The Life and Times of Jelly Roll Morton
Ferdinand Lamothe, self-proclaimed inventor of jazz, celebrated pianist and band leader from New Orleans lived the most extraordinary roller-coaster of a life. Feted and neglected, celebrated and scorned, loved and despised, he lived on the edge of the edgy world that characterised life in early 20th century America.
This is his story, narrated by Emily Swain, David Chalk and Chris Hardy to the music of Jelly Roll performed by a 7-piece band featuring Big House with guests Lana-May Hodge, Don Manson, Mark Swindall and Gabriel Garrick.
Thank you so much for a fabulous show! You are brilliant and we loved it!
Alexandra, Stephene & Pascal • France
Just brilliant- loved every moment- very well done all contributers !
Camilla Lambert • Arundel
It must be Jelly 'cos jam don't shake like that
Mark • Arundel
It was a great evening at The Norfolk Arms, thank you so much!!! A fascinating story and the narration etc worked very well with the music, also interesting to hear the changes in his music as he got older. Particularly enjoyed the band's entrance - a wonderful and exciting surprise!!
We were sad not to be able to see the watercolours better - luckily we had seen them at the talk at Arts Junction, but hopefully in future venues you can project them above the band so they are more visible.
Jane and Nigel • Arundel
Jelly Roll Morton one of the best evenings of the festival. Exciting, uplifting all those things put together! Loved it.
The Lovell’s • Arundel
What a wonderful thing you are doing! We just so hugely enjoyed your Jelly Roll Morton show at South Stoke.
You have so many talents, including putting the 'playing' back into 'playing music' in such a vibrant and infectious way. The sum of the parts would be amazing in itself, but this much more than the sum of the parts is something so special. Such a joyous experience, being there and feeling swept up in all that creativity and energy.
Thank you.
Amanda • Oving
Absolutely brilliant, and mildly emotional. Some 60 years ago, I discovered Jelly Roll just as I had given up classical piano exams in huge frustration, aged 17. Trad Jazz soon followed. That, and the boogie-woogie of Albert Ammons, gave my piano fingers something to live for.
Mik Shaw • Goring-by-Sea
Marvelous performance
This should go to London theatre...thank you all..it was superb.xx
Saska • Arundel
Live recording from South Stoke perfomances of Jelly Roll by Big House featuring Lana-May Hodge, Gabriel Garrick, Donald Manson and Mark Swindall.