The Show follows Bessie's recording career, illustrating each song with an anecdote. A white 'Bessie' whilst acceptable in the Arts Venues, might have been a problem in the Mainstream Theatre, but Marcia's ability to get into Bessie's character and voice, singing her part in the true classical acoustic style was definitive. Keith moved effortlessly from James P Johnson to Jelly Roll Morton and with the rest of the cast….. Will Gaines, The Jiving Lindyhoppers, John Lee on Clarinet and Sax/Set Design, John Gibbon on Drums, Dave Silk on Bass/ Sound and Pete Selby as Narrator, the show was a sure fire success but although it was offered to the Theatrical Entrepreneurs such as Campbell Mackintosh etc no one felt that Jazz would be a commercial Success.

Marcia's dream was to enlarge the cast of the Show and put it into the West End with a young cast and a young Bessie, whom she could school into the part. Marcia did so much research when writing the Show, she feels she knows Bessie well and the script is factually correct . She feels that Bessie was the cornerstone of Jazz Vocalisation and is not given the recognition she deserves particularly in Jazz Education curricula's.

The alternative is to produce the Show for Radio and that is now under consideration. Keith and Marcia always timed their visits to Madeira to coincide with Marcia's Birthday….. Valentines and they would always play the St Valentines Ball.

In 2002 the night after huge celebrations for Marcia's 60th birthday, they were playing a small gig, Keith was not feeling too well, but insisted on playing, not wishing to disappoint anyone.

They kicked off with 'Please don't talk about me when I'm gone'

By the time Keith picked up the tempo 2 chorus's in, he was in difficulties, a blockage of the main artery into the heart caused him to pass out and he could not be revived.

He was 68 yrs old, he lived his life as he died, the way he always wanted to.

An undiscovered British Treasure, to most people, but to those who were fortunate enough to know and love him and his Music, he will always be around, he was larger than life!

The years since Keith's passing have been very busy for Marcia and her daughters, after a very short break from singing, Marcia jumped into the deep end by fulfilling a booking at the Abersoch Jazz Festival 2002.

With two guitars taking the place of the irreplaceable Piano, Marcia moved slightly sideways musically speaking, bringing in a different emphasis on rhythm and sounding more laid back still interpreting the Standards as only she can and swinging as she always did.

The next milestone was Brecon Jazz Festival.

Marcia found this particularly emotional and difficult but it had to be done, her concerts were full and although many people found it difficult to attend, they did and have been doing ever since.

There is a feeling amongst Jazz Fans and Musicians alike, that Marcia willingly stood in Keith's shadow, she was perfectly aware of his unique talent and always made sure that he was 'up front' with his audiences. Now however she has become a solo artist in the full sense of the word, she has taken on the responsibility of her Band and has learned to stand alone, not having the tremendous reliability of Keith's strong piano lines to fall back on.

She says "...I thank the boys in the Band for making me get back to it..."

It says something about the Jazz sense of humour, when Stan Traceys' latest offering is 'at seventy something'. No collaboration I assure you."