The Southport Melodic Jazz Club

ON Sunday, 31 May 2009, the Lea Delaria Trio played at the Royal Clifton Hotel. My word, what a gifted person Lea is! This was the final concert of her UK Tour. Boy, she was really hot. She was not only a wonderful singer, but also a very funny comedienne. A highly talented pianist and double bass player accompanied her as well as playing slots on their own. The Club members, and other guests, had a very enjoyable evening of top quality music.

Incidentally, if anyone wishes to join the Club, contact the membership secretary: 8, Lord St., Southport, PR8 1QD. Email:-
matthewsjazz@sky.com.

This very popular club meets in the Royal Clifton Hotel on Sunday evenings, once a month.  Coming soon 23 August 2009, Nic Meier Band with Gilad Atzmon; 20 September 2009, Benn Clatworthy Quartet; 18 October 2009, Andy Panayi Quartet; 22 November 2009, Luis Agostino and Pete Oxley with the Dan Whieldon Trio; 13 December 2009, Alan Barnes Band.

Southport Jazz Festival May 2009

THROUGHOUT the last weekend of May, Southport International Jazz Festival took place at various venues in Southport, Merseyside. This popular annual event was once more every successful in most of the cases and the venues were ideal. There
was a little problem for some people who were asking where some of the venues were, for there was no venue map available, unless one went to the Information Building on Lord Street who were very helpful. There was quite a lot of salsa and swing styles including dancing throughout the four days.

The Kildare based Des Hopkins Original Jazz Band was a great hit when they played in the recently beautifully refurbished Town Gardens with their blend of sets in Dixieland and Mainstream Jazz styles. They had young and old moved to clap, foot tap and in some cases even dance to their sparkling and excitingly lively playing. They are such accomplished musicians and a credit to Ireland 's Jazz. Another great favourite of Jazz lovers was Annie Long. She has a strong following in the Southport area. The Wayfarers Arcade is a fine venue for her style of singing. What a beautiful voice she has and how controlled is her singing. She had a backing group, who showed what good accompanists they were while she was singing and, in their own solo spots. The audience could hardly contain their applause at the conclusion of each number.

We tracked down a real festival favourite in the fashionable and delightfully decorated Latin Lounge. Mamadou and the Super Libidor Band, who used to play in Lloyd's, was exceptional. Their blend of Salsa, Jazz and even Senegalese Mbalax excited and thrilled the audience into a fever of dancing and applause. It was an exceptional evening with a highly talented violinist, and a drummer vocalist who really knew his stuff, oh, and not forgetting the inspired playing of the guitarist and saxophonist.

We were very sorry that we were unable to visit more venues, but well done to all the artists, Sefton Council, venue owners and their staff.

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