the zoltans
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It's been a couple of years since Rick Dawson bought the Zoltans to the New Crawdaddy Club, so this year they had the honour of opening our 12th season. This was swing with a touch of blues at its best, although Rick looked a little uncomfortable singing and playing keyboards at the same time he coped with it admirably and led the band through a set held together by the basic thread of a story which it transpires was made up on the night.
They kicked off with Caldonia and Don't Roll Those Bloodshot Eyes At Me. Fat Like That followed and you can probably guess the thread of the story already. . Karen took vocals on a couple of numbers, Undecided and I Just Want To Make Love To You while Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby featured some fine alto sax playing from Jerry Marshall.
As an added attraction, the legendary tap dancer Will Gaines made a guest appearance and was wonderfully received. I hope I'm that fit when I'm 82 years old!!!
Finishing up with In The Mood and this excellent set sets up the 12th season of the New Crawdaddy Club quite nicely. As an aside, tonight’s gig has been recorded for a live album. A sneaky preview reveals it's gonna’ be a good 'un.
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Frank Norris The Zoltans rock! The after show discussion centred round how to get more gigs. I foolishly said that I might be able to get a
couple of weekend gigs in Manchester.
I’m still trying. I just need that Zoltan rush of adrenalin again. 3 September 2006 |
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International Jazz Festival
The Zoltans, Mailbox/Fino Restaurant Saturday 9th July lunchtime session as part of Birmingham International Jazz Festival. This 7-piece jump R & B band from Southend is new to me, but some of you southerners might know them. If you don't, try and see them, because you're missing a treat. Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, Wynonie Harris... you'll already be thinking 'Biscuits'. Comparisons are inevitable but facile. Their style is different in every way save one: they're as hot as tamales. Curiously, the leader/vocalist doesn't seem to play an instrument; those who do comprise saxes, rhythm section, keyboards, and a young, pert, blonde with dancing eyes and the toughest push-up bra since Buffy, who plays trumpet with great panache.They played inside, but faced out, so we could all see from the outside tables, and their sound had been very well engineered by someone; I could hear every note of every instrument. "Caldonia" was the inevitable opener, followed by the horn-rich "Somebody Changed The Lock On My Door." Great piano led the boogie "Rollin' Log", then "Saturday Night Fish Fry". 'Buffy' showed she could play as well as gyrate on "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie", and on "5 Guys Named Moe".And I got that feeling you sometimes get, and you'll know what I mean, when the sound, weather, venue, band, everything are gloriously just a point; and even though you've seen a thousand gigs, right here is where you want to be, melting into your seat, without moving a peg. Review by Bob Jones Blues in Britain magazine Volume 1/ Issue 45/ datedSeptember 2005
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