Jazz at The Green Man


Every Tuesday from 8:30pm

Admission Free (raffle)

Barbara Capocci - 01603 413 443 (jazz enquiries only), comments or amendments - click here

 

Resident Trio - Mike Capocci on Piano, Mike Harris on Bass, Jack Parnell on Drums


ALAN CRUMPTON interviews Barbara Capocci for GRAPEVINE ...

 

AS a student nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Barbara Capocci admits that all the other girls must have thought she was mad spending all her evenings off listening to jazz. She recalls: "They used to spend their time talking about the pop stars of the day while I was into modern jazz." The girls would buy the latest pop records while Barbara’s first LP was "Seven Steps to Dankworth." More years than she probably cares to remember, Barbara is still hooked on jazz and she’s also been responsible for promoting jazz in various venues in the city. "It’s been a labour of love" she says," as she talks just after organising the weekly raffle at Jazz at the Green Man. If jazz has been one love of her life, a jazz musician has been the other love. . . so much so that she married him.

Norwich raised pianist Mike Capocci was working as a journeyman musician on the Mecca Dance Hall circuit when Barbara first met him. He played in the Ken Mackintosh Band and went on to the cabaret scene and accompanied such luminaries as Ella Fitzgerald, Tommy Cooper and Paul Daniels. He also led his own group that specialised in the unique George Shearing sound. Mike can also play vibes as well as piano, by the way!

Back in Norwich, Mike – now with Barbara beside him – got into the business of promoting jazz in the fine city. First there was the Jolly Butchers, made famous for another form of jazz run be the legendary Black Anna who earned a reputation the world over for her spirited gospel and blues singing. Having become well established, the Mike Capocci Trio, and organiser Barbara, moved to a new club, the Santana, where some of the big names were attracted along. They included Bobby Orr, Martin Taylor, Bill le Sage, Clark Tracey, Peter King and Spike Robinson. The venture moved to the Red Lion at Thorpe St Andrews in 1991 and eventually, Mike’s trio included that superb drummer Jack Parnell.

After a lifetime in the music business, that included working at the highest level, Jack had semi-retired to Southwold, and relished the opportunity to "keep his hand in" every Tuesday evening. Jazz at the Red Lion became well established and lasted from 1991 to 2001 when a new and younger landlord moved in and opted to aim for a different market. Things looked bleak for the Capocci venture, but then, a few months later, another door opened at the Green Man at Rackheath, on the outskirts of the city. Fortunately, the pub-restaurant had a jazz loving owner in Derek Jennings who welcomed the venture with open arms. There was a grand opening featuring two of the UK’s top musicians in pianist David Newton and sax man Alan Barnes. The place was packed for the occasion and certainly gave Jazz at the Green Man a rousing send-off.

The Mike Capocci Trio are still playing, with Jack Parnell still a key member whenever his commitments allow. . . mind you, he’s still so keen that he rarely misses a gig, and the other member of the trio is Norfolk based bassist Mike Harris who first played with Mike when they worked on Jersey Island. They backed the likes of Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Ross, Kathy Stobart and Johnny Griffin!

Jazz at the Green Man has now been running for almost six years and Barbara Capocci is still firmly at the helm. It’s a unique club because admission is absolutely free, although the best seats are reserved for people who like to eat a meal before or during the gig. And then there’s the speciality of the house, Barbara’s weekly raffle, that really helps to finance the venture. Barbara admits that without the raffle things would not work. She said:" I get some very good prizes from supporters of the club and I regularly get some help from Jo Mitchell, a lady who has been selling the tickets for over 15 years. . . what a help she is." But in the main, it’s mainly down to Barbara who has a policy of bringing some of the top musicians to the Green Man fairly regularly. They include the likes of Peter King, Gilad Atzmon and Art Themen (he’s due to appear on December 14). Barbara is also keen to encourage young musicians and cites the progress of the outstanding Lewis Wright as "wonderful" and it was Barbara who nominated the young vibraphonist, for one of the recent Jazz Services Awards for national touring sponsorship. . . Lewis and his Quartet are due to make a return appearance at the Green Man on December 12. What a return it promises to be, Lewis having first appeared at the Green Man when he was so young he could hardly see over the vibes. So, if you are ever up Norfolk way on a Tuesday evening, just pop into the Green Man and you’ll hear the best of jazz. You won’t have to pay to get in but it’s wise to book a table and have a meal if you really want to make an evening of it. Bookings can be made through 01603 782693 or if you just want info about the club Barbara can usually be contacted on 01603 413443.

