I had ventured out into the big city once again, to hear the music master and it was 9.40pm when Gerard kicked off with a new starter to fool me. It was "This is a lovely way to spend an evening" and I couldn‘t agree more. He segued it straight into "Taking a chance on love."
Next a beautiful tune "All because of love", from the new album. Gerard told us that this had also now been recorded by Jack Jones
"I've been married" was followed by "Time between the time" and this was played and dedicated to Jenny.
Next, "Chocolate" with some very clever lyrics and a great melody and is from Gerard's new musical 'Beach Radio'.
"Do I love you" is a brilliant Cole Porter song, and it was brilliantly sung by Gerard.
After "And all that jazz" we heard "When sunny gets blue" this is such a beautiful song and was sung to soulful perfection. A short medley of hits, "Ddd dancing/New York New York" brought forth 'Rosie‘s poppers ' and the now traditional carnival atmosphere.
"Fantasy" Still my favourite! was wonderful, but then again I am biased, but only slightly!
Rounding off the first half was "One more turn" written for Wayne Sleep's Hot shoe shuffle show!
Part two commenced at 11.15pm. and "One lonely voice" came first, followed by Billy Joel's "These Days" nicely joined to Count Basie's "The best is yet to come"
"I'm glad there is you"/"Our love affair to remember" are two very laid back well known songs, but this time with Gerard's clever styling they were even sweeter.
"Crime that pays" brought us all back to reality and set feet tapping.
"My funny valentine" was dedicated for Matt Munro's daughter Michelle who was in the audience.
Very amusing lyrics to "Everything happens to me" and the song was enjoyed by all.
Gerard played "Georgia" in a blusie 12/8 style and as always, handled it so well and played such a fabulous solo.
"She believe's in me" I think is one of Gerard's current favourites, and is another from his forth coming new album.
Gerard asked for requests, and heard someone shout "Autumn leaves". He started into it then paused. I thought he was then going into a new song, but he continued the tune and turned it into a grand concerto piece, with glissandos all over the place. I was amazed. Then, without stopping he magically slid into "The other woman the other man" This segue from one into "the other" was unbelievable! Gerard surely has a very high musical IQ. I was knocked out!
Time to round off the evening with a few more hits, starting with "I could be so good for you" then "I made it through the rain". Some idiot at the back shouted out for "Night and Day" and Gerard duly obliged!, Jenny made me shout it!
Everyone joined in with the final song "Smile" and at 12.05 Gerard left the stage.
It's a strange feeling driving home with Gerard's wonderful music still in my ears, knowing I now have to wait until the birthday party to hear the music master, live, once again.
More please Gerard!