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07/05/08 - Hi Fred, Just a quick note to let you and your readers know that, a week ago I was elected chairman of the jazz section committee of the Musicians Union. Any Union member who plays jazz, of any style, can become a member of the jazz section simply by asking and will receive the regular jazz section newsletter as well as all the benefits of Union membership which are growing all the time - particularly with so much legislation creeping into our lives. Anyone with an issue with which they think the jazz section can help should contact me at chris.walker@swingtet.co.uk and, providing they are MU members, we'll do our best to help.- Chris Walker
07/05/08 - Hi Fred, Once again thanks for all the valuable info on your pages, but what a disappointment to see the decline of superb work of Bob Erwig & the You Tube video listings. We must be thankful for Sean Moyes brilliant Radio programme (365) to enable us to listen to our brand of old noise. Thanks Sean! Lets hope that Bob can continue his project in the near future.. The Jubilee Jazz Band (COSTA BLANCA) is very busy with regular bookings, if any musicians ,singers etc are on holiday in our area, please come along for a blow & a pint. - Ted Brown
06/05/08 - Radio Two is drawing up plans for a series of tribute shows to its long-serving presenter Humphrey Lyttelton He will be remembered with a tribute show the BBC station is planning to broadcast on the Bank Holiday Monday of May 26 in a slot still to be confirmed. It is also looking to air a concert performance featuring the jazz musician and broadcaster as well as repeat the final edition of Best of Jazz, which first went out on Monday, March 17 and featured 10 tracks that represented landmarks in his life. Meanwhile, Radio Four is planning a day of tributes to Humph. The tributes on Sunday, June 15 will include repeats of his guest appearance on Desert Island Discs and his jazz programme The King Of the Swingers.
06/05/08 - Fred, So sorry to hear of the sudden death of Mike Gilman. He often sat in with us (The Tame Valley Stompers) at our gigs in Ashton. His drumming always seemed so jolly and so full of life. Alas, no more. All of his friends from The Beaky and The Turnpike send their condolences to his fiancee and family. - Noel Broadgate.
06/05/08 - Mike Gilman's funeral arrangements are included in Joe Silmon's obituary which you can access by clicking here, (see also News item 30/04/08). It takes place on 13th May, 12:30, at St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church, Ashton-Old-Road, Fairfield, Manchester M11 1GR.
06/05/08 - Steve Voce wrote to tell me that he arose at 4.50 am yesterday to travel to East Finchley for Humph's funeral. He writes, "As you'll imagine the turnout at the crematorium was massive, with the jazz element outnumbering the I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue followers by about ten to one. It filled the chapel and an overflow room and many people stood outside the building.". You can read the rest of Steve's report on the day on this site via Jazz Extras.
06/05/08 - Coming hotfoot from headlining at the Theatre By The Lake at this year’s Keswick Jazz Festival will be special guest Duke Heitger from New Orleans who will be appearing with The Lake Records All Star Jazz Band on Monday 12th May, 7:30pm at Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven. Tickets: are £14 & £12 Concessions. Ticket Enquiries: 01946 692422
06/05/08 - Tony Scott has invited me to look up www.jazzfive.dk, he says he saw the band at the Breda jazz festival. "It's a slightly different line up but one of the best bands I have seen in ages, they where incredible, great atmosphere sense of humour and an incredible stage presence. They're on YouTube but much better with a great trumpet player and real excitement. He sent me a picture of the band marching in the street and said, "It's a marching band who could swing I think that we may well be invaded soon by young people from Europe the music too good to fade away. It was so good to hear young people who were enjoying the music so much.".
06/05/08
- I
managed to get down to my local jazz club on Sunday (Moor
Park), albeit arriving a little late. Mike Lovell's Six in a
Bar + 1 were playing and I was quite taken aback as I walked
in to see them all resplendent in brand new striped jackets.