November 2006

GRAPEVINE is published monthly by Musical Marketing. www.grapevineweb.co.uk

PROGRAMME:

JULY 2006

4th July - Martina Gebhardt with Dave Amis & Hi Fiving, Dave Amis, trombone, Tom Harris, piano, Len Wright, drums/percussion, Dave Holgate, bass/bass guitar, Lewis Wright, vibes. Special guests - Soren Fischer, trombone, Ben McDonnell, guitar

11th July - Tim Kliphuis*, jazz violin, and the Jack Parnell Trio, Special guest - Phil Brooke, guitar

18th July - Chris Cooper Quartet, Dave Pullin, base, Neil Kane, drums. Special guest - Freddie Gavita, trumpet/flugel horn

25th July - Dirk Balthaus, piano, and the Jack Parnell Trio, Mike Capocci, vibes

AUGUST 2006

1st August - The Jack Parnell Quartet with Dean Masser, tenor, alto and baritone sax

8th August - Kate Williams and Pete Whittaker and the Jack Parnell Trio, Mike Capocci, vibes

15th August - Tommy Whittle and Barbara Jay, sax and vocals, and the Jack Parnell Trio

22nd August - Pete Allen*, clarinet and vocals, and the Jack Parnell Trio

29th August - Mark Crooks, clarinet and sax, and the Jack Parnell Trio

SEPTEMBER 2006

5th September - Freddie Gavita Quintet, Freddie Gavita, Trumpet/Flugel horn, Nick Carter, Tenor sax, Calum Gourlay, Bass, Kit Downes, Piano.

12th September - Colin Watling, tenor sax, and the Jack Parnell Trio. With guest player Tony Suggs, piano, due to tour with the Count Basie Orchestra.

19th September - Phil Brooke, guitar, and the Jack Parnell Trio (Mike Capocci. piano and vibes). With guest players Tony Suggs, piano, and Stella Goodey, vocals.

26th September - Alex Garnett*, tenor sax, and the Jack Parnell Trio. With guest player Tony Suggs*, piano.

OCTOBER 2006

3rd October - Val Wiseman, vocals, and the Jack Parnell Trio

10th October - Sam Crockatt Quartet*, Sam Crockatt, sax, Gwilym Simcock*, Piano,

Johnny Brierly, Bass, Ben Reynolds, Drums.

 

17th October - Derek Cubitt, clarinets and sax, and the Jack Parnell Trio

24th October - Tomaso Starace, alto sax, and the Jack Parnell Trio

31st Oct - Matt Wates Sextet*, Matt Wates, Alto sax, Martin Shaw, Trumpet, Steve Kaldestad, Tenor sax, Leon Greening*, Piano, Malcolm Creese, Bass, Steve Brown, Drums.

NOVEMBER 2006

7th November - Christian Brewer, Alto sax, with the Jack Parnell Trio - Drums, Brian McAllister

14th November - Frank Giasullo-Art Themen Quartet. Frank Giasullo, Piano, Art Themen, Tenor sax, Dave Green, Bass, Pat Tamminen, Drums.

21st November - Jamie O'Donnell, Alto sax, with the Jack Parnell Trio.

28th November - Jilian Siegel, Tenor sax, with the Jack Parnell Trio.

DECEMBER 2006

5th December - Joanna Eden, piano and vocals, with the Jack Parnell Trio.

12th December - LewisWright Quartet, LewisWright, vibes, Simon Brown, piano, Andy Doyle, bass, Will Clark, drums.

