TWIST Evening Friday 20 Aug 2021 by James Short

TWIST EVENING 20th AUGUST 2021

What a huge pleasure it was to hear the rafters of the Wigwam ring out to the jazz virtuosity of the 04 Strollers, then to hear Alan Shellard waxing lyrical about Silver Linings, not to mention a guitar extravaganza from our guest for the evening James Shipsides. So, what was this all about? Yes, another hugely enjoyable TWIST evening put on brilliantly by Andy Mclaren and compered by one of the Greatest Showmen: Mike Burmester. There were a wide variety of guests present, who were able to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the “Tithe Barn” right in the heart of Bristol; and with Michael Newstead on hand to ensure the correctness of our memories when escorting the guests around, they could truly wonder at the exclusiveness of our collection of memorabilia. So, all in all it was a busy and fun evening with the Bar staff serving so swiftly, one could almost imagine being in a Wetherspoons – well possibly not, but you get the gist! In fact, with our very own stylish barrista, all tastes were catered for, and refreshments were certainly needed after the toe tapping first set from Cas Caswell, Andy Leggat and Roger Wells, of course not forgetting the dazzling playing from “Fingers” Potter. What a treat and we learnt that not only was Cas undoubtedly the best jazz bass player in Bristol, but actually in the country, where he often played apparently …. get the double-entendre? As for Andy Leggatt, clearly his time touring Europe with the famous Roy Mason Jazz Band for almost 20 years has left his talent undiminished. So, from Yes Sir, that’s my Baby to Up the Lazy River it was altogether brilliant.

After a well needed break to refresh our glasses, the inimitable Allan Shellard entertained us with his wicked sense of humour, droll observations of life, and a delightful medley of show tunes ending with As Time goes By from the film Casablanca – such talent. Then the style changed as James Shipsides showed us what a wide variety of styles could come from a guitar, we had Flamenco and Tambour, and a couple of numbers he had composed himself; this would surely have wooed even Jonathan Price. And all under the watchful eye of his father, James showed that he really had been rehearsing hard, so that on the day he had it all “off Pat”. That then took us to the last set from the Strollers and another very varied choice of melodious, musical, mellow, magnificent jazz. Each of the band showed off their solo skills, starting with 5 foot 2 and Eyes of Blue’ (apparently not a reference to “Fingers”), we then could imagine we were on the glorious Isle of Capri, before being whisked off to the States for Sweet Georgia Brown before thrilling us all in the finale with Mac the Knife. What a wonderful evening, enjoyed by all and definitely showing that an early booking for the next TWIST evening will be essential, as we are not only back in full swing, but we are carrying on.

James Short