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Oxcentric Vagaries

 

Well, I was not so discerning (or whatever that rear end expression that Adrian used) to keep diaries at university, so dates are non-existent. But then I came after the halcyon days.

So here’s a trio of the more memorable gigs for me.

 

Boat-trip down the Thames, I think – some time between October 77 and June 78

 

This was my introduction to Mike and the gang!

Someone must have this gig in their diaries, as this was still with the original band or at least most of you. It must have been a kind of a reunion thing for you all.

 

Vivid memories centre on:

 

            Way too much alcohol (hey, I am a girlie – even if brass player)

Way too many dots on the page  -  having been completely classically trained I’d never played jazz in my life before that day, and you guys were seasoned ????.

Blind panic as dots ran out and chord signs appeared endlessly.

Olly and Glyn having bubbles outside their heads, thinking is she really reading Music?

Paul doing his ‘white night’ bit and rescuing me every time the dots ran out and only chord signs started, and busking brilliantly.

In fact, Paul playing most of my pad as well as his own  - quite some feat!

Oh, and of course, the irrepressible Mike. Only he would have deigned to wreck my precious embouchure with tantalising little gestures before my grand entry to Sweet Georgia Brown.

 

Christ Church Ball – Summer 1978

 

Such vague memories, but only because after the 1st set, the band (probably Paul) discovered a barrel of Hook Norton in a room all by itself. Shame!

 

Did the 2nd set ever take place?

 

I recall a certain medic falling into the river later with his velvet DJ (those were the days)  - and no, not you Paul.

 

Blue Angel Ball, Boar’s Hill – Summer 1978

 

Featuring guest trombonist, Lance Green [Principal of Scottish Symphony Orchestra for the past 20 years]

 

Chris West being very spaced out doing his muppet act on drums! Always fun.

Mike whipping the band and dancing up into a frenzy and then watching the fun as, wait for it, – oh yes, one lady, whilst enjoying the moment, decided to accidentally drop her cleavage out of her gown.

 

Images of cartoon characters with receding heads, bulging eyeballs, tongues reaching the floor, and brains in other parts of their anatomy – nothing new there then – come to mind.

Embouchures fell apart, as did the band and all without the masterful assistance of Mr. Southon.

 

Happy Days!   Yx