19th December - The Vintage Hot Orchestra - Xmas Party Night

JANUARY 2007

2nd January - Albert Cooper, vocals with Chris Cooper, piano, Dave Pullin, bass, and Neil Kane, drums

9th January - Gilad Atzmon, clarinet and sax, with the Jack Parnell Trio

16th January - Simon Spillett, tenor sax, with the Jack Parnell Trio

23rd January - Graeme Culham Quintet, Graeme Culham, drums, Ted Beament, piano, Rodger Curphy, bass, Paul Higgs, trumpet, Martin Hathaway, sax

30th January - Jim Mullen, guitar, with the Jack Parnell Trio, Mike Cupocci, vibes

FEBRUARY 2007

6th February - Karen Sharpe, tenor sax, with the Jack Parnell Trio

13th February - Neale Ridding*, flute, alto sax and piano, with the Jack Parnell Trio

20th February - Colin Watling and Paul Shepherd on tenor sax and trombone, with the Jack Parnell Trio

27th February - Pete Oxbrough, clarinet*/sax, with Owen Morgan, bass, Mike Capocci, piano, and Jack Parnell, drums

MARCH 2007

6th March - Luke Annesley, alto sax, and the Jack Parnell Trio

13th March - Marlene VerPlanck, vocals, with the Roy Babbington Trio - From New Jersey, USA

20th March - Kevin Flanagan, tenor sax, and the Jack Parnell Trio with Brian McAllister, drums

27th March - Jasper Smith, guitar, and the Jack Parnell Trio

APRIL 2007

3rd April - 6th Anniversary - Jack Parnell Quartet. Special guest, Dean Masser, sax, and Dennis Lotus, vocals

10th April - Lewis Wright Quartet - Lewis Wright, vibes, Simon Brown, piano, Andy Doyle, bass, Will Clarke, drums

17th April - Joanna Eden, piano and vocals, with the Jack Parnell Trio

24th April - Derek Cubitt, clarinet, and the Jack Parnell Trio

MAY 2007

1st May - Mark Crooks, tenor sax and clarinet, with the Jack Parnell Trio

8th May - Dave Cliff, guitar, with the Jack Parnell Trio and Mike Capocci, vibes

15th May - Dennis Lotus - vocals, with the Jack Parnell Trio

22nd May - Tim Kliphuis* - violin, with the Jack Parnell Trio, and Phil Brooke, guitar

29th May - Pat Crumby, tenor sax, alto, flute, Tim Wells bass, Nick Weldon piano, Mark Fletcher drums

JUNE 2007

5th June - Kate Williams & Mike Capocci Quartet - Kate Williams piano, Mike Capocci vibes, Mike Harris bass, Neil Kane drums

12th June - Tim Densham & Simon Denny - Tim Densham baritone sax, Simon Denny vocals, Mike Harris bass, Brian McAllister drums, Mike Capocci piano

19th June - John Barnes, tenor/alto sax and clarinet, with the Jack Parnell Trio

26th June - Gilad Atzmon Quartet - Gilad Atzmon alto sax clarinet, John Turvill piano, Arron Stavis bass, Asif Sirkis drums

JULY 2007

3rd July - Henry Lowther trumpet, with the Jack Parnell Trio

10th July - Lennart Andersson tenor sax & piano, with the Jack Parnell Trio

17th July - Paul Hill guitar, with the Jack Parnell Trio

24th July - Kit Downs Quartet, Kit Downs piano, Tom Farmer bass, Tom Challenger reeds, Andy Chapman drums

31st July - Steve Kaldestadt tenor sax, with the Jack Parnell Trio

AUGUST 2007

7th August - Allison Neale alto sax & flute, with the Jack Parnell Trio

14th August - Ray Simmons Quintet, Ray Simmons trumpet, Martin Eaton tenor sax, Phil Brooke guitar, Ivars Galenieks bass, Rob Masters drums

21st August - Tommy Whittle & Barbara Jay, with the Jack Parnell Trio

28th August - Colin Watling tenor sax, with the Jack Parnell Trio

 

SEPTEMBER 2007

4th September - Val Wiseman, vocals, with the Jack Parnell Trio

 

11th September - Tommaso Starce, sax, and the Jack Parnell Trio

18th September - Michael Spearman, guitar, with the Jack Parnell Trio

25th September - Matt Wates Sextet - Matt Wates alto sax, Steve Laldestad tenor sax, Martin Shaw trumpet, Malcolm Creese bass, Leon Greening piano, Matt Home drums

