Swaffham Newsletter

6
Swaffham Jazz Club
For our November session we welcomed Swing
That Thing Sextet led by trumpeter Chris Kirk. Chris
played at the first ever meeting of the Jazz Club at
our original venue in The King’s Arms, with the Colin
Mason Quartet.
Chris told me a bit about himself at the end. He was
born in Watford and moved up to East Anglia 45
years ago and now lives in Litteport. Both his parents
were in the Salvation Army so it’s not surprising that
he grew up playing the cornet in the local S.A. Band.
He then branched out to playing the trumpet in a
concert band and pit orchestras. For a time, he was
in the trumpet section of the Norfolk Symphony
Orchestra. He became interested in big band jazz
and was then drawn to smaller groups by listening to
Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis. His great passion
at the moment is golf, saying it is sociable and good
exercise.
Others in the sextet are Dave Taylor – sax, Robbie
Gerome – trombone, Ivan Garford – piano, Graham
Lake – bass and Mal Ashby – drums.
We used to see Dave play here regularly at the
Club when he lived in Swaffham, but unfortunately
for us he has moved to Hunstanton as he loves the
North Norfolk Coastline. Dave’s best solo of the
evening was in A Foggy Day in London Town when
he went into the stratosphere on sax! Robbie is
another player who has a wide range, covering over
three octaves from the bottom to the top of the
instrument. Appropriately, he demonstrated this in
a number called Just Squeeze Me. I also liked his use
of the ‘wah-wah’ hand-held mute when it sounds as
though he’s speaking through the instrument.
In Fly Me to the Moon the bass and drums swapped
‘fours’ which is something I have never heard before.
Ivan’s playing, unlike most modern jazz pianists, is
pleasantly melodic. He appears to prefer concord to
discord.
Next up: Tuesday 14 December at 7.30 at Swaffham
Conservative Club, London Street, PE37 7DD.
Lee Vasey Jazz Jamband with guests: Stella Goody -
vocals, Pete Oxborough - sax and clarinet, and Simon
Nelson – trumpet. £10 (cash) on the door
No sessions Jan or Feb. Back on Tuesday 8 March
2022 with Simon Nelson’s own band, DixieMix.
Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co.
The Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co has a stunning
showroom, right here in Swaffham. Somewhat of a
‘hidden gem’, nestled in one of the business units
on Turbine Way, the showroom is modern, light and
spacious with a calm and tranquil ambience.
Viewings are by appointment only, with appointments
lasting 90 minutes. This allows customers to feel
relaxed and truly looked after. Emphasis is always on
making personal connections with customers and
ensuring they feel valued.
There are a wide number of bed styles available, and
beds can be customised for something completely
one of a kind. Mattresses, bedding and other
complimentary accessories are also available,
making the showroom a one stop shop for all
bedroom needs.
Managing director, Harry, is truly passionate about
the county of Norfolk, dividing his time between
the Swaffham showroom and the factory on the
Sandringham Estate, where all the beds are lovingly
handcrafted. The business is a family affair, and this
is reflected in the way it offers such a personal and
caring service.
Another passion of the company is being as eco
friendly as possible. They are the only carbon neutral
iron and brass bed manufacturer in the country, and
they ensure any businesses they collaborate with
share the same environmental ethos.
The full range can be viewed on the website
www.wroughtironandbrassbed.co.uk. To book a
showroom appointment call 01485 542516.