October 29th, 2019 by Steve

Concert review 28th October 2019 Chris Jones

We must thank Chris for stepping in at the last minute to replace David Lingwood who was unable to attend. Chris brought a Yamaha AR100 organ (personally customised) plus Ketron SD40 Expander Module, used for additional sounds and Rhythms. He provided a full concert with comprehensive variety and while perhaps we take for granted that all our attending artistes are accomplished, we should recognise that Chris at ‘the drop of a hat’ put together a professional evening of entertainment for us. He very much settled in by the second half and the music provided after the interval was even more rounded and entertaining, His humour – camp brought a smile and not a ‘little titter’ as Frankie Howard would say.

1st Half Everything is in rhythm with my heart, Put on a happy face, Somewhere out there, I only have eyes for you, Im in the mood for love, sleepy time girl, Liberty bell march, Sheep may safely graze, me & my teddy bear, the teddy bears picnic, portrait of my love, (Matt Monroe) walk away, someone to watch over me, time after time, say wonderful things to you, (Sung by CHRIS). If I were a rich man, match maker, yellow river, A time for us, Feelings, TV theme selection, I could have danced all night,

2nd Half Orange coloured sky, Any dream will do, Oh bla dee Oh bla da, Deep in the heart of Texas, On the way to San Francisco, roundup, your the cream in my coffee. Chris was called for an encore for which he played. Ethel Merman’s – I’ve got the sun

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July 23rd, 2019 by Steve

Concert review 2019-07-22 Lewis Scott

 Lewis, a young and keen instrumentalist provided our concert and was assisted in ‘setting up’ by his family. It was apparent that they are all very enthusiastic, in itself appealing by their dedication. Lewis produced a rounded selection of music with a bias toward theatre organ, all played faultlessly but played ‘straight’ and at a tempo that seemed to warrant a little more pace. His personal style perhaps is still developing together with his audience repartee, nevertheless, so rewarding to see a young and talented performer at the keyboard.

Some of the music played included – Colditz theme, Murder on the orient express, Hushaby mountain, A night in Tunisia, Tenderly, The last waltz (Englelbert Humperdink), Midnight in Moscow. Tonight,  Don’t go breaking my heart, your song (Elton John). Quando Quando, Teco Teco. Stranger on the shore (Acker Bilk). Theme from ET.

After the interval – I’m still standing (Elton john). Stardust, Telstar, My Cherie Amour, Take the ‘A’ train, Titanic theme, A medley from Westside story,

For the encore Co Co Cabana.

Lewis’s instrument was a Roland Atelier AT900C with full pedalboard

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June 28th, 2019 by Steve

Concert review 24th June 2019 Kevin Grunill

Kevin arrived with what some were heard to have described as; an elderly Technics FN3. The instrument setup on the stage had no trailing wires or additional speakers. Despite its perceived age the instrument appeared neat and traditional.  Once Kevin was playing it was obvious it could fill the hall with sound. The FN3 was coupled to his PC and he used the Hauptwerk Paramount 450 Virtual Theatre Pipe Organ to give Blackpool sounds. We heard a good evening of musical variety interspersed with not a little humour. Kevin’s style of play is distinctly his own and all music is concluded to a slowing crescendo, a little unusual for a romantic melody. An enjoyable evening concluded with an encore comprising an appreciated medley from Les Miserables.

Amongst music played by Kevin;

Make em laugh, That’s entertainment, Make the world a little younger, the city of my dreams, red rose café, Misty, I’m in the mood for love, The pie in the face polka (Mancini),   the wind beneath my feet (Bet Midler), The lady is a tramp, Dancing cheek to cheek, A medley of music from stage and screen, Somewhere over the rainbow, Doe Ray Me (Sound of music), Phantom of the opera,

After the interval

March of the high school cadets, Neil Sedaker – The hungry years, An ‘American collection’, Mac the knife, A big Band medley, Harry Warren’s – This Heart of mine, in both celebration and commemoration of ‘D’ Day, Aces high, Anchors away, The great little army – Marches. Further medleys in the Blackpool style and that of the theatre organ. The evening concluded with a selection of waltzes but of course Kevin returned for his encore of Les Miserables.

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May 22nd, 2019 by Steve

Concert review 20th May 2019 Mathew Bason

Mathew’s concert immediately followed our 2019 AGM and that alone was probably enough to subdue us all. The second half of the evening with Mathew on the stage with his Weiltmeister in hand brought the evening to life. His piano accordion (Weiltmeister) playing added to his already established high level of performance on his Roland 350C Dual Keyboard (and pedals plus separate Yamaha P-105). Mathew also gave us a moving sung rendition of “Bring Him home” accompanied by his Ipad!!

Mathew is not a stranger to us and his name is synonymous with that of an accomplished entertainer, in that he did not disappoint.

Amongst Mathew’s music we heard:- Make ‘em’ laugh, in love for the first time, Perfect – Ed Sheeran,  A medley to the world of dance and Bigband, A feline collection, (as Mathew called) including the aristocats, A well sung by Mathew, rendition of; ‘Bring him home’. A selection of Viennese music, blue bell polka (On the Weiltmeister), Samba de Orfeu from Black Orpheus, Grieg – Norwegian Dance no. 2. March militaire, All of me – John Legend, A country and Weston medley, Rhinestone Cowboy, Ring of fire.

Called for an encore Mathew Played the Radetzky March – an all time favourite at the proms!

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February 28th, 2019 by Steve

Concert Review 25th February 2019 Paul Carman

 

 

Paul Carman – A concert performance that didn’t disappoint.  At the start of the evening, as visitors came through the door, conversations were about how entertaining a recent Paul Carman concert had been. It was soon apparent the performance would be well attended.

Paul proved to be most entertaining. We expect our attending artists to be accomplished musicians, and they are, but Paul also brought with him a great sense of humour worthy of any stand-up comedian. When he wasn’t playing his music or making us laugh he was singing to us. Most should agree Paul gave us good entertainment to remember.

Paul’s instrument.

Korg Pa4X, In split mode with pedalboard –

Proving that a modern keyboard can successfully replace a two manual organ.

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November 28th, 2018 by Steve

Concert Review – 26th November 2018 – Steve Allison

Sadly due to the untimely passing of Chiho Sunamoto the club was at a loss for an artiste to perform at our concert of the 26th November until Steve Allison revealed that he was available for the evening.

Steve gave us a night of music that was distinctly his own. Very much he seemed to favour ‘marches’ and if you were a lover of this style then it would have been your night. There was though variety but each segment of the evening contained music that Steve had no doubt deliberately grouped, due to perhaps, being able to maintain a tempo or backing. However the evening contained music that at some point would have appealed to all. Without him we would have been turning all away at the door. So a big thank you to Steve for entertaining us for the evening.

Some of the music we heard included.

A medley to commemorate WW1 The songs of the troops. ‘If’, A quick step medley in the style of the tower ballroom. One moment in time, A selection of ‘Spanish holiday music’ Angel in blue,. Misty, Unforgettable, Games lovers play. Barbaretta  march, (Bridge to far) A selection of waltz’s, A samba, Oh my beloved father, Theme from the battle of Britain, aces high, Every thing I do, Solitaire.

Steve was recalled to provide an encore for which he produced a medley music in an ‘Um- Pah’ style.

All in all . Our thanks to Steve who rescued the evening.

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