[Dixielandjazz] A listmate's date

[John Petters]

Marek Boym wrote:
> Hello folks,
> At our jazz evening tonight, among other things  we played Wally Fawkes' "October Song" on Calligraph, with
> guest artist Al Casey.  Humphrey Lyttelton played on two tracks, but
> Fawkes (for Americans: clarinet and -on two numbers - soprano sax) and
> Ian Christie provided the meat, and it was prime!
> One of the best records of its period - the Stomp Off's "That's the
> Blues, Old Man," with the same reed players, while really good,
> doesn't get even close!  Stan Greig on piano excells, as do all the
> musicians, including the drummer - listmate John Petters!
> 
> As it was difficult to find something to equal that record, we changed
> to piano 

I missed this the other day. Nice to be reminded of a bit of a uniuque 
session and one upon which I found my self accidentally on.

Al was booked to appear at the Square in Harlow, Essex that Sunday night 
in 1986 or was it 85 - not got the LP handy to check..

I had to collect him from the Pizza Express in Dean St, Soho in the 
afternoon.

When I arrived, he was just about to start recording an album for 
Humph's own label under the joint leadership of Wally and Ian.

No drummer had been booked for the session as the great Stan Greig was 
going to play some tracks on piano and some on drums.

I had recorded with Wally a little prior to this date and he had made 
pleasing comments about my playing. He made me an offer I couldn't 
refuse. Would I like to play a few tracks on the session for no money - 
but Wally and Ian would do a free gig in exchange at Harlow at a later date.

You can imagine may answer!

Jack Fallon was on bass, and Humph, the producer, decided to get his 
horn out and have a blow on a couple of numbers.

It was a terrific experience - the session went well and it got me on 
record with a whole bunch of fine players.

Sadly Humph and Al have now gone and dear Stan is very ill and is unable 
to play.
I'm glad your group of friends enjoyed it Marek.

Keep swinging
John


-- 
John Petters
www.traditional-jazz.com
Amateur Radio Station G3YPZ