Jazz On A Sunday – The Tame Valley Stompers

Photo: Sam Ralph Photography

Terry Brunt of the Tame Valley Stompers

Ushering in 2019 at Jazz On A Sunday were the ever popular Tame Valley Stompers.

Led by Norman Pennington on drums with Terry Brunt on trombone, Roger Wimpenny (trumpet), Paul Broomhead (reeds), John Gordon (banjo and guitar) and Pete Smith on bass they entertained a sizeable audience with a mix of longtime favourites and new arrangements.

From the band's established back catalogue came The Orginal Dixieland One Step, Muskrat Ramble, Stevedore Stomp, Doctor Jazz and St James Infirmary Blues (the latter two with Paul and Terry respectively providing the vocals) and there were forays also into the rhythms of the Carribbean with The Martinique, into Scott Joplin rag territory with The Entertainer and into that of the big bands with Christopher Columbus.

In addition there were singalong vocals aplenty including from Roger (It's A Sin To Tell a Lie and Old Rocking Chair Got Me), from Pete (When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful and Kansas City) as well as Paul's accustomed clarinet tour de force (St Philip Street Breakdown), John's outstanding guitar solo (Begin The Beguine) and finally a nostalgic “California trip” down Route 66 via Canal Street (of “Blues” renown) morphing imperceptibly into Just A Closer Walk With Thee.