Swinging at the Cotton Club at the Civic Theatre
THE Civic was crammed to the rafters for this Cotton Club tribute, aiming to recreate the music and dance of the famous Ne w York hotspot.
It featured not only the sounds of the Harry Strutters Hot Rhythm Orchestra but also the lithe energy of the Jiving Lindy Hoppers.
Two hours of old-fashioned entertainment, evoking the crooners and the hoofers of the Twenties and Thirties – Billie Holliday, Mr Bojangles, Bessie Smith and Ella Fitzgerald.
Among the show’s highlights: Martin Litton’s stride piano, a tap/drums showdow n between Lee Payne and the band’s percussionist Graham Collicott, a breathtaking Charleston masterclass and the One Man Dance trio.
Marlene Hill’s numbers included the Wrong Keyhole as well as God Bless the Child.
BY MICHAEL GRAY
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