Take a pinch of “luck” add a drop of “good timing” sprinkle it with “talent” and you have the basic ingredients to make “magic”. It was obvious right from the start last night at Low Moor club that it was going to be special. The atmosphere was tingling with that warm, after holiday glow that comes with warm weather. All the ones who had taken a few days away, were back refreshed and happy. What makes it all happen, is Paul Harper’s hard work and ability to attract talented singers. Last night he surpassed himself and drew 19 of them there. Where else could you listen to 19 lovely and varied singers on a Tuesday night? The evening blasted off with one of the best singers you could ever wish to hear, Chris Dobson…or should I use his stage name Chris D, or should that be Dee? Whatever, I just think of him as “Incredible Chris”. Straight into his Elvis section for the first 3 songs. His vocal range is amazing, just like Elvis himself. Surprisingly, I wasn’t an Elvis fan until about 20 years after his untimely death, but then saw the light and became aware of his great voice. Now I listen to Chris’s interpretation of his songs with a very approving critical ear. He followed this with an equally great couple of Neil Diamond songs before superbly singing a couple of Smokie songs. I especially enjoyed his “Wild wild angels” Interspaced with a few jokes, Chris radiated just how much he was enjoying himself. It was infectious, and got the audience in just the right mood for the rest of the evening. Can’t wait to see Chris again at the Top House on Thursday afternoon with Paul. Everybody was buzzing by the time supper was served. The free supper was terrific. I have never had “drawn pork” before, but I am certainly a fan. 13 weeks of dieting was brought to an abrupt end with that large sandwich. The teacake (that is a bread cake, for the non Yorkshiremen reading this) was filled with a super delicious filling. I intended to eat only half, but my mouth kept salivating (slavering) and I weakened. Back to the bananas today. The second set was opened with Mick Noble in his gleaming, glowing, brilliant white pilot shirt…his wife must use Persil! Mick continued the fabulous atmosphere with his big smile that he always has while he is singing, and what talent. I’ve just realised…when Mick went on about the lightning speed of his internet ordered delivery yesterday…it probably was that super shirt. I want one Mick. Next came Tony Fawthrop singing my favourite of his songs, the 1968 Long John Baldry hit “Let the heartaches begin”. It was the best I have ever heard Tony sing…he had to be good, his missus was with him. As Paul said, “You have to be good when the boss is here”. Mary Daly followed and sang the Barbra Streisand song, “Secondhand Rose”. Halfway through the song, the backing track failed and fell silent, but in true old trooper form she continued with the whole audience clapping and singing along with her. What an applause. The regular readers amongst you, will probably have realised by my vagueness, that my tiny recorder let me down again last night, so I can’t give an in depth, accurate account of the list of singers and what they sang. After what happened last time I tried to bluff my way through, I daren’t guess. One thing I am certain of, Marty Valentine definitely did not sing, “Rubber ball”, but Marlaine Patricia Radcliffe did sing “Human”. Neville Keighley impressed everyone with his solo dance in the middle of his song…well almost everyone…Paul, as usual, took the micky and joined in. It all added to the fun and magic of the entire evening. As I said at the beginning, there were 19 singers, including, Billy Richards, Steve Allen without a joke, come on Steve, young Bradley, Ron, Colin, Eddie, Pat, and Allan Bray on superb form with a great backing track, followed by Carol Law better than ever. The evening was made even more magic by the rare visit of Johnny Paradise over from his resident home in Lanzarote. He sang great despite constant ribbing from Paul. Years of friendship showed in their banter. And, a special mention for the lady from The Rock, Elaine. This lady can’t put a foot wrong for me. Her rendition of Leona Lewis’s “Run” just blew my socks off. Where has this lady been hiding? It was one of those evenings that you want to go on and on. Don’t know what Paul Harper has got, but let’s have lots more of it. Cheers Paul! © 2014 Microsoft Terms Privacy & cookies Developers English (United Kingdom)
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 10:30:14 +0000