Blog and The Band

Hi all (at least those that can access this site, the new one should be up in time for the Boat Cruise

Band on their very best behaviour for the Vancouver Jazz festival and so was I.(lol)

Hands up those who thought that last Saturday at Rossinis was simply the best we have heard from this band? Wave please 'cos I'm still deaf and also hoarse from vocal excitement, loved every minute of it and I know from my son and daughters response they had NEVER seen anything like it.

My son who is a wannabe guitarist (his words) could not believe some the stuff coming from Cliff and my daughter immediately fell in love with JT (what the heck is it about male sax players and female listeners)

Right from Nadine's introduction the whole band seemed just determined that the Jazz Festival was an excuse to let fly, there were times when you could just see and feel their own enjoyment of those very special occasions when each member is "in the groove", if you have ever played at any level you always remember and understand those times. Thats when a new dimension is reached and it is truly "all for one and one for all". I would never have thought to use the word SWING (sounds old fashioned) with the SoTightBand but at one time or another during the afternoon they were movin' big time. Brings up a point, these guys and Nadine can play any thing and any style of music (loved those little reggae bits) and play them well, those two opening intrumentals were an eye opener and they never let it drop all day. (I, being me, just loved the very brief 3/4 stuff between Mr Marr and Mr Platt during the warm up, i'll bet THEY don't remember that)

The new numbers the band introduced (and there were many)were really a breath of fresh air too, my daughter thought Mark Knopflors "Private Dancer" was superb and Robbies down and dirty version of "Unchain my Heart" was just plain brilliant, incidentally for those who give a hoot, on the original 1962 Ray Charles version (he was not the first) David "Fathead" Newman was his sax player, guess whos' tickets I have for Wed Jazz Festival, great player.

There were many moments for the memory, you will have different ones from mine (my sons' was he thought jt threw in a little Michael Jackson at one point) whatever they are, why don't you let us know? For me I thought everybody played there best and a special mention to Peter who was just flying, at least a couple of his solos had Messrs Neumann and Marr supporting in fantastic manner. Peters sound is also much improved from earlier gigs, you can hear each note very clearly.

Just talking about support I must mention Rob Neumann who is so good in his ability to read whats going on around and respond at such a high level. My best example would be when there is just him and JT together, thats some playing Mr Neumann and better than drum solos to me.

What do you say about Jt? How he does what he does is beyond me. Played his heart and soul out with no help or break with the absence of Kent's trumpet, takes the breath away with his passion and energy, i reckon he must lost lose a few pounds at every performance, wonderful excitement all afternoon from him.

I'm going to leave comments about Nadine to others. I can tell you a lady approached me who had only heard her on one other occasion at the Fairview. She said the reason she came to listen to Nadine on Saturday at Rossini's was because she felt stardom was going to steal her away from us and she wanted to remember she was there in "the early days"and listened to an extraordinary talent.

Says it all don't it. Bless you Nadine, you are something else.

I know I've missed out so much, if you can help, put it down, me, I just enjoyed the music and the occasion.

Don't forget your tickets for the Boat Cruise July 15th ,its going to be wild.

Keep it Tight---Keep it SoTight

Richard Winn

White Rock