We have a couple of new members who joined us recently, Gill and Tony from Sunninghill. So far, they have attended a Branch meeting and Tony hopes to start attending some activities before too long. However, one interesting facet we have learnt about them is that for the past few years they have been running their own jazz/blues band!
Indeed, last weekend, they kicked off the South Hill Park Live Music on the Terrace sets of music which runs throughout the summer each Sunday afternoon. It was a blazing hot afternoon but the band laid on a great session which was much enjoyed by those of us there.
Gill leads the band on vocals while Tony plays rhythm guitar but also some lovely harmonica and also led some great vocals on a couple of songs as well.
By coincidence, Andrew Last, the Reading Branch Chair, has also been a member of the band for many years and so it has a true Parkinson’s flavour!
Gill describes the band as
“We are a versatile 7 piece band covering an eclectic mix of music including blues, smooth jazz and popular funk. We play for both charitable and private events, being free of charge if required for a registered charity! Lead, rhythm and bass guitars, drums, tenor sax, keyboard, harmonica and, of course, vocals. A true eclectic mix!“
It never fails to surprise us what skills and experiences our members have and we look forward to following their music adventures. We also hope to arrange a fundraising show with them at some stage in the future, jointly with Reading Branch.
The photo above shows Gill leading the vocals and Tony to her left and the one below with Tony taking the lead.
