Date published: 12/06/2008

The visit of Jim Wilkes Stompers always fill Castleton's 'Jazz On A Sunday' and with the 65th birthday of organiser Terry Eastwood along with a buffet laid on this was no exception!

A 45 minute prelim with pianist John Reade playing a selection of honky tonk numbers set the mood, and the place was jumping.

A selection of popular numbers always attracts the punters tonsils and as would be said in days gone by 'An evening of gaiety and merriment'!

Wilkes included two 'ringers', guests deputising for band absentees - Dave Moore on drums and alto sax local boy Wally Davis.

After an intro medley the vocals came into play with Wilkes renditions of rarely played Armstrong's 'Drop That Sack' and the bands new CD title song 'We Just Get On Together', banjo/guitarist Brian Herbert singing 'Little Ol' Wine Drinker Me' (you could feel the tears of Dean Martin) and the deadpan bass guitarist Jeff Kitson singing the much requested 'Just A Gigolo'.

Yours truly had composed a blues number for Terry's 65th and was asked by Jim Wilkes to take the mike and 'Wow the audience'!! with 'Bus Pass Blues'.

The second set brought the talents of Wally Davis to the fore with the numbers 'I've Got Rhythm' a superb 'Long Ago And Far Away' and 'Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered' with Wilkes vocalising.

Kitson 'Faced The Music And Dance' with his unique style of vocal and solo and trombonist Terry Arnold having just celebrated his 70th soloed with 'My Gal Sal' accompanied by Wilkes vocal and a fine spiritual medley led to the end of the set with Herbert's banjo solo - 'Margie'.

With all the banter and partying a short final set brought another birthday tribute for Terry by Wilkes - 'Always', Herbert's version of Presleys 'Fool Such As I', 'Royal Garden Blues' featuring the intricate drumstick work of Moore and the apt finale of 'A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening'.

The Jim Wilkes Stompers
May 2003