Mark Porter

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 12:25 pm

Wow, I have to say that sounds a really great show-and what a terrific selection of songs.

Thanks to Harry,Lena & Marian & Peter for representing us, and telling us all about it.

Mark and the boys--looks like you did a fabulous job there!

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 1:42 pm

They did do a fabulous job Marian, and oh!! we forgot

they did sing one of your special favourite songs "THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT "
and we have to add that Mark's Johnny Mathis impression is brilliant.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:41 pm

How could we have forgotten that one, "The Way You Look Tonight" of course...Was that the one that had been arranged for Michael Buble, Lena?

Also couldn't think of the Hoagy Carmichael number? but have just remembered another song, "Little Old Wine Drinker Me," or in this instance it was "Little Old Wine Drinkers Three"!!

Some info on Tony Benedict on www.usoproductions.co.uk/tonybenedict.htm

I'm listening to the "Kings of Swing"CD at the moment- just great!
Paul Pashley at only 28, certainly has a wonderful future ahead of him. He also has a CD out, "Curtain Up".
Also Mark's impression of John Wayne was very good too!!!

Marian

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:45 pm

Yes, it was almost impossible to remember every song, there were so many, but one of the Michael Buble's number was "MOONDANCE" and the Hoagy Carmichael song was " UP A LAZY RIVER."
Yes Paul is an unbelivable young talent just listen to him on his web-site. How could you not want his music www.paulpashley.com/news.htm we shall definitely have to have his CD. "Curtain Up"

Tony Benedict has all the news availabe of other similar shows.

We are listening again to Mark's CD, Beautiful songs beautifully sung.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:13 pm

Thanks for remembering those two Lena and Harry. I'll add them to my earlier list with the others. Probably better to have them listed all in one place. We'll get there eventually!

Paul's CD is entitled "Curtain Up". I made the same mistake at first and had to change it, mixing it up with Jack Jones who does have an album "Curtain Time."

I agree about Mark's album Lena and Harry, definately a must have!

I think we've got our own little "KOS" fan club starting here!!!

Marian

paul jh · Post by **paul jh** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:32 pm

Thanks for the detailed reviews and the set list. It sounds like a fabulous show which likely introduced many people to swing music and standards. That's just great! The track listing contains a bit too many well-known standards for my taste, but I know most people like to hear those songs over and over again. I like to be introduced to new music as well as hear the familiar songs. At least the Drinker song is new for me. And Artificial Flowers isn't heard much these days. I'm assuming Moondance is Van Morrison's wonderful song. Of course, I would have no knowledge that the other singer mentioned above recorded it. The second best version after Van's is by Marian from Kent.

Did the band play any solo numbers? In my opinion, in a swing show there's nothing better than hearing a live band playing hot instrumentals.

How nice for Mark to mention the Matt Monro Maniacs in the audience!

So pleased that he performed and sang so well, as he is a great guy (from meeting him at the second Fans Reunited).

jon · Post by **jon** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:08 pm

Mark seemed a very nice guy when I met him at the Fans Reunited Meet-up (he was in our quiz team). But I didn't realise he did a Johnny Mathis impression. Lena and Harry, which JM song(s) did he do with his impression? I'm keen to know.

mark porter · Post by **mark porter** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:16 pm

Thanks to Marian, Peter, Lena and Harry for coming along to the Beck last night it, was great to see you all, glad you enjoyed it and Many thanks for the reviews .Thats very kind.
We all enjoy doing the show , who wouldnt with such an opportunity to sing all these marvellous standards. We have been on the road now for a couple of years and are building up a fantastic following , these things take time but its happening thanks to the support from people like yourselves. KEEP MUSIC LIVE !!

with the imminent departure of michael parkinson on radio 2 and the uncertain future of the same style of music in that sunday morning slot, we need to do all we can to promote our kind of music the music of the great composers and arrangers and first class performers , one of whom is the reason we are all on this forum Matt Monro.

mark porter · Post by **mark porter** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:19 pm

you liked my johnny mathis eh!! hehe dont know where that came from it just happened on the night i usually do bing crosby there!!! the song was my way not associated with johnny of course but when we do that song we throw in a few impersonations.

Mark Fox · Post by **Mark Fox** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:36 pm

Hi,Mark-seems an age since we saw you&the boys-must try to catch up soon?

Lena & Harry Smith · Post by **Lena & Harry Smith** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 6:14 pm

Jon sorry, can't remember the song. This was one of a few in succession, and was all just so much part of this blended talent .

mark porter · Post by **mark porter** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 6:20 pm

hi mark,
yes its ages since you saw the show at York, il keep you posted when we are in the area. if you are around london in september next year we are booked in at the Paladium, its a sunday night.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 11:18 pm

When you know the date Mark, please let us know.
Marian

mariana44 · Post by **mariana44** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 12:28 am

Phew!! Lots of news there to catch up on---yes Harry & Lena--"The way you look tonight " is one of my favourite songs-and I love Michael Buble's version of it.

Paul-I do not remember singing "Moondance"---how many glasses of wine did I have ????

I had a listen to Paul Pashley on his site---a really good voice there.

"The Kings of Swing" seem a really talented group of singers.

Marian · Post by **Marian** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:35 am

The band did play some solo instrumentals Paul.. "Hooray for Hollywood"I remember especially, and a Glenn Miller Medley of all the well known numbers, plus others I can't quite recall. The pace of the show was fast and it was all exciting stuff, mostly during the vocalists suit changes.
Just wanted to mention how smart they all looked.

Marian