OCTOBER 2007

2nd October - Excelsor Jazz Quartet - Tony Bailey bass/guiatar/vocals, Phil Brooke guitar, Pete Oxborough sax/clarinet, Brian McAllister drums

9th October - Pete Canter tenor sax, and the Jack Parnell Trio

16th October - Dennis Lotis, vocals, and the Jack Parnell Trio

23rd October - The Jack Parnell Quartette with Dean Masser sax

30th October - Jim Mullen guitar, and the Jack Parnell Trio

NOVEMBER 2007

6th November - Roy Williams, trombone, with The Mike Capocci Trio

13th November - Simon Spillett, tenor sax, with The Mike Capocci Trio featuring Marc Parnell on drums

20th November - Joanna Eden, piano/vocals, with The Mike Capocci Trio featuring Mike Capocci vibes

27th November - Lewis Wright Quartet, Lewis Wright vibes, Simon Brown piano, Andy Doyle bass. Will Clark drums

DECEMBER 2007

4th December - Peter King, alto sax, with The Mike Capocci Trio featuring Marc Parnell drums

11th December - Phil Brooke, guitar, with The Mike Capocci Trio, Roger Odell, drums

18th December - The Vintage Hot Orchestra - Xmas Party Night

December 25th and January 1st - NO JAZZ

JANUARY 2008

8th January - Paul Shepherd trombone, and Colin Watling sax, with the Mike Capocci Trio

15th January - Andra Sparks Quintet - Andra Sparks vocals, Nick Weldon piano, Jeff Clyne bass, Trevor Tomkins drums, Art Themen reeds

22nd January - Julien Seigal tenor sax, with the Mike Capocci Trio

29th January - Allison Neale alto sax, with the Mike Capocci Trio

FEBRUARY 2008

5th February - 'Green Man' Swing and Jump Band - Martin Eatin tenor sax/vocals, Phil Brooke guitar, Mike Harris bass, Derek Cubitt sax/clarinet, Mike Capocci piano, Brian McAllister drums

12th February - Dean Masser alto and tenor sax, with the Mike Capocci Trio

19th February - Marlene VerPlanck, with the Roy Babbington Trio

26th February - Karen Sharp tenor and baritone sax, with the Mike Capocci Trio

MARCH 2008

4th March - Gilad Atzmon* sax, with with the Mike Capocci Trio, featuring Marc Parnell drums

11th March - Dennis Lotis, with the Mike Capocci Trio

18th March - "Destination Swing" with Jasper Smith guitar, Paul Hill guitar, Martin Eatin tenor sax

25th March - Renato D'Aiello tenor sax, with Mike Capocci piano, Nicola Muresu bass, Max Russino drums

APRIL 2008

1st April - Bobby Wellins tenor sax, with Mike Capocci piano, Ivars Galenieks bass, Marc Parnell drums

8th April - Gary Kavanagh trumpet, with the Mike Capocci Trio

15th April - Kaz Simmons Band, with Kaz Simmons vocals & guitar, Sam Crockatt tenor sax, Dave Smith drums, Ivo Neame piano, Simon Thorpe bass

22nd April - John Barnes with the Mike Capocci Trio

29th April - Neale Ridding flute, alto sax & piano, with the Mike Capocci Trio

MAY 2008

6th May - Tim Kliphuis violin, Phil Brooke guitar, Mike Capocci piano, Mike Harris bass

13th May - Joanna Eden vocals/piano, Mike Capocci vibes/piano, Mike Harris bass, Charlie Price drums

20th May - The Organ Trio with Stan Sulzmann - Stan Sulzmann tenor sax, Jim Mullen guitar, Mike Gorman organ, Matt Skelton drums

27th May - Simon Spillett tenor sax, Mike Capocci piano, Mike Harris bass, Brian McAllister drums

June 2008

3rd June - Tim Densham reeds and Simon Denny vocals, with the Mike Capocci Trio

10th June - Jasper Smith guitar, with the Mike Capocci Trio

17th June - Albert Cooper (75 today) with the Chris Cooper Trio

24th June - Mark Crooks tenor sax/clarinet, with the Mike Capocci Trio

July 2008

-----next event -----

1st July - The Green Man Swing and Jump Band. Mike Capocci piano, Mike Harris bass,Brian McAllister drums, Martin Eaton tenor sax, Derek Cubitt vocals/clarinet, Phil Brooke guitar

