A rehearsal? ... but we had one last year!
It seems a lifetime ago that we posted a Blog about our (very occasional!) cake-fuelled band rehearsals ... it still amazes us that some of our audiences seem to think we rehearse regularly - indeed, frequently! But such are the demands of golf commitments for certain members of the band that rehearsals are - at best - somewhat infrequent! However, when we do meet, we thoroughly enjoy the rehearsal process, and the enthusiasm for witty banter is exceeded only by that for cake, or - as was provided on this occasion - a magnificent spread of quiche, coleslaw, lemon drizzle cake and shortbread lovingly created by Pete Middleton's wife Rachel, who happened to have a few minutes to spare this week ...
These rare rehearsals usually take place in the palatial surroundings of Pete Ward's luxury mansion in the Ancient Capital of Wessex, and his living room is duly invaded by still-sleepy musicians (it being only 10 a.m.) who proceed to despoil the hitherto well-ordered surroundings with discarded jackets, instrument cases and stands, disordered piles of manuscript paper (or iPads in the case of two of the rhythm section) and half a drum kit, not to mention the frontline instruments (especially the brass section) dribbling on Pete's priceless Persian carpet ... actually, Pete kindly supplies freshly-laundered bath towels to place on his sumptuous carpet as 'dribble-soakers', as well as dealing with requests for teas and coffees ... he really is a paragon Mine Host ...
Our main brief on this occasion was to polish up some of the trickier numbers in our repertoire as well as to initiate Keith Hall - our fine new banjo and guitar recruit - into as many obscure, demanding, and brain-aching pieces as possible within three hours or so ... he managed to keep the semblance of a (somewhat bemused) smile on his face throughout, but he must have wondered what he'd let himself in for when he was enticed into our ranks with glib promises of fame and fortune ...
... though Keith's biggest surprise was Trevor's capacity for the consumption of a large portion of quiche, coleslaw and tomatoes, when we'd only paused briefly at 11.30 for a quick coffee and slice of Rachel's shortbread. As can be seen in the picture, he is looking on - stunned and incredulous (as indeed are other band members) - while Trevor - ever the consummate professional - makes very light work of his brimming platter ...
After lots more hard work on several demanding numbers from the repertoires of Ellington, Morton, Joplin, Keppard and others, a truce was finally declared, and the band fell with glee upon the succulent comestibles (a Steve Graham favourite word) arrayed in Pete's kitchen. Ever hospitable, Pete bustled around busily in his neat little waiter's apron, producing countless teas and coffees, and Trevor duly weighed in for Round Two ... was there no end to this man's abilities? It seems that his talents - both as musician and gannet - are boundless ...