Hadleigh Jazz Club's August show was possibly the liveliest and grooviest gig in its twelve-year history. 

Fronted by two of the UK's top saxophonists, it was always going to be an exceptional show with dual leads HJC debutant Phil Veacock and Club favourite Derek Nash; both leading members of Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

Making up the quintet, alongside them was the all-star rhythm section trio of Denny Ilett (guitar), Jim Watson (organ) and George Double (drums). 

George Double on drums (Picture: Jane Tann)

Allowing all the band to introduce themselves on their instruments, Ben Tucker's sixties classic Comin' Home Baby set the tone of the show with a suitably energetic rhythm and bluesy arrangement. 

This was followed by Night Train, another rhythm and blues classic with Phil and the band completely into the feel of an engine chugging cross country on its long journey.

On an evening of terrific solo and collective performances, the organ playing of Jim Wilson was to the fore of the rhythm section's brilliant rendition of Georgia on My Mind.  

Seeing the maestro of the Hammond organ, Jimmy Smith, play in London in the 1960s, completely won me over to the instrument to this day. So, it was a thrill to hear Jim (Watson) give such a masterly execution of Smith's original Back at the Chicken Shack.

A performer influenced by the Hammond was R&B and jazz legend Georgie Fame, a favourite of mine since having had the privilege of seeing him at Ipswich's Bluesville Club. Famous (excuse the pun) for his hit single Yeh, Yeh, it was a revelation to witness the frantically paced version with Derek and Phil performing a thrilling double act.

Denny Ilett (Picture: Graham Pattison)

Such a full-on show needed its calmer moments. Marvin Gaye's exquisitely soulful What's Goin' On provided this opportunity, with Phil showing his mellowly reflective side and introducing some 'coolness' to the show.

Likewise, Denny's singing and playing of T-Bone Walker's Stormy Monday introduced a quieter and more relaxing element to the proceedings. A very accomplished performer, Denny's introduction of electric blues was a highlight of the evening for me.      

Skaravan was an infectious Ska version of the Duke Ellington favourite Caravan. Played à la Madness style, it got the audience up from their seats and dancing. As did Tommy Tucker's rhythmic blues dance High-Heeled Sneakers. Following the inclement day in Suffolk, clubgoers embraced the opportunity to let their hair down and do their own thing!

Derek Nash and Phil Veacock (Picture: Graham Pattison)

More pieces added to a show full of Blues, Boogie and Swing with a helping of Soul, that ticked all the right boxes for me. Throughout every moment of the show, the club's host George gave an all-action drumming performance, capturing the spirit of the music. 

And I saw that everybody left the Town Hall in high spirits, having been present at a show good enough to grace any venue in the country.

The next show at HJC is on Saturday 14th October, when the celebrated saxophonist Pete Long, with trumpeter Paul Higgs alongside him, will front an exciting salute to the legendary Cannonball Adderley. Tickets will be available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/hadleigh-jazz-club

As there is always a strong demand for HJC tickets, keep up to date about future shows. Get advance information from the Club's promotor George Double by asking to be added to the mailing list via his website at www.georgedouble.com; by emailing him at [email protected]; or 07941 360890.