USING the title Mixed Bag, George Kelsall took the opportunity to play a selection of some of his favourite recordings.

He mixed his tracks between American and British big bands, small combos and vocalists. Much of the music came from the late 1940s and the 1950s, which was obviously a favourite period for George.

There was gorgeous trumpet playing by Ruby Braff on Stardust and then on a swinging Here’s Freddy.

The sharp, brassy sound of the Vic Lewis Orchestra was heard on half a dozen Gerry Mulligan tracks, which gave plenty of room for excellent solos from tenor man Tubby Hayes, trombonists Johnny Watson and Laddy Busby and altoist Ronnie Chamberlain.

The smooth, technically superb trombone playing of Urbie Green featured in At Last and Stairway to the Stars.

Hoagy Carmichael sang his own compositions, Skylark and New Orleans, backed by a group of top west coast jazzmen among whom Art Pepper was outstanding. There was more excellent Pepper on a series of recordings by arranger Thomas Talbert’s big band, especially on Over the Rainbow.

Frank Morgan, backed by the Machito rhythm section, played an exciting Bernie’s Tune and I’ll Remember April followed by a more sedate My Old Flame.

Blossom Dearie backed up her little-girl voice with her skilful pianism on Everything I Got and When in Rome.

George played Woody Herman’s classic recordings of Apple Honey and Caldonia and then rounded off an evening of enjoyable jazz with Four Brothers and Good Earth.

H.I.