Our first guest of 2007 was John Romero from Eastbourne, who certainly livened up the evening with some very interesting music. It was a complete change from the normal sounds that we hear at the club. He showed us just what wonderful things the accordion is capable of nowadays, a complete orchestra, all on its own.

The evening began with Tracey playing some nice Jigs and Polkas and then "Carte Postale." This led straight into our guest John, who began by playing his acoustic accordion with some fine pieces including "Lolita"- a Spanish waltz "Mariouska" and three French waltz pieces, "Under Paris Skies" and "Under the Bridges of Paris," rounded off with "The Maigret Theme" (this medley being his own arrangement). John then explained all about his marvellous personalised midi accordion, a completely new concept of equipping out an accordion by using optical sensing electronics within the accordion. This special midi rig allows not only for initial and after touch but the ability to change the tonal characteristics of the notes played from the keyboard. It was interesting to know that none of his music was pre-recorded. He entertained us with pieces in a Mantovani style with versions of "Limelight," "Charmaine" and "Edelweiss" and other easy listening standards such as Richard Clayderman's "Ballade Pour Adelaine."He also delved into Eighties pop classics such as Jean Michel Jarre's "Oxygene" and back to Latin standards like "Return to Me" and "I will wait for you," yet another complete contrast finished the first half with "Bridge over the River Kwai." Now midi is not everyone's cup of tea, but its good to hear a variety.

During the interval Alf played two nice tunes and was followed by Neil who played a Scottish Hornpipe, a Strathspey and a March. Terry charmed us with "Radetzky March","Amapola" and "I'll Stay with You." Andy was next with "A Hundred Pipers" and a folk song. Finally it was the turn of Ingrid and Richard to play "Libainlea"and "La Cumparsita."

John began the second half using "organ" sounds with a few singalongs including a Flannagan and Allen song "Underneath the Arches" which the audience enjoyed singing along to. Then came a beautiful modern piece - "The Wind Beneath my Wings." A rendition of "River Dance" followed. This started with "Lament for Matthew" a piece he wrote himself and led to the main" The Lord of the Dance Theme" Also included in the second set was a truly amazing version of "The Dr Who Theme" and the night was finished off with a major arrangement of "The Dark Isle." Bravo!! It was an extremely entertaining evening!!Being a professional organist/keyboard player, John understands the full capabilities of midi, splitting keyboards into several parts with the lower or upper parts playing single notes of one instrument and chords or single notes of other instruments underneath or above. He also made use of organ/keyboard specialities such as pre-programmed musical patterns based on the chords, or keys you press. This included with rhythmic drum patterns provides endless possibilities, well worth the very highly expensive setup. I doubt that other superb accordionists who are also aufay with an organ/keyboard to the same extent as John could obtain such an excellent use of the full midi possibilities of his setup.

Next month we are at a different venue for one month only. Just 1.5 miles down the road, the DDS&S Club at Bromsgrove, with free parking at the back, pay parking at the front. Go in the club up 6 steps and turn left into the large concert room - please come and sit close up! We have another great Entertainer in the Jersey Professional - Steve Roxton who entertains most nights of the week at various hotels in and around St. Helier. Don't forget to bring your accordions along to entertain the "crowd" during the interval, or at the start of the evening.