This was a continued period of superb Gypsy/Jazz releases, including a new CDs by the Rosenberg Trio, Roots; and a brilliant return CD by Gary Potter, recorded live at London’s Quecumbar. The Rosenberg Trio also released a fantastic Tribute to Stephane Grappelli CD, with Dutch jazz violinist; Tim Kliphuis.
Meanwhile, the incomparable Bireli Lagrene continued his reign as top dog, with a further two releases: Just the Way You Are, and Gypsy Trio.
It was around this time that I started getting interested in Classical music again. I bought a budget version of Gustav Holst’s: The Planets, which I always remembered as my favourite of my mum’s Classical records. It didn’t quite sound the same however, and resolved to try to track down the particular recording by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. Having a copy of The Planets started the ball rolling, and I began to visit my local library to revisit memorable classics like Beethoven Symphony No.5, and investigate any CDs that piqued my curiosity; leading to discoveries that remain favourites to this day.
I was also introduced to one of my favourite composers; Richard Wagner.
Meanwhile, on the band front; After over five years since returning to its original trio format, the Hot Club was one of the most popular local bands on the Nottingham scene, and we continued to expand our repertoire and our gig list. Sometimes we would have guest artists appear with us, including Ben Holder on violin, Mike Turner on clarinet, and later Ben Martin on saxophone; but the core trio played the bulk of the gigs, mostly to packed local venues and an increasing variety of private and corporate function gigs.
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