THE WEOS April concert welcomed the return of Chris Jones from Orpington in Kent, making his fourth appearance for the club. The most notable feature of the entertainment was the extensive variety of music performed, covering so many different genres and styles.

Chris opened with a medley of show tunes including Hello Dolly, Stepping Out With My Baby and Putting On The Ritz, followed by the television and film themes for Miss Marple and The Railway Children. Wheels Cha Cha preceded Sleepy Shores (the theme for the 70s television series Owen MD) and a well-prepared and realistic version of The Belgian Detective, the theme for ITV’s Poirot. Further changes of style came in the form of a march titled Imperial Echoes - popular with many military bands - and Entry of The Gladiators (frequently used as a circus theme). The tempo slowed for Twilight Time, recorded by The Platters, and If I Only Had Time, a worldwide hit for New Zealander John Rowles. Fans of ice skating would automatically recall Torvill and Dean’s brilliant 1982 World Championship victory as Chris played the memorable Mack and Mabel tune but few will have previously heard his next selection, titled 'Tyrolean Whistler'.

The occasion of the Queen's 96th birthday, coinciding with the date of the concert, was duly recognised by Chris - not only by his Union Jack tie and socks but by his final medley of the first half, consisting of music from the four countries of the United Kingdom and concluding with Land Of Hope And Glory.

Suitably refreshed by the 30-minute interval, Chris returned to the stage to perform a Rock'n'Roll medley, including Rock Around The Clock (Bill Haley) and Oh Boy (Buddy Holly), before introducing If I Ruled The World, a song from the musical Mr Pickwick, for which Harry Secombe was famed. The Eurovision Song Contest was represented by 'Save Your Kisses For Me' - the Brotherhood Of Man winner for the UK in 1975 - whilst a well-loved Classical composition, Massenet's 'Meditation', was performed with the associated violin sound. Continuing the variation, the next piece of music to feature was 'By The Sleepy Lagoon' (the theme for the BBC Radio programme Desert Island Discs), remarkably produced by the very same composer responsible for 'The Dambusters March', namely Eric Coates.

Chris then performed a Big Band medley, followed by a selection of songs from The King And I, before the audience was encouraged to participate in a trio of lively songs - 'Deep In The Heart Of Texas'. 'Amarillo' and 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da'. In another change of tempo, he then played 'Someone To Watch Over Me' and 'Time After Time' before a sing-along collection and a further variation with 'You're The Cream In My Coffee' and 'Yes Sir, That's My Baby' (in Dixieland style). The evening had reached it's conclusion, except for the customary encore, for which Chris selected a couple of songs from the show Annie Get Your Gun - 'Doing What Comes Naturally' and 'I Got The Sun In The Morning'.

It seemed there was music for everyone ... and so it continues ... on the third Thursday of every month! Why not go along and enjoy a relaxed evening out? Newcomers are especially welcome - give it a try!.

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