Reviews

The Storyville area of New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century was a place of entertainment where amongst the delights to be sampled was the music of some of the early exponents of jass music as it was then known. The favoured instruments of the were trumpet and other brass instruments usually bought second hand in pawn shops and often previously used in military marching bands.

It was this atmosphere that Cass Casswell brought to Newport Jazz Club on Sunday as he led a packed house through an 18 number set paying tribute to one of the earliest jazz musicians with “Buddy Bolden’s Blues” together with those other New Orleans themed favourites “Louisiana” and “Basin Street Blues”. The band were joined by vocalist Sinead McCabe on several numbers who has matured into an in demand jazz singer since making her concert debut on the island a couple of years ago.

The concert was sponsored by Newport Parish Council who presented the committee with a cheque for £125.00.

With Cass leading the Strutters on upright bass he was supported by Ceri Williams (trumpet), Terry Williams (trombone), Andy Leggett (clarinet and soprano sax), Keith Hall (banjo) and Baby Jools (drums).

© Ian Mitchell

Available to be used with permission to promote Newport Jazz club