The Band was formed in 1984, making its debut at the Leeds and Liverpool Hotel in Brierfield, Nelson, establishing the regular Friday evening sessions that have become its hallmark. From there it moved to the Spring Bank Hotel (four years), the Wellsprings Inn at Sabden (five years), the Higher Trapp Hotel (two years), the Grey Mare at Belthorn (three years), the Holden Arms (three years), the Whitchaff (two years) and, briefly, the Coach & Horses.

Over the years there have been inevitable changes in personnel, but always the basic philosophy has been maintained - the fun of playing and the sharing of their enjoyment of Dixieland/Mainstream jazz with other enthusiasts and the general public.

A very popular band, it has performed regularly at venues throughout Lancashire and Yorkshire with occasional invitations to appear in Wales, the Wirral, the Lake District, Knebworth and Vitry-Sur-Seine, in France. Not only has the Band met demands for regular gigs but also for special occasions such as engagements, birthdays, retirements, weddings and christenings as well as promotional events for large, medium and small companies.

The current line-up is as follows: Dave Ellison (clarinet/alto sax); Eddie Taylor (tmb.); Frank Lowe(bass); Colin Mason (dms.). The third rhythm member can vary with specially-invited guests joining on guitar/banjo or piano. In addition, the trumpet spot has been excellently filled by Ian Royle who is currently our main special guest.

Ian had an ideal start in music: his dad played trumpet in a dance band and was soon teaching him the rudiments. He quickly progressed to a Brass Band where his ensemble-playing techniques were developed and, at the age of twelve, he was appearing regularly on 3rd. trumpet alongside his dad in the Sid Lewis sixteen-piece Big band at Stockport. On arriving at his local Grammar School he joined an embryo jazz band and began to explore another area - small group jazz. He did not become a professional musician until he reached the age of 28, even though he had combined his full-time job with a very demanding schedule of evening and weekend playing. He became a well-known face and a highly-respected figure, especially in the Blackpool area appearing with the Charlie Barlow Orchestra at the Tower Ballroom and then with the Winter Gardens Orchestra for more than 24 years. In addition, he has played with Syd Lawrence, the Millionaires, the New Squadronaires and the famous Northern Radio Orchestra. He has broadcast regularly and featured on over a dozen CDs. Ian increasingly relishes the opportunity to play in a small group setting and is in demand at numerous jazz festivals where he appears mainly as a freelance soloist. The Pendle Jazzmen are delighted that such a gifted and experienced player has agreed to join us regularly on the majority of our engagements.

David's interest in jazz started around the age of fifteen when he thought he would like to be a drummer or a trombonist. In the event, a friend was playing in a band that needed a clarinetist so David acquired a £4 instrument from a "junk shop" and filled the vacancy. The band went on to win a young talent competition and an engagement at his local (Leeds) Town Hall. David continued playing - with a number of bands - whilst at College in London in the 1960s but gave up when he married and moved back up North. He started playing again around eighteen years ago and, in addition to his regular place with the Pendle Jazzmen, is in demand for his services in both Lancashire and Yorkshire. Dave is an excellent soloist as well as an fine ensemble player: a reflection of the many hours he devotes to practising.

Eddie is one of the few brass players actually to start on the trombone which he did at the age of twelve - despite a distinct lack of encouragement from his dad. His musical talent soon became apparent and he joined the Blackburn Military band and, later, graduated to the Big Band which entertained dancers at the King George's Hall. Around the same time he enjoyed the relative freedom of a small band - the Crown Jazzmen, playing traditional jazz. He played for two years with the Dave Howard Showband at Blackburn Mecca. During that period he formed his own group, the Cleveland Sound, a four-piece dance band. Amazingly, this lasted for thirty-three years! Recently, he has been working with a keyboard and guitar using the available new technology to provide varied "backing" for the trio. Eddie has a superbly smooth - yet passionate - style and an enviable ability to acquit himself brilliantly, as a soloist or in ensemble passages, in whatever tune or key is suggested. He is also an accomplished vocalist.

Frank Lowe (Double Bass)

Colin started listening to dance band and jazz music in the mid-fifties before purchasing an old set of drums (for £20) and playing in a "skiffle" group at his local church. He studied to be a teacher and whilst at college helped to form a jazz group. The demands of the profession left little time for playing - except cricket where he was a stalwart of the local League for no less than five decades! A growing interest by his children (two of whom now have degrees in Music) revived Colin's own interest and he began to study and play timpani and percussion with the Burnley Municipal Symphony Orchestra before returning to his first love - jazz. He studied New Orleans, Mainstream and Be-bop drumming with the acclaimed teacher/drummer, Dave Hassell. Poor health brought about enforced early retirement but by husbanding his limited energy and strength he has been able to set up, organise and conduct the very successful Burnley Alliance JUNIOR Brass Band with it's aim of sharing the enjoyment of music making with the local community. He also plays with the Senior Alliance Band but has relinquished his role in the Kings Park Big Band and the Orchestra in order to concentrate his time and effort dealing with the administration of the Pendle Jazzmen, of which he was a founder member.