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

The annual visit of Phil Masons New Orleans all stars always guarantees a full house and their professional presentation met all expectations.

Mason on cornet leads from the front with the many delightful interludes from softly sounding songbird Christine Tyrrell. In the first set the front line of Mason, reedsman Roger Myerscough and trombonist Micky Cook were introduced with the opening number "Cant Escape From You", then the rhythm section of Jim McIntosh (Banjo), Trevor Williams (Double Bass) and Laurie Chescoe (Drums) were let rip with "Shimmy Shuwawa".

Myerscough took front stage vocalising with his sax accompaniment in "Tell Me Your Dreams" and McIntosh serenaded "Sweet Sue". Christine finished the set with favourites "Pickin' On Your Baby" and "The Storm Is Passing Over".

Into set two with "June Nights" and "Algiers Strutt". A Mason vocal with "Sweet Bye and Bye" and a clarinet solo with rhythm section "Smiles" neat changes of key and slow variations, then back came Tyrrell to entrance with "Curly Headed Baby" and "What The Lord Has Done For Me".

And so to the final set with Myerscough's baritone sax nuances in "Sheik Of Araby". The deft soft bass bow skills of William's with Cornet and Banjo in a plaintive "Davenport Blues". A medley on Ukelele and Harmonica by the baby faced McIntosh, and Chescoe rattling the timbers in "Swing That Music".

Back to the stage, Christine Tyrrell finished the evening with the saucy "Don't You Feel My Leg" the rousing "It's A Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight" and a special tribute to young local troubadour Brian Glancy who had passed away "A Closer Walk With Thee" - very apt.

Phil Masons New Orleans All Stars with Christine Tyrrell
The Broadfield Hotel
Sunday 29 January 2006