The Wabash Jazzmen

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