- Review
KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ GIANTS with JEREMY HUGGET Tues. 4th Dec 2018
It was an early start this evening, it being Christmas
Party night with a full complement of members, all in
good cheer and looking forward to an evening of good
music from Kevin and his Quintet including Jeremy
Huggett. Members will remember these two under the
banner of “The Dart Valley Stompers” in August last.
The line up for the “Jazz Giants” consisted of James
Clemas on piano, Jeremy Huggett on clarinet and
tenor and soprano saxes and vocals, Kevin Grenfell
on trumpet and trombone, vocals and comedy, Simon
Smith on double-bass and Jools Aldridge on drums.
The music commenced with a rousing number called
“Algiers Strut” and continued up to the break with a
good mixture of fast swing and slower numbers, eight
in all , with a fine boogie-woogie solo by pianist James
Clemas.
There was then an interval of an hour for the Christmas
buffet. On recommencing a t 9.00 p.m. we were
treated to a fine arrangement of the fast flowing tune
“Running Wild”. I believe this was a tune from the
film “Some Like It Hot” starring Marilyn Monroe.
The evening continued with a further seven numbers
up to the finale with tunes from “Satchmo”, Fats
Waller etc. with vocals from Kevin, “Pennies From
Heaven”, and both Kevin and Jeremy on “Bye Bye
Blackbird” with members singing along. Throughout
the evening, there were solo spots from Jools (drums),
Simon (bass)and James (piano) and the usual comedy
flowing from Kevin, who could cover as a comedian
as well as being a top of the range musician.

All in all this was a first class performance by five first
class, very smartly dressed musicians, which was well
appreciated by the members for the music and the
jokes. Thanks must also go to the club organisers and
the Fisherman’s Rest staff who provided a really good
buffet.
A Merry Christmas to everyone.
Guy Thorns