the zoltans

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REVIEW OF SOHO GIG THURSDAY 10th AUGUST 2006

by Frank Norris - Northern Tour Manager

 

The Zoltans rock!

 

This review of The Zoltan’s gig at the infamous Gaz’s Rockin Blues Club at the St Moritz Club in Soho begins some 25 years earlier. Zoltan Rick, the only bloke at school who could hear a song on the radio one day and then play it on guitar and piano the next day, but not simultaneously, began to drop into conversation his affection for Louis Jordan music. At this stage I had no idea who or what Louis Jordan was but a cold and very wet Saturday afternoon saw me switching television channels. Those of you old enough to remember will recall that the Open University used to have wall to wall programmes on BBC2 during the weekends. As I flicked from one channel to another I was drawn to a short programme on a group of young lads who were playing jive music. At least that’s what I thought it was. It was infectious. I went out immediately and bought my first Jordan album. I was hooked.

 

Standing outside the St Moritz Club in London’s Soho district is a bit daunting. As a 50 year old, and on my own, you get a bit concerned about how you might look in what appeared to be a pretty swanky club. I remained outside for half an hour watching others go inside. The bouncer eyed me up and down suspiciously. Drawing courage from deep inside I paid the entrance fee and wandered down into the depths of the bar. The mass of young people, the heat and the noise attacked my senses but then I heard ‘Hey Norris!’ Zoltan Rick had noticed me and had drawn me into the The Zoltan brotherhood and sisterhood.

 A quick drink and some friendly introductions to the band members made me feel as though I was a long lost family member. The chat began to focus on the performance and before long the band drifted away to get ready. I walked gingerly after them and decided that the best (and only) place to see the gig was to stand next to Rick at the front. As I was wearing a suit I thought I might be thought of as the band’s manager. Needless to say no one offered me a cut for their performance. Hopefully this will happen with the northern tour. More of this later.

 After delicate negotiations with the house DJ who was rather unwilling to stop playing the band kicked into their set. I don’t have the set list and I’m not sure whether there was one. There seemed to be a certain fluidity to the performance. Numbers were being shouted as one song ended and another one began. One thing that was certain is that the audience, made up of 20 – 30 year olds, thought this was the business! The place was rocking. The small dance area and the hemmed in stage made for a really intimate atmosphere. Within three songs Louis Jordan was alive and kicking in Soho. The audience were shouting ‘This band rocks!’ and ‘Wicked!’ The Zoltans were in full flow and on the basis of this one gig I just couldn’t understand why more people had not got the message. This is a really good, upbeat and have a good time band.

 My position at the side of the stage produced a strange reaction from one or two audience members. These included a young lad kissing my hand and a woman giving me a hug. I enjoyed the latter more than the former but if this is what happens when you appear to manage The Zoltans then I think I might just cope with it.

 Within what seemed like ten minutes the seventy minute gig was over. The audience wanted more but the management had a licence to preserve.

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.

 The Zoltans certainly rock and they maintain an important Louis Jordan heritage. From the reaction of the audience that night I reckon a revival is on the cards. Watch out world Louis Jordan is back and The Zoltans are leading the march.

 If you want a good night out to tap your feet or dance then check out The Zoltans. They certainly rock and a northern tour might just be a possibility.

 Frank Norris

3 September 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Zoltans A Treat At Birmingham
International Jazz Festival 2005
 
 
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