Artsreach favourites Tom ‘Spats’ Langham and his band Hot Fingers are back touring with the counties rural arts scheme for the first time since 2010, with plans in place to their vintage jazz and swing sound across Dorset to five village halls this spring.
Hot Fingers present their entertaining and eclectic mix of vintage acoustic string music, visiting the hot jazz of 1920’s New York and sophisticated 1930’s swing. Their repertoire is drawn from wide-ranging sources, from the ‘French coffee house’ sound of the king of gypsy swing Django Reinhardt, the early blues of Lonnie Johnson, the syncopated Latin rhythms of artists such as Argentinean Oscar Aleman, and the jazz and swing pioneers Eddie Lang and Dick McDonough. This is mixed with vocals from the song-writing greats such as Cole Porter and Irving Berlin as well as novelty features from the likes of Cliff ‘Ukulele Ike’ Edwards. They even stray dangerously close to rock and roll with the shuffle rhythms of Louis Prima (best known for being ‘King Louis’ in the Jungle Book!).
Tom ‘Spats’ Langham has crooned his way around the world with high profile bands such as the Pasadena Roof Orchestra and The Big Chris Barber Band. Fellow band member Malcolm Sked is often seen trying to get his sousaphone through customs, most notably with the outrageously talented Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band. Guitarist Danny Blyth became the third member of Hot Fingers after first going to Langham for jazz guitar lessons.
Although just a trio, the band can be seen removing three guitars, a double bass, a sousaphone, a banjo, a mandolin, two ukuleles, a clarinet, a tuba, and a pair of castanets from the band van. Early booking is certainly recommended for this musical treat!
Wed 29 January, 7:30pm. Halstock Village Hall. 01935 83347
Thur 30 January, 7:30pm. Sandford Orcas Village Hall. 01963 220208
Fri 31 January, 7:30pm. Burton Bradstock Village Hall. 01308 897214
Sat 1 February, 7:30pm. Durweston Village Hall. 01258 453170
Sun 2 February, 7:30pm. Studland Village Hall. 01929 450204
