Nicholas Martin
October 1st 2011
Nicholas Martin opened his varied program with Hey Look Me Over (Lend Me An Ear) - Let's Face The Music And Dance - Putting On The Ritz - Mac The Knife and last but not least Russ Conway's Royal Event, all played in theatre organ style, a super start to the evening.
A dark blue back -ground was just right for the Intermezzo from Cavelleria Rusticana and to follow Klaus Wunderlich's Waltz Of Happiness, showing off the lovely piano and string sounds on the organ.
The theme tune from Midsomer Murder sounds quite 'spooky' - it's not safe to live in that part of the country! - before we headed up North to the Mull Of Kintyre. Some Latin American pieces next: Cavaquino which reminds Nick of his lively wife! - followed by Forever & Ever bringing back memories of the 'singing tent' - Dennis Roussos and another selection of rhumba's, cha-cha's and sambas.
A complete change of mood for us with Make Me A Channel Of Peace - Highland Cathedral and How Great Thou Art, with bagpipes, drum rolls, strings and vocals to the fore. Time for some audience participation with plenty of hand clapping for the Radetsky March. Keeping things lively, The Black and White Rag before Nick took us to Blackpool for a selection of music on the 'Wurlitzer! Including Blaze Away and the Tiger Rag.
Alan was doing a marvelous job on the video camera, this time producing pictures of the Dambuster raid on the computer courtesy of Nick, yes, we had the sirens, the drone of the engines and thanks to Keith blue flashes in the sky. AND we had the music, the Dambusters March, a piece of music that never fails to make your hair stand up on end.
Richard Clayderman has not disappeared off the planet, his services are much required in China these days, Ballad For Adeline, was written by him. A couple of spotlights in the background added to the magical atmosphere. Doris Day, now 87 years young, then said hello with It's Magic, which Nick followed with Love Is The Sweetest Thing and Trudi by Henderson, a good chance for us all to practise the foxtrot! A
n old time favorite of many of us, I am sure, Angel In Blue by General Lafayette, strings, piano and a beautifully played trumpet, all set to a dark blue backdrop, sheer heaven!
Time to come back to earth with the Muskrat Ramble, which requires some very nifty finger work, followed swiftly by South Rampart and the Canadian Capers.
The evening had absolutely flown by, we had enjoyed a superb program, which was well played and presented, enhanced by Keith's lighting skills.
Tradition demands an encore, Nick was only too happy to oblige with the Coronation Scott, with Alan having the appropriate pictures on the video.
Thanks Nick, we had a lovely evening and lovely to see so many in the audiance.