Reproduced by kind permission of jazzrendezvous
THE BAND
The Jazz Gentlemen first came together in 2004 as a pick-up band for a gig in St Helens. We enjoyed it so much and the music swung so sweetly that we just had to keep it going. Since then, we’ve had a string of enthusiastic receptions and become regulars at a number of N.W. venues, with people often telling us how much they enjoy the freshness and variety of our music.
This variety is no doubt due to the fact that the members of the band have a number of jazz interests and backgrounds, making for a stimulating mix. Our repertoire reflects this, ranging from W.C. Handy, Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, and Sidney Bechet to Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Horace Silver, not to mention the ‘great American songbook’.
Our main aim is to play lively, entertaining jazz that really gets those feet a’ tappin’.
THE MUSIC
Classic jazz to swing - New Orleans to Harlem by way of Chicago - that’s the musical territory the band occupies. Our programmes include traditional stompers, rags and blues plus mainstream swingers and standards, a variety audiences often say they enjoy.
Naturally, we like to put our own stamp on a number, as well as offering a balance between well-known and less well-known tunes.
There will usually be a ballad or two, perhaps featuring a member of the front line, and there’s plenty of scope for the soloists in the band to make an impact.
We also like to include one or two fun numbers, such as Derek Skepper’s version of The Faithful Hussar (sung in German with audience participation) or his alternative versions of How Deep Is The Ocean and Just A Gigolo.
Whatever the tune, we get a great kick out of "swingin’ that music".
The Line-up -
THE FRONT LINE
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Terry Brunt is hugely popular with audiences, both in Britain and on the continent, with his trademark beret and scarf. He’s been a member of a number of the North’s top bands, most recently Mart Rodger’s Manchester Jazz and his natural enthusiasm and joie de vivre are expressed in his music. His showmanship is legendary, but he’s also a terrific player, hugely versatile, and a wizard with the mute. With Terry, you can always be sure you’ll get maximum value." |
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Terry Porter: hails from the London area, but moved north a few years ago, which was certainly the north’s gain. Taught by the legendary Harry Hayes, he’s a tremendous player on clarinet, saxes and flute - in fact he’s even been known to bring along his piccolo ! He was a pro on the London scene, playing with Sid Philips, Eric Winstone and several BBC bands, touring with Danny Moss and often sharing the stage with the great Spike Robinson. |
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Derek Skepper: is much admired by other musicians for the sheer lyricism of much of his playing, along with his penchant for cheeky quotes. He was a member of Chester’s Phoenix Jazz Band and appeared more recently with Razzamajazz and Doctor Jazz. Along with Terry, he handles the vocal chores. |
THE RHYTHM
SECTION
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Maurice Gavan: was for many years clarinetist with the highly-rated Smoky City Jazz Band, but he’s also a fine pianist who has led his own bands, besides featuring with the Don Long band at Ganders Go South. Relishing his role in a dynamic rhythm section, he’s sometimes heard to yelp in delight when the band’s really swinging ! Maurice can vary his style according to the material, contributing some fine solos and a rhythmic drive which can really lift the front line. |
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Keith Allcock: was, like
Derek, a member of Razzamajazz and Doctor Jazz. In the 60s and 70s, he
played in trios and quartets led by two fine pianists, John Rotherham
and Ken Lea, and later spent a couple of years with the Wirral-based
Panama Jazz Band. He’s also the band’s organiser. |
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Dick Nancarrow: is another former member of the Don Long band. Dick has backed many fine jazzmen, including Peanuts Hucko, Harry Edison, Kenny Baker, Humphrey Lyttleton, Alan Elsdon, and Bruce Turner. He also did stints with the Manchester Panama Jazz Band, the Colin Tomkins band and Doctor Jazz. He’s a forceful drummer with bucketfuls of swing, helping make this a band that can really motor. |
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ...
"The band went down a treat."
ES, Mad for Trad Syndicate, Fleetwood.
"The best night we’ve ever had in this place."
JS, St Helens Bowling Club.
"The applause after each number told its own story.
Superb arrangements, and each musician a maestro in his own right. Every number
seemed to be a highlight, with surprises a plenty ! "
Press review of a gig at Rochdale Jazz Club.
"The entertaining and accomplished Jazz Gentlemen cover
the sublime to the rumbustious and a memorable evening is assured."
CE, Wirral Jazz Friends.
"Thanks for your wonderful gig at Southport Jazz
Festival. We hope to see you again some time."
PK, Heywood.
"Your band makes me feel 30 years younger!"
JLD, Hyde.
"That was a superlative set."
MC, Rochdale.
"We thoroughly enjoyed all your music on the night of
(our daughter’s) wedding. You really made the evening go with a swing and
everyone had a great time listening and dancing to the performance. We will be
eternally grateful to you all and will certainly recommend you to other people
in the future."
PS, St Helens.
For bookings, please contact:
Keith Allcock, 23, Troutbeck Grove, St Helens, WA11 7NW.
Phone: 01744 631091. Email: kallcock*blueyonder.co.uk (please use normal email format using @ instead of *
