Jazz On A Sunday – Martin Bennett's Old Green River Band

Photo: Sam Ralph

Jazz On A Sunday - Martin Bennett's Old Green River Band

A year to the day almost, this latest visit to Jazz On A Sunday by Martin Bennett's Old Green River Band was to loud acclaim from an enthusiastic audience as, with Martin on piano, a selection of old favourites and rarely played numbers heralded an evening of tremendous enjoyment.

Vocals were shared by trumpeter Stan Williams, trombonist Eric Brierley and by leader Martin who excelled with blues numbers Little Louise, Pink Champagne,  Empty Chair, St James Infirmary and a blues arrangement of You Are My Sunshine.

Williams' powerful trumpet and vocals were to the fore also in Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Deed I Do, All Of Me, Saratoga Swing and Someday You'll Be Sorry.

The gig opened with Christopher Columbus, Bennett's unusual My Mother She Taught Me How To Pray then followed a medley including At The Jazz Band Ball, Roses Are Blooming In Picardy, Some Of These Days. Perdida and Lady Be Good.

Howard Murray on a variety of saxes and Brierley on trombone along with Williams formed a strong front line, backed rhythmically by Keith Shone on double bass and Bill Buck on drums and of course the evening ended with Floating Down The Old Green River.