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Hot Club Sandwich: Toasted

Officially, Wellington's Hot Club Sandwich are Andrew London (guitar and vocals) and Terry Crayford (bass, keys and some vocals), but since 1992 they have operated a "revolving door" band system! On 'Toasted', Messieurs London and Crayford are joined by: Neil Billington, Nik Brown, Fiona Pears, Johnny Lippiett, Roger Watkins, Jeff Kennedy, Phil Adams and Emma Davey. They even managed to get noted visiting American musicians Buddy Wachter and Bill Ware to sit in on a tune each. This is an album of 15 originals (11 by London, three by Crayford and one co-written tune) in blues, jazz and country styles. You wouldn't think these different styles would sit together comfortably on one recording, but they do. London's performances are witty, clever, humorous and entertaining, whilst Crayford tends to impress with his fine piano playing. (I never knew he wrote the 'Fair Go' theme.) The guest musicians are top notch and never get in the way. In particular, Neil Billington's harmonica playing is highly conducive to the overall fun atmosphere, as is Christchurch violinist Fiona Pears. Recommended listening. Check out www.hotclubsandwich.co.nz.

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