Byron Jones
DECEMBER 3RD 2011
Byron returned to us after a gap of two and a half years, playing his Wersi Scala, one of several organs which he owns. The Scala is white, embellished with his name.
Wearing a sparkling jacket, a red bow tie and even Christmas socks…..no less, he opened his program with Sleighride, and Jinglebells, all that was missing were the reindeer! In complete contrast we next heard the sound of seagulls plus the sound of the sea, setting the scene for Morning in Cornwall and Solitaire.
Theatre sounds were the accompaniment for Singing In The Rain - The Sun Behind The Clouds & Dark Town Stompers Ball, all set to a blue backdrop and green spots appearing by magic above the stage.
Paradise for children and adults alike, as the animated version of Walking In The Air or the Snowman appeared on the video screens, whilst the audience could hum along to the tune. Upping the tempo, Byron played us a selection of Latin American tunes in the shape of Amor - El Cumbanchero - Caravan - Sleepy Shores and to finish Tico Tico.
Prior to the concert, Byron had discovered that the schoolpiano was perfectly tuned; it looked lovely with the red rope light and golden tinsel, the Christmas tree right next to it.The sounds of How Deep In The Night and Forgotten Dreams to delight us.
Then it was time to listen to a selection from Oliver - Consider Yourself - You've Got To Pick A Pocket or Two - I'd Do Anything - As Long As He Needs Me were all in there.
Interval time in December always means a sausage roll; mini choc roll and a mincepie will be served alongside the tea and coffee. A superb selection of raffle prizes was up for grabs and with Byron having changed into a white sequined jacket; we were ready to begin with the second half, which he opened with a request, the Conquest Of Paradise.
Time to go to Vienna and clap along to the Radetsky March, set to a cerise/pinkish background, swiftly followed by Vilja and Wish Me Luck, Kiss Me Goodbye.
I must give Keith a mention here, who 'lit' the pyramid shaped cloth in the background in different colours throughout the evening.
Piano sounds rang out for Misty and I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas with a touch of Jinglebells at the end. Then we were whisked away for the Hawaiian Wedding Song, before the "Roland Phantom Machine" produced doodah voices for Sweet Georgia Brown and Mac The Knife.
Then we could imagine listening to the sounds of the Compton Organ for Smoke Gets Into Your Eyes and The Black and White Rag.
I am sure that many of us remember the TV series, The Choir, from this we heard Panis Angelicus, set to beautiful church organ voices, choirs and strings.
To conclude the evening, Byron launched into a selection of seasonal tunes, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer - Winter Wonderland - Oh Come All Ye Faithful - Silent Night, Holy Night - Once In Royal David's City - Hark The Herald Angels sing. For the traditional encore he chose Oh Holy Night.
Thanks for coming along and playing for us Byron.