Reporter: Tony Sheldon
Date online: 12/06/2008

A review of the Phil Mason New Orleans Band always seems to follow the same pattern. A full time professional outfit playing the music of old N'Orleans, led by Mason's powerful trumpet play and a full house to boot!

Pianist John Reade played a 45 minute pre gig honky-tonk selection and also during the first interval.

Since the unfortunate retirement of long standing trombonist Martyn Bennett and the sudden departure of replacement Mike Owen, Castleton welcomed 'dep' Eric Brierley making a quick return visit following the recent Dr Jazz band concert.

The number may change, but the style is predictable, complemented by the unique soft tones of songstress Christine Tyrell who captivated the fans in the first set with 'There Is No Secret', 'Coney Island Washboard' and the Mason band favourite 'The Storm Is Passing Over'. Banjoist Jim McIntosh plucked vigourously on 'The Sheikh Of Araby' whilst drummer Ron McKay vocalised with 'Crazy 'Bout My Baby'.

A second set presented the variety of 'Salutation March', 'Tipitipitin', three more Tyrell songs 'Picking On My Baby', 'Hot Time In The Old Town' and 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' all sung with her usual panache. A Mason vocal with multi solos on 'You Must Be Wrong' and an almost classical arrangement with octave change on clarinet by Roger Myerscough on the popular number 'Smiles'.

And so to the final session of near perfection with solos by Myerscough and Mason in 'Dreaming The Hours Away', magical mayhem in Algiers Strutt', a medley of madness by McIntosh with ukelele and harmonica and McKay singing 'Goodnight Irene' accompanied by Myerscough on baritone sax. A finale of Christine Tyrell songs starting with 'In The Garden' then 'Running Wild' followed by 'Don't You Feel My Leg' (sung unaware to a methodist minister!!) and 'Fair And So You Are In Love'.

Magnifique!

The Phil Mason New Orleans Band
March 2003