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

The long established Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra from Liverpool were always the epitome of sartorial splendour with deep blue suits, white shirt and blue tie with a polished performance to match.

However, in their appearance over the last few years, they have 'dummed down' their dress code and their tight bandwork seems to have slackened off likewise.

That is not to say there has been a dilution in the virtuosity and this lastest visit to Castleton provided and evening full of fine Jazz despite lacking the services of two of their regular musicians.

Led by their Mersey Cockney Dennis Harrison on banjo, the 'Orchestra' entertained with a balanced selection ranging from Sunday Spiritual to 20's Ragtime. Witha strong frontline of Les Harris on trumpet, Gerry Owen on clarinet and sax and Alan Peddar on trombone.

'Marching through Georgia' to 'My Old Kentucky Home' is quite a journey and the evening kept the 'Blues' away from the squalls outside. Harris excelled with a 'Bohemian Rag' solo and an upbeat version of 'The Old Rugged Cross' was well received.

Popular tunes 'If You Were A Tulip' and 'Someday Sweetheart' allowed Bob Heywood on piano to excercise his fingers to good effect and forget the accompaniment of the driving rain.

The Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra
March 2003