SUMMER JAZZ CONTINUES

The warm summer night attracted a large crowd of jazz fans to the weekly Eliott's jazz night last Thursday as we welcomed the very accomplished musician and pianist Charlie Chiappe in excellent form. Charlie Rovegno was on the drums throughout the evening as we also welcomed a few visiting guest musicians to join the fun. Organiser and bassist George Posso stood firm behind his upright bass.
The trio of Charlie C, Charlie R and George opened the evening with Rogers and Hart's ballad entitled 'Bewitched'. This is from the hit 1940 Broadway show Pal Joey, where 'Bewitched' was introduced by star Vivienne Segal..
The Luis Bonfa 'Gentle Rain' was next with a smooth bossa groove. They went on to play a 1937 classic also by Rogers and Hart 'Have You Met Miss Jones?' originally a ballad but played in an up-tempo swing style nowadays. Jobim's 'Desafinado (Slightly out of Tune)' followed closely before welcoming Nick Gonzalez on his trusty Selmer sax to feature on another of Jobim's compositions 'Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)' rounding off a superb start to the evening..
The trio was soon back on with Chris Riley on tenor sax to play Dave Brubeck's 'In Your Own Sweet Way' which has become a favourite by most musicians in these sessions. Chris was then joined by dad, Paul Riley on trombone and Nick for a full woodwind compliment on 'Moanin'' receiving warm applause. Nick stepped back and left father and son Paul and Chris to feature on one of Paul's favourites, Tadd Dameron's 'Good Bait' with a fabulous performance by all. It was a pleasure to welcome Jamie Barry to the stage next to treat the audience to an extended spot with a fine selection of songs which included the ever-popular 'Route 66' followed by 'a swinging 'Autumn Leaves'. The ballad 'The Nearness of You' really brought out Jamie's high notes receiving wild applause. Nick added a fine a solo on this one. Jamie finished her spot with 'This Can't Be Love' and that gem of a ballad 'My Funny Valentine'. It was then time to say good night with Chris, Paul and Nick featuring on 'St Thomas' concluding another night of very entertaining instrumental and vocal jazz with a fine nucleus of very talented musicians.
The crowd dispersed into the night looking forward to next Thursday.

THURSDAY JAZZ NIGHT AT THE O'CALLAGHAN ELIOTT HOTEL
We look forward to another jazz night this Thursday 2nd September 2010 as we welcome Charlie Chiappe again on piano with Charlie Rovegno on drums and George Posso on the upright bass together with guest musicians and singers.
Make Thursday your night out for a memorable evening of quality jazz only at the Eliotts.
Performance from 9.30pm to 11.30pm