three had Butcher singing 'All of Me' and there is quite a lot to take! A great Harrison improvisation solo with 'Let's Fall In Love' the obvious 'Lovely Way to Spend an Evening' and rousing finale with 'Saints go Marching In' and 'Jazz Band Ball'.

The evening was for me filled with poignancy when Wilkes sang the spiritual 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee' with Butcher adding 'Walking with Jesus' after each line, in one of the finest renditions I've heard and my heart was filled with the thought of Holly & Jessica entering the gates of Heaven. . .

August 2002