The Rivoli Ballroom 2001
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Charity Jazz Night 2001 Due to massive demand, Robin Smith and his Dixieland Jazz Band, The Stateside Stompers , swung at the Rivoli Ballroom once again. During the evening of Jazz, on Thursday 22nd February 2001, the energetic nine-piece London band performed some of the engaging classics of Jellyroll Morton & Benny Goodman. |
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Their two sets also included a few Stompers' favourites, such as 'South Rampart Street Parade' and 'Tishomingo Blues', transporting you back to the 1920's with their high intensity Dixieland sound. |
| This year The Stateside Stompers was supported by the more modern sound of The Paul Kimber Quartet featuring the superb Portuguese trumpeter and percussionist Raul D'Oliviera. The Paul Kimber Quartet has individually worked across the full musical spectrum: from Elton John to the LSO, and Cubana Bop to Mica Paris. When playing together they inhabit a refreshing range of styles from ambient Celtic atmospheres to blistering jazz-rock. |
| Mike Burnside introduced this special evening. Mike is an actor and director most well known for his 10 years in 'The Bill' as Assistant Commissioner Hicks. His theatre work includes seasons at the RSC and the National (including Madness of King George 111) and he was the first Artistic Director of the Brockley Jack Theatre here in Crofton Park. Mike is currently shooting a feature film, Silent Cry, with Emily Woof, Kevin Whately and Frank Finlay. |  |
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Memorable moments of the evening included: Steve Higgins singing Ain't She Sweet dedicated to Marjorie, who celebrated her 79th birthday, John Gowers' rendition of the Jelly Roll classic Doctor Jazz and Limerick Blues with the words provided by the audience. |
The evening raised over £500 for The
Drake Music Project.
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Quotes from the Audience:
| "We danced to you at the Rivoli
last week and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves…. We attended your charity
night both this year and last year, and would recommend it to anyone -
we loved it! The Stateside Stompers played good, tight and enjoyable music.
It's obvious that you all love what you're doing." Gloria Guy and Ted Harman |
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| "Your gig was great, and thank you so much
for Ain't She Sweet for our friend Marjorie - it brought a tear to her
eye!" Helen Warren |
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"Yet again
a fantastic night from The Stateside Stompers. Looking forward to next
year's gig." "I wanted to drop you a line and
say how much I enjoyed the gig at the Rivoli Ballroom last night, it
was a fantastic success." |
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Limericks
| Pianist Steve Higgins specially composed and arranged a new 'song' for the evening - Limerick Blues. This 'World Premiere!' with a nod to Kurt Weill, involved the audience writing their favourite - or rudest - limerick and passing them to the band to be incorporated into the song. Below are some of those handed in... some were used!! The bravest and the youngest signed their names - some of the others we worked out!! |
| I had a great night at the 'Riv' It's quite handy and close where I live But I missed all the jazz 'Cos I went for a waz And the bird I was with wouldn't give! Peter |
There was a young man from Nepal Who was asked to a fancy dress ball He murmured, "I'll risk it, And go as a biscuit" But a dog ate him up in the hall. Maddy Warren |
| I went to the 'Riv' with my
strumpet To hear Robin Smith play the trumpet She went down on her knees And he said: "Oh, dear please! " I am here with my own bit of crumpet. Sinbad |
A mad group of guys who were honkers A nice bunch, but clearly quite bonkers They played a top tune And were over the moon At the success of The Stateside Stompers. |
| There once
was a drummer called Dave Who didn't know how to behave |
There once was a boy with a
trumpet Who decided one day just to hump it He sat on the grass With the brass up his a#$£ And said "I'll like it or lump it"! |
| There was a young bard from
Japan Whose limericks never would scan When told it was so He said, "Yes I know, because I always try to fit as many words into the last line as I possibly can". |
There was a young man at the
Rivoli Who asked a fair lady quite civilly "Would you like to dance?" She said, "not a chance" You're talking a whole lot of drivelly. |
| There was a young fella called Gowers From Brambletye's ivory towers His wife Debbie he met While he played clarinet (No one saw them for hours & hours). A. Nurse |
There was a young lady from Churt Who once wore a very short skirt When asked to say why With a gleam in her eye She said, "I'm a terrible flirt". A.C. |
We are sorry if yours isn't
here Our tipple that night wasn't beer It was Vodka and Gin Mixed in a large bin Your limerick got lost…I fear! |
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