Sell-out jazz night a tribute to the talents of one of UK's best groups (From Stroud News and Journal)

Sell-out jazz night a tribute to the talents of one of UK's best groups

Reeds United All Stars The Comrades Club Nailsworth Saturday, December 10

FOUR times a year Nailsworth Silver Band, which has been a part of the town's cultural life since 1919, hosts a night of trad jazz to raise funds and have a good time. The latest show was a sell out, which is testament to the popularity of these nights and to the reputation of the Reeds All Stars, who are one of the best trad groups in the country.

Nailsworth junior band opened the proceedings with a selection of Christmas carols which was well received by the audience, who were a considerably more mixed bunch than I expected; it wasn't all old blokes with goatee beards!

The Reeds played a first set of such quality Dixieland jazz that if you closed your eyes you could have been in New Orleans at any time in the last eighty years (apart perhaps from the last few months).

Front men George Huxley and John Maddocks, effortlessly swapping from clarinet to saxophone and back, proved beyond doubt why this group have such an awesome reputation. To say they are accomplished is like saying Ella Fitzgerald could sing a bit.

The second set, which followed a tasty supper, was just as good as the first and had the added bonus of jazz chanteuse 'Cass'.

*Paul Munnery will be playing the next jazz gig at the Comrades Club on February 18, 2006. Tickets will be available after Christmas from Graham Wood's jewellers in Nailsworth. Get them quick because its bound to be a sell out.