“one of the World’s top ten uniquely talented traditional jazz bands”.
Originally inspired as a purely New Orleans band over 40 years ago, the band has absorbed various musical influences to become a uniquely talented, and entertaining jazz band. 200 gigs a year, theatres, riverboats, functions, jazz clubs, and festivals, keep the band ‘on song’.
Naturally over the last years some of the original players have had to be replaced. Roy Potts, has only missed the first week of the band’s existence and has been singing, playing the trumpet and leading the band ever since. The three remaining members of the band that will qualify for a full pension in due course are; Dave Alexander, that guru of the guitar and the banjo; the inimitable Chris Wright on drums with his special vocals and humour. They have an almost 100% attendance playing with the band during its live performances on TV, radio and in concert, and tours throughout Britain, Europe, and North America. Dave Burke who occupied the chair of the reeds on and off through the 70’s and 80’s has returned. Tim Kitchener, has settled into a most influential bass role with the band. Pete Fryer, played trombone in the very early days of the band and after a very illustrious musical career has returned home.
A large part of the band’s work is private concerts. The sixth Duke of Westminster’s Eaton Hall concert, takes place the week after the Upton Jazz
Festival in 2008. The band leads the trend to fans’ tours abroad, having completed its 4th trip to Portugal in May of this year. The band has been requested to trip ‘deep into the heart of Texas’. Arrangements are in hand.
Music is from any period from 1920 to 2000, to suit the situation with a concentration on tight ensemble playing with that essentials of jazz, humour and entertainment!
ROY
POTTS’ FIVE AND A PENNY BAND
We are pleased
to play jazzclubs and festivals
all over Britain tofitin with our private bookings.
