Report by: Brian Waters

Performer : Tony Whittaker
Instruments : Korg M1 Synthesizer also on stage was a Kerzweil Digital piano.

Popular Organist and Entertainer Tony Whittaker from Lemington Spa made his ever first visit to Peterborough last Thursday 8 th June to perform a concert for us on

Korg M1 Synthesizer also on stage was a Kerzweil Digital piano.

A selection of Sambas started the evening’s entertainment including: Quando ,Quando, Quando, Peanut Vendor, and Naturally and this was followed by some George Gerswhin music [ Hammond Organ style]] we heard ‘Love Walked Right in’ Lady be Good, Nice work if you can get it and S’Wonderful..

All the Music from the Musical Hit show South Pacific including; Younger than Springtime,v and ‘Some enchanted Evening’ all well played on the Korg. Tony was using the sounds well

A selection of Novelty music including Baby Elephant Walk and the Flora Dance were amongst them this was all good fun!

Then some Shearing sounds ‘Little White Lies’, ‘Lullaby of Bird land’ and ‘After you’ve Gone’- all great tunes played great with the George Shearing Sound!

Then up to the interval Tony played on the Piano ‘All I ask of you’ and Music of the Night. these were very nicely played and then we heard Satin Doll by Duke Ellington. New York, New York took us to the interval.

Tony was friendly with everyone and chatted with the audience during the interval, he had some of his C’ds on show; we held the raffle before going into the second half.

Back on the Korg for the start of the second half with some big band numbers including ‘In the Mood,’ Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree and ‘Sentimental Over You’,

Moonlight Serenade and others , it sounded very good from the Korg synthesizer.

Then Tony invited everyone to participate and had people Clapping to the ‘Pink Panther’ then we heard ‘Buttons and Bows’ music from the ‘Big Country’

‘Whip Crack Away’ ‘Titanic’ and, Walking in the Air’.

Over to the piano again for a couple of Classical pieces beautifully played Chopin: Etude in E major better known as ‘How deep is the night’ followed by a selection from Carman.

Back on the Synthesizer a selection of music by the popular group ‘Abba’ the sounds used were excellent for this selection

After some Rousing Marches - Tony got the audience involved when he asked them to Guess the Intro and a member guessed correctlythe song being the Ted Heath hit Hot Toddy.

We had some music by the ‘Shadows’ then some Greek Music with the audience Clapping to a great piece called Zorbas Dance. We were all invited to sing- a- long-these seem to down well with everyone all the oldies- to mention just a few ‘Run Rabbit Run’ Pack up your Troubles Hang out your washing etc etc…..

At the end everyone of course wanted more and Tony completed a really great evenings entertainment on the piano with a selection of Vera Lynn Songs. Tony has only been on the Organ circuit about four years but is a true musician.

He has been in the music business for many years, he plays music for dancing and was musical Director for the BBC 30 th Birthday Variety Show- please see his Website for more information.

Our thanks go to Tony Whittaker for providing a great nights entertainment

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