Not only did they look well, but with the addition
of a 7th member, Dave Savil, (whom Mike includes to
satisfy the jazzers who don't believe it's jazz without a
trumpet), they sounded well too. I love the bass sax sound
of Colin Turner, and with the new addition of Harmony Hounds
string instrumentalist and vocalist, Chris Howse, Mike has developed a very
professional outfit. As he says, "It's important to
be able to entertain as well as play", and they
certainly did that. There's no
doubting Dave Saville was an excellent addition, but I also
find the two reed front line that Mike normally employs with
his 6 in a bar setup, a refreshing change of sound,
with Rosie Harrison occupied full time on reeds as well as
vocals. I'm hoping to include the band on the site soon.
06/05/08 - Trad. Jazz Radio has a brand new playlist for May. A very special one hour programme with clarinet ace Ian Wheeler is featured and has some very music involved. John Westwood has been helpful in tracking some of the recordings down. Ian with Ken Colyer live in Hamburg, 1958 is also part of the programme. The new playlist also has music by Alex Welsh, Kenny Ball, Bob Kerr, Acker Bilk, Chris Barber, Ken Colyer, Humphrey Lyttelton, Dutch Swing College Band, Champion Jack Dupree, Peruna Jazzmen, Jabbo Smith, Bix, Louis, Duke and Henderson, The Temperance Seven, Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Vintage Hot Orchestra, Terry Lightfoot, Christie Bros. Band, Max Collie, Millenium Eagles, Monty Sunshine and many, many more great sounds. http://www.live365.com/stations/seanmoyses
06/05/08 - Dumfries Jazz Club gig list has been updated to include June gigs.
06/05/08 - You think you got problems with junk email? The April-May Hot Jazz Channel internet radio show at www.radiojazz.co.uk is now live having been delayed by an unprecedented spam e-mail attack. Early one morning in the fourth week of April the site was crashed by the arrival of over 100,000 emails in its listener's letters area ! Details of the latest programme are now on this site via Jazz Extras
06/05/08 - "The revised Llangollen Jazz Festival this year will feature 3 traditional jazz bands which will be playing at the event on Sunday 11th May at the Royal International Pavilion", writes Charles Wilson. "The Echoes of New Orleans Jazz Band, is a band that I have put together for the festival and includes some members of the tuxedo jazz band. Great jazz in the New Orleans style. This will be followed from 3.30-4.30 by a jazz workshop for any new and inspiring musicians to come a long and have a go at playing traditional jazz. Also on that day, The River City Jazzmen. North Wales very own jazz band formed in the 1960's and still going strong albeit with some personnel changes the band dedicates itself to the preservation of Dixieland Jazz, and Jazz Rag - another great traditional band again from North Wales provide the concluding concert to this years event. Please come along and support our festival great jazz in a great location." Full details by clicking here.
06/05/08 - Details of the Wirral Jazz Friends Summer Hot Jazz Special with Mart Rodger M/cr Jazz in support of Clair House Children's Hospice are now available on the site.
06/05/08 - The Downtown Dixielanders will not be appearing at the Marlborough for the next two Wednesdays (7th & 14th) due to redecoration (pub, not band), but they will be back as usual on Weds 21 May.
04/05/08 - Mart Rodger has updated his band gig list on www.manchesterjazz.co.uk and tells me, "One of our fans, Alan Holmes is fund raiser for Romiley Tennis & Bowling Club. The pavilion was torched by some yobs and we are doing a "special" at Hyde Cricket Club on Wednesday 9th July - it's a long time since we played there and we are looking forward to it".
04/05/08 - The Wirral Jazz Friends have had to cancel their evening of 6th June to help the British Legion with a double booking. Details of the revised date of 27th June will be published on this site shortly. On the 10th October at the Royal British Legion, Heswall they will have an evening with the Merseysippi Jazz Band and the Tony Davis Band to show the flag for the hot music ignored in the City of Culture celebrations.
03/05/08 - Harry Swinburne has released the details of his next popular Bargain Jazz Weekend in Llandudno in October for just £80. The Blue Mags and the Chicago Teds will be playing over the weekend. Full details on the Jazz Festivals page.
