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King Eddies Revival Big Band
17/11/07 - Birtsmorton Court Wedding Reception

On this dark, damp November evening, KERBB travelled to Malvern to play at the comparative paradise of Birtsmorton Court - a "medieval moated manor house" in the glorious Worcestershire countryside.  We were travelling to play at the reception of the Houlton-Walters wedding, the groom being Jack Houlton's uncle.  On arrival we were briefed by Sally Zentz, the wedding organiser who told us what we were going to do.  After setting up in the large marquee attached to the barn whilst the guests ate dinner, we went to Sally's house to eat and prepare.
When ready we moved into position for our first set, but we had to wait for the speeches! Half an hour later we had only ten minutes before the 'surprise' that had been scheduled.  So we played just three numbers including the first dance of the newlyweds - 'Beyond the Sea', sang brilliantly as ever by Robert Busiakiewicz.
The second set was much more successful as we played a full set (plus a couple of extras).  After a short time many of the guests came over to our side of the hall and enjoyed some wedding dances on the modest dancefloor.  But the atmosphere was excellent as everyone sang along to the foot-tapping numbers, ranging in style from funk to rock to swing to pop!  Excellent singing and soloing was the order of the day as every song included more classy playing from all concerned.  When we said we were done they wanted more, so we gave them another.  Then they wanted more, so we gave them another!  Then they still wanted more, but exhausted and out of time, we were forced to retire for the evening.
The music was well received and the band also enjoyed an excellent experience.  Massive thanks go to Mark English for all the essential techie work, Mr. Mees for doing all that he does, the coach driver for... driving us, the awesome fireworks team for providing some entertainment to rival that produced in the hall and Sally Zentz for very kindly loaning us her house!  Congratulations to the happy couple and we hope they enjoyed their evening!

1st set:
1) After You've Gone by Turner Layton.
2) Beyond the Sea by Charles Trenet with vocals from Robert "Bushy" Busiakiewicz and solo from Sam Rooney on piano.
3) Let There Be Love by Ian Grant and Lionel Rand, solo from Rooney and vocals from Bushy.
 
2nd set:
4) Theme from Family Guy by Walter Murphy, solos from Kieran "The Smelly Hippy" Ford and Bushy.
5) Zoot Suit Riot by Steve Perry, solos from Rich Wall on drums and Bushy.
6) Flying Fox by Mike Nolan, solos from Rich Wall, Bushy and Tom English.
7) Ya Gotta Try by Sammy Nestico, solos from Mr. Rooney, Rich Wall, Bushy and Tommy English.
8) She's Electric by Noel Gallagher, vocals from James "The Dragan" Dargan.
9) Hard To Handle by Allen Jones, Alvertis Isbell and Otis Redding, vocals from Jimmy D and a solo from Tom English.
10) Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield, vocals from the Dragan and solo from Bushy.
11) Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, vocals from the Dragan, solos from the Smelly Hippy and The Maestro Meehan.
12) Fascinating Rhythm by George Gershwin, solos from Smelly Hippy, Bushy and Sam Rooney.
13) Pick Up The Pieces by The Average White Band, solo from Bushy.
14) Minnie, The Moocher by Cab Calloway and Irving Mills, vocals from Bushy (with support from the band and the crowd!)
15) Bridge Over Troubled Water by Paul Simon with vocals from Bushy.
16) That's Life by Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon, vocals from Bushy.
 
Encores:
17) New York, New York by Fred Ebb and John Kander with vocals from Bushy.
18) I Saw Her Standing There by Lennon and McCartney, vocals from The Dragan and solos from Tom "Double" Sharp, Tom English and a Bushy/Twiggy double solo!