A North Leeds Jewish band with an average age of 75 has recorded a charity video.

Calling themselves the 753 Lockdowns, their version of jazz standard All Of Me was recorded over Zoom and mobile phone from their homes in Moortown and Alwoodley.

Proceeds will benefit Yorkshire Cancer Research, a charity close to the heart of the quartet as the singer, Stan Glucksman, 72, has an incurable cancer.

Other group members are 84-year-old Morton Shapero (keyboards and harmonica), Phil Cammerman, 78, (clarinet) and the baby of the band, guitar player Loz Levin, 66.

Prior to the pandemic, the long-time friends met up regularly to rehearse at Mr Shapero’s home, the number 753 in the band’s title. But with Mr Glucksman’s diagnosis and the group’s advanced years, they felt it was unsafe to continue their jamming sessions.

When they hit upon the idea of recording together via Zoom, Mr Shapero recommended video producer Simon Marcus, who had remotely filmed him as part of the local Sinai Reform synagogue choir for streamed services.

“The boys were so professional that they all laid down their contributions within one or two takes,” Mr Marcus said.

“Once I had their individual recordings, I mixed the audio to make it sound as if they were live in the same room.”

The group last performed in person at a fundraising gig at the Brodetsky Primary School towards the end of 2019.

Mr Glucksman said he was “very proud” of 753 Lockdown’s take on the classic song, which was made famous by musical greats including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. “I was diagnosed with incurable cancer two years ago and I hope this helps to raise much-needed funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research, as well as giving people pleasure.”

Mr Cammerman, choirmaster at Leeds’ UHC synagogue, added: “We miss playing together so much. The pandemic has affected everyone’s lives and this project has been hugely positive for all of us.”

Yorkshire Cancer Research chief executive Dr Kathryn Scott said: “It’s heartwarming when people are able to turn difficult times into something so positive. I think they’ve all done a fantastic job. We are grateful they have decided to raise funds to support vital research in Yorkshire.”

https://tinyurl.com/753lockdowns