T J Johnson's Bourbon Kick

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

A visit by newcomers always brings an expectant buzz to a Jazz club and the gig by T J Johnson's Bourbon Kick was no exception despite the clarinet/sax duo of Johnny Boston and James Evans having appeared many times in other bands.

This fine ensemble of young musicians do not feature the trumpet in their programme of the best of New Orleans and needless to say their tunes were geared to the sounds of the clarinet played by two young virtuosos.

Beginning with 'Redwing', the first set featured the vocals of Boston on 'Honky Tonk Town' and Tim Johnson on 'Dark Town Strutters Ball' and two fine clarinet solos by Evans with 'Careless Love' and Bechet's 'Petit Fleur'.

A second set of superb musicianship was highlighted by two clarinet duos on 'St Philip Street Breakdown' and an unusual Jazz arrangement of 'Where Have All The Flowers Gone'. Leader and drummer Johnson vocalised with 'Mocking Bird' and the session also produced a rousing performance of 'Panama Rag' and trombonist Graham Hughes showing his talent with solo and vocal on 'Keeping Out Of Mischief Now'.

After starting the final set with a Boston vocal 'When You And I Were Young Maggie', well known trombonist and band leader Dave Donohoe who was in the audience was invited to join the band for the rest of the evening, removing his trombone from under his coat!!

Joining Hughes, a trombone duo played 'Help Me Make It Through The Night' and Donohoe combined with Johnson singing 'Down By The Riverside'. The evening was brought to it's finale with the rarely played 'Bassman Blues For Tennessee' and 'I'll Fly Away'. A great night with great acclaim.

T J Johnson's Bourbon Kick