Kicking off with a resounding version of Royal Garden Blues followed by another old warhorse, Bourbon Street Parade, the band set the pace and standard for a session of nostalgia. Tributes to one of Scotland’s finest jazz bands, the original Clyde Valley Stompers, were paid in the selection of numbers that followed. Both the clarinet player Forrie Cairns and bassist Ronnie Rae were members of that band and soon proved they had lost none of their artistry.

Unfortunately vocalist Fiona Duncan was indisposed and unable to make the gig, but at extremely short notice Mr Good Time Jazz, blues singer Tam White deputised. His spirited version of the old standards including, Georgia, Every Day I Have The Blues and Let The Good Times Roll had the audience clamouring for more. The rasping trombone of Dave Batchelor, the torrid trumpet of Lennie Herd and the eloquent clarinet of
Forrie Cairns were well spotlighted as the evening progressed.

The outstanding contribution of pianist Brian Kellock did much to ensure the band upheld their all star excellence.

The evening of good time jazz was appreciated and enjoyed by an audience many of whom were traditionalists at heart and able to rekindle memories from the past.

Bert Booth
Finzean by Banchory

Kings Jazz Review
June 2007