Reviews

John Stapleton at the 100 Club

‘Tonight’s event was the debut performance of John Stapletons Bigger Band featuring the Mardi Gras Horns.

Many attendees of the pre-gig jive class got to demonstrate there art in an atmosphere of 1940’s innocence.

The sets lists were made up of extended airings of many of the expected standards entirely appropriate for such an event. “I’m Ready” (Domino’s not Dixon’s) “Sick and Tired”, “Kansas City” “Flip Flop and Fly” Sweet Home Chicago”, “Mess Around”, “Heart Break Hill”, “Jump Jive and Wail” “ Corina Corina”, “Hi Heel Sneakers” to name most of them. “Your not Far Away’ the title track of the band s debt EP, was a great original by John.

During the course of the evening the instrumentalist got there fair share of soloing and each displayed accomplished playing.

After a great evening of energetic of Jump, Jive, Boogie, Blues and Rock’n’Roll there was definitely no complaints! What a great show.

(Blues In Britain)

John Stapleton and The Big Easy

'Jive Party' at The Rivoli Ballroom- Saturday 19th August 2006

On a hot summer night in South East London, the temperature was rising at Jive Party when John Stapleton and The Big Easy took to the stage. The Rivoli Ballroom itself was the perfect backdrop for the band as it is like walking back in time with it's fantastic splendour and decor.

Tonight the audience were in for a real treat. The line up of The Big Easy read like a who's who of Rhythm and Blues.

Supporting the irrepressible and charismatic John Stapleton on Piano and vocals were Lee Badau on Tenor Saxophone (James Hunter Band) Simon Ried on Double Bass ( Wes Weston, Otis Grand and Pete G) Raoul on Lead Guitar (Paul Lamb) and Kevin Stapleton original Big Easy Drummer keeping time.

This band were hot! From the very first tune the energy on stage and musicianship was of the highest calibre.

The band led by John went through two sets of 'stonking' Rhythm and Blues tunes some well known standards and some of John's own original songs.

I particularly liked 'You're not far away' one of John's own songs supported by great versions of 'Midnight Special', 'Shake Rattle and Roll' and 'Jump Jive and Wail'.

In fact it was hard to pick out any one tune as this was a fantastic set and every song kept the audience on there feet and dancing.

At the end of the night the band got a much deserved encore.

John Stapleton and The Big Easy are a fantastic 'live' band. They are a non stop Rhythm and Blues party from start to finish.

If you have not seen them I recommend that you get along to a gig and see for yourself. You will be pleased you did!

Richard Hatterall
(Red Hot Jazz Management)