Newport Jazz Club returns to the Isle of Wight music scene
MAKING a welcome return after their forced closure, the Newport Jazz Club opened the doors of the Apollo Theater on Sunday to a crowd of jazz fans eager for a return to live gigs.
The Cass Caswell Celebrity Quintet did not disappoint. Led by Island’s favorite bassist, Cass Caswell, the Quintet performed on a stage set up as a conservatory for the current production of Apollo, giving the impression of a small, intimate concert but from the comfort of your own home. .
The stage was set for a glorious afternoon with an energetic opener from Strike Up the Band, featuring former tenor saxophonist Humphrey Lyttleton Jo Fooks.
Then we had Sinead McCabe on vocals with It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing.
Thereafter, Cass led the band through an 18-number set, giving each member of the band the opportunity to show off their virtuosity, while producing a set list ranging from the New Orleans traditional, to a bossa nova to a rousing Duke finale. The Ellington Caravan.
The Newport Jazz Club was also belatedly celebrating its tenth anniversary in its current form and between issues Cass, who was involved in an earlier incarnation of the club, gave an insider’s story from previous years.
All in all, a very enjoyable afternoon.
The Quintet was led by Cass Caswell on double bass, backed by award-winning Dave Newton (piano), Eddie John (drums), Jo Fooks (tenor sax) and Sinead McCabe (vocals).
Details of the next concert will be announced shortly and tickets will be available from Bill Wills at 523879 or Gerry Cullis at 730601.