Reporter: Tony Sheldon
Date online: 12/06/2008

Manchester's Smoky City Jazz Band is without doubt one of the best in the country. It's just a great pity that so few Jazzers nationwide have heard them play. Every promoter who hears them wants to book them and concertgoers can't wait for their next visit.

Castleton delights in the fact the they are on the regular visit list and this latest gig maintained the high standard we have become used to expect - a tight unit playing interpretations and variations by six talented musicians.

A cohesive rhythm section of Reg Kenworth's (bass), Pete Watts (guitar) and Bob Jones (drums) complement a superb inventive front line of Maurice Gavan (reeds & piano), Mike Pembroke (trombone), led by the ebullient Bill Smith (trumpet).

It is difficult to highlight numbers, as every number by the Smoky City is a highlight. Included in the first set were the popular 'Butter & Egg Man', 'Kansas City Stomp', a Smith vocal with 'I Think You're Wonderful' and Humphrey Littleton's 'The Fishseller' featuring Smith's powerful rendition.

A second set of electrifying delectation featured Gavan's clarinet solo on Bechet's classic 'Petit Fleur', and his vocal on 'Dapper Dan'. 'Dr Jazz, 'South Rampart Street Parade' and the soulful 'Dippermouth Blues' just emphasised their range of expertise.

A selection of Jazzed up popular songs added to the entertainment in the third set. Along with traditional classics 'Buddy's Habit' and 'Bourbon Street' Gavan showed his talent on the ivories with 'Sleepy Town Gal' and Pembroke vocalised accompanied by Smiths harmonica on 'Don't Take My Sunshine Away'.

It will certainly remain until the Smoky City return next time.

September 2002