Trombone Kellie Gang

The Early Birds started with a moving tribute to the late, great Rick Best, performed by Harry on keyboard, before ripping into their tantalisingly expert blend of trad, vaudeville and hits from the Great American Songbook. Fronted by the ever-glamorous Antonia Breen, plus the dulcet vocals of Bob Green, Jean and Jed, they had the floor packed with dancers from go to whoa.

Enter the Trombone Kellie Gang, with the perpetually excellent Rodney Ford on drums and the welcome sax of Vonnie Dengate, who also sang back-up. She’s under-rated! We should hear more from her.

Scrubby Pete’s slide guitar improves all the time. Move over, you Mojo aficionados, this man has superb chops and licks. Kellie’s powerful, gravelly vocals sound just as good as the late Janis Joplin’s, and she carries the show with her stage presence.

Not forgetting Justin Pfeiffer’s excellent earthquake double bass, bowed or plucked. We know what you’re doing, Justin! You’re trying to start another earthquake!

And on a personal note, thanks to the staff for that scrumptious cake. I went round four times and never got sick once!