8th July - Kate Williams Quartet. Kate Williams piano, Steve Kalestad tenor sax,Jeremy Brown bass, Tristan Malliott drums

15th July - Dean Masser tenor, with the Mike Capocci Trio, Marc Parnell drums

22nd July - Val Wiseman vocals, with the Mike Capocci Trio

29th July - The Mike Capocci Quintet. Mike Capocci piano, Mike Harris bass, Brian McAllister drums, Martin Eaton tenor sax, Gary Kavanagh trumpet. Special guest from the USA - John Castleman trumpet

August 2008

5th August - Ronnie Hughes trumpet, with the Mike Capocci Trio

12th August - Tommy Whittle and Barbara Jay, with the Mike Capocci Trio

19th August - Colin Watling tenor sax, with the Mike Capocci Trio

26th August - Andi Hopgood tenor sax and vocals, with the Mike Capocci Trio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Green Man

Wroxham Road, Rackheath

Norwich, NR13 6NQ

01603 782 693 (table reservations)


Ring to book a table


GOOD FOOD and all that JAZZ

The Green Man, Wroxham Road, Rackheath

DEREK JAMES

Reproduced courtesy of the Evening News, Norwich, 2 November 2007. For more news and reviews, visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk
 

There are occasions when you go out for a meal and the food itself takes second place… and that's what happened when we paid our first visit to this remarkable pub. Because we had joined what must be the greatest free show in the whole of Norfolk.

The party takes places at the charming Green Man public house at Rackheath every Tuesday night - when some fine jazz musicians are playing. The sessions are presented by Mr McJazz and run by a woman who has done more to promote local jazz than anyone else I can think of - Barbara Capocci. Her husband Mike is the stylish Norwich pianist and his trio are regular entertainers along with the world famous drummer Jack Parnell who is now in his 80s and not playing so much this coming winter.

It's about seven years since the jazz club moved to the Green Man from the Red Lion at Thorpe and we have been meaning to visit for a long time.

We had heard good things about the Green Man and especially the jazz nights so when some friends invited us along - we jumped at it.

The moment you walk into this traditional country pub the atmospheres reaches out to grab you. It's difficult to explain what it is. It just makes you feel at ease with the world - like listening to jazz.

The Green Man stands well but it is bigger inside than I had imagined.

And it's clear this is a jazz pub from the old instruments hanging on the walls and ceiling and the photographs of jazz legends.

You need to book. Especially on Tuesday nights. The music starts at around 8.30pm so you can eat before or during it.

When we went the guest player was a friendly and accomplished tenor sax man Dean Masser - who was travelling back to Wigan after the gig. Some trip!

The music was out of the top draw. Shut your eyes and you could almost imagine yourself sitting in a top London club. These guys know how to play.

Oh and I almost forget.

As for the food…it was on a par with the music. First rate. For example.

I had fried crispy whitebait followed by pan fried lemon sole (on the bone) then Belgian waffle with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice-cream. It tasted as good as it sounds.

My friends had the Green Man prawn and crayfish tail cocktail followed by the slow cooked shoulder of English lamb. Puddings selected were crème brulee and chocolate torte with walnut and maple ice-cream.

Any moans or groans?

None. Not even with the bill that came to about £95 for the four of us and that included drinks.

The food was hot and tasty and served with a smile.

The wine list was also pretty impressive and there were some good local beers on offer.

The Green Man has a lot going for it. A top country pub offering good food and drink along with a warm atmosphere. It is worth as visit at any time… but it is the jazz that makes it special, very special.

Go and see for yourself. And if you do go on a Tuesday then please buy some raffle tickets to support the jazz club.

  • The Green Man, Wroxham Road, Rackheath; 01603 782693

  • Style - charming pub
    Wheelchair access - yes
  • Food - four stars
  • Drinks - four stars
  • Service - four stars
  • Atmosphere - five stars (top rating)