Chris Jones
Chris Jones
May 5th 2007
Chris Jones
Concert Pictures
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As expected, the weather was well? Bank Holiday weather, however things brightened up when Chris Jones appeared on stage with his Yamaha US1 combined with a Technics KN7000 to a pretty good turnout despite many people being away on holiday.
Chris opened with Come To The Cabaret, played to a very nice Theatre Organ sound. He said that his US1 is 1992 vintage; the Technics KN having undergone many upgrades to the present 7000. The whole setup resembles a three manual organ with the Technics neatly customised to fit at the top. Next came Good Mornin', Good Mornin' with nice golden back lighting from Keith.
To follow That's Entertainment and There's No Business Like Show Business. Chris continued with a favourite Nat King Cole number Stardust using electric piano, clarinet, trombone and strings set to a deep blue background.
A lively march Blaze Away, a song we used to sing at Saturday morning pictures came next - takes you back! Next up was the foot tapping Washington Post, followed by Desert Song played to a lovely yellow/orange backdrop. With harp and full orchestral backing, we then heard Serenade from the Student Prince.
Chris then played the lovely Westminster Waltz and London By Night. Still in London town, we heard the haunting A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square against a soft purple background, delicious! A change in mood brought us a medley of Rags including 12th St Rag, Black & White and Hold That Tiger!
Many of us will recall the next theme, from TVs Dr Owen MD, entitled Sleepy Shores played with orchestral strings and choir. Fancy a sing-song? Chris invited us to join him in the Sunshine Of Your Smile while he sang the lyrics - very nicely too! Ok then, let's have some Austrian thigh-slapping and using a bright piano-accordion sound we heard The Tyrolean Whistler but as Chris pointed out, not a whistle in it! To follow Chances Are, originally sung by Johnny Mathis. We were then treated to a medley from Roger and Hammerstein's The King and I, including Hello Young Lovers, Getting To Know You, Let Us Dance and March Of The Siamese Children set to a deep orangey red backdrop, super.
Suddenly we were at the interval, gosh that went quick! So, with the raffle and refreshments behind us, Chris started the second half with a medley of marches, entitled Calling All Workers many of which I recall hearing on the radio.
The beautiful piece Somewhere In Time played with piano, string ensemble and choir, then a change to a jazz medley comprising Mississippi Mud, The Muppets Theme and the 1955 hit Zambezi played to Honky-tonk plus Doo-Daa sound, excellent.
A soft lilac backdrop complemented Ivor Novello's We'll Gather Lilacs and Perchance to Dream with a dreamy orchestral backing, aah! Next, a Paso Doble entitled Spanish Gypsy Dance, with castanets, trumpet and theatre organ. Then came Valencia and still in Latin mood we heard the Choo-Choo Samba played with Hammond organ sound, smashing.
A lovely ballad from Andrew Lloyd Webber entitled Friends For Life followed, with orchestra and choir. Wedding Of The Painted Doll followed, then using clarinet and strings, Send In The Clowns. Chris, in fine voice, played and sung Irvin Berlin's Always and this time we did join in!
Yes, It's A Sin To Tell A Lie which Chris decided to jazz up with a Honky-tonk piano following with Alexander's Ragtime Band.
With the end of the evening in sight Chris gave us a medley of Me And My Gal, Hey Little Hen, There's Something About A Sailor, Lambeth Walk, Run Rabbit Run and Leaning On A Lamppost. For the obligatory encore, Chris played the lovely tune, The Best Of Times finishing up with singing Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye! Truly an evening of contrasts, well done Chris!
Why not come along to a Basildon Keyboard Club Concert, you will be made very welcome, have a great evenings entertainment, a complimentary cup of tea or coffee with biscuits and of course experience the delights of live music played on top of the range electronic organs & keyboards by the best players.