Millennium Eagle News

EAGLE  NEWSLETTER     MAY 2010

So – what changes have there been since the awful, jazz-unfriendly winter of 2010? Well, to take the personnel chronologically….Peter   continues to improve after his car crash, and flashes of the old fire come scorching through, particularly when he’s recording for a CD. What a trouper! Matt has acquired an alto sax, which has launched us on to more early Ellington tunes like “Harlem Bound.” (He only needs a flute now to have a full house!)  Jack sailed through his driving test first go and is now a fully paid up member of the band drivers’ club. Meanwhile Andy, Brian and Chris continue to face the old dilemma: how to lose any old (bad) habits and acquire any new (good) ones.

        It took us and most Midland bands till mid-January to get out of the winter rut.  When we resumed club gigs we found the punters more keen to get going than ever – especially at Solihull BL.  After the snow and ice we had fog for the trip to Dove Holes – but this is Buxton Pies territory, so we didn’t mind.  Plus Raffles-and-Jokes! February found us at Winterton church near Scunthorpe . As ever churches provide a remarkable atmosphere and acoustic, not to mention a large Congregation. We made our next CD in Nottingham Rhythm Club under the superb professionalism of Peter King, he can introduce “attack” into the music even when the band is being a bit careful!

         The gig list grew during March and by the end of April we had covered the Motorway Map of Britain from Gateshead to Southampton .  Our London Tour was a highlight, Peter and Chris did the culture vulture bit, while Brian covered the golf courses. How many other bands have golf bags in the car alongside the double-bass?  It was a pleasure to have Bob Smith of the original Eagle back in the front line for Lichfield clarinettist and raconteur extraordinary. On the Essex coast the rhythm section was augmented by Southend Bob. And The Globe at Hackney is a must-visit almost a time-capsule of a 1950’s Jazz Pub and full of real characters.

                In fact it’s people that keep you touring, really. Brummies in their ‘70’s braving the unique décor of The Public in West Bromwich to hear the band, barrackers in the back row at Sidcup, getting over the loss of George Webb, the hardy faithful at Norton C.C. creating their unique atmosphere…”You either do it or you don’t”  - so we do.