Jazz At The Elms

A Concert to Celebrate the Lives of

Two much loved Lancaster jazz musicians were remembered at a celebratory concert held on Tuesday 7th October 2008. Singer Delia Glaister and bassist Malcolm Hall, who both died earlier this year, were familiar faces to many jazz fans in the area and beyond. The memorial event, held at the Elms Hotel in Morecambe, was a warm-hearted and nostalgic tribute to them.

The Lune Valley Vintage Jazz Band opened, with singer Rosie Harrison in fine form along with her musical colleagues, including the late trombonist Cyril Lyons, who had worked tirelessly to arrange the gig. The band showed great versatility with Steve Lister on guitar and also vocals and cornet, Rosie doubling on clarinet, and Neil Boardman on clarinet and soprano sax. Drummer Stan Clark and Adrian Morris on bass and Laurence Marshall made up the rhythm section in robust style. The set included a vigorous version of Kitchen Man, made famous by Bessie Smith, and much loved by Delia who performed it regularly.

The second slot featured the Quayside Hot Stompers, with whom Delia sang for many years. Marvellously nimble tuba solos by guest Colin Turner, superb stride piano by Tom Culbert, and the propulsive banjo of Gerry Duckles provided the perfect foil to front men Alan Duckles on cornet and Barrie Marshall on clarinet. Alan also sang some fine vocal refrains in this and the following set, and delivered a beautiful muted cornet solo on Mr Jelly Lord, while Smokey Mokes brought superb interweaving clarinet and cornet lines.

The finale was given by the The New Riverside Jazz Band of which Delia and Mal were key members. They opened with a bouncing version of Muskrat Ramble, following on with many classics, including a spirited Ice Cream from Dave Bateman on banjo and vocals and a twinkly I Can't Give You Anything But Love from singing drummer Ralph Wilson. Alan and Barrie and trombonist Alan Matthews played their hearts on out on the gorgeous harmonies of Chimes Blues, while Paul Guppy did a fine job on bass throughout.

A night of footstomping tunes, saucy lyrics, and general goodwill finished with rousing versions of CakeWalkin' Babies and Bye Bye Blues, two of Delia's trademark songs. I am sure I am not the only one who could still hear her wonderful voice in my mind as the band played, and also envisage the indefatigable Mal on the bass, as always.

The evening raised a total of £1300 for St John's Hospice, where Delia and Malcolm were both cared for. It also brought many happy memories of two marvellous musicians - two very special people whose joy in jazz was an inspiration to audiences and fellow players alike.