01/05/08 - Don Bridgewood writes, "Two sessions worth noting -The Sun Street Stompers, featuring a dep for Barrie (struck down with the dreaded lurgy that morning -hope he has recovered) played an enjoyable session at the Horse & Farrier, Bentham. Much appreciated by the punters but if jazz can be re-established in the town more support would be appreciated. Then Wednesday, April 30th, lunchtime concert at the Platform, Morecambe, Grappelli-Django style from Hotcha. Good session, part of a series featuring all types of music. Both sessions no entry fees, with food and drink available at the Farrier".
01/05/08 - April saw 4421 visits to this web site. The previous month saw a record high of 4787 visits.
01/05/08 - Thanks to Barrie Marshall for letting me know that Radio 4 is to broadcast a Humphrey Lyttelton day on Sunday June 15 to to pay tribute to the jazz musician presenter, who died on Friday aged 86. I'll give another reminder nearer the time.
30/04/08 - "I just found out on Monday 28th April, that our dear old friend and colleague MIKE GILMAN (one of the most outstanding Jazz drummers in Manchester) passed away", writes Joe Silmon. Mike did some gigs with Turk Murphy's band in the 60's in the USA and on ships, then, homesick, he rejoined Stan Martin's trio for work back in the Manchester/Salford area. By now, the very well-known Stan Martin Trio (with Stan on piano, bassist unknown) had moved back into the realms of cabaret with 6-nights a week residency at The Talk of the North, in Eccles, where the trio remained until approximately the end of 1967. Joe has written a full obituary which you can read by clicking here
30/04/08 - John Westwood advises, "You may know that Ken Clarke put together an excellent programme for BBC Radio 4 which was transmitted this morning. Many personalities have things to say, and it'd be a pity to miss it. Fortunately it's on their 'Listen Again' service. Just click on 'listen to the latest show' by 'Humph....Celebration' at www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/progs/listenagain.shtml#h . I believe it'll be 'live' for the next 7 days.".
30/04/08 - Sean Moyses tells me that he's just putting the final touches to a special one hour programme called "The Ian Wheeler Story" which will feature on Trad Jazz Radio during the first two weeks of May. It is an interview with Ian featuring some of the highlights of his musical career and has Ken, Chris and Keith Smith amongst the cast.
30/04/08 - Hi Fred, I thought the Kenneth Clark tribute to Humph this morning was excellent, if he chose that last tune they played it was was well chosen, It was one that Humph penned himself and its called 'It's Over Now' - Barrie Marshall
30/04/08 - Hi Fred.. Just finished listening to Ken Clarke's excellent celebration of Humph's life on radio 4, which is a fitting tribute to the contribution he made to the music and to British humour through his chairmanship of Clue. I was privileged to have a conversation with him at a gig at Keele University last December the gist of which was that his present band was every bit as good as the one from the late fifties. I was referring to the band with the sax section of Tony Coe, Jimmy Skidmore and Joe Temperley and he wholeheartedly agreed. The fact that he could produce a band 50 years on to compare with one of his best, I think says it all. Irreplaceable. - Ian Boyes
30/04/08 - There is to be a tribute to Humphrey Lyttelton on BBC Radio 4 this morning at 9am. No doubt it will become available on Listen Again.
30/04/08 - Many Happy Returns of the day today to Sue Parish, jazz vocalist from Lancaster.
30/04/08 - Pip McKerrow wrote, "My father, Bill Scott (mentioned in 'Southport in the 1970s' by Phil Yates), died peacefully at home in Dorset last week. and any contact with members of the Alt River band or Dobb's Gutter band would be wonderful. I've just come upon your website having 'googled' George Lapsley's name, one of the many that my mother recalled from Southport days. Mum was very taken by the piece about dad that Phil Yates contributed and would love to get in contact with him. Can you help us please?". Well Phil has now been in contact and he writes, "I had a phone call from Judith Scott earlier this evening before I saw your message. Notwithstanding the sad news about Bill, we had a lovely chat reminiscing about the old days and catching up with various people. Judith would love to hear from any musicians and friends from the Southport days so if they would like to contact me I can pass on her details".
27/04/08 - The Lakes Jazzmen web page has been updated. New personnel and new photo.
26/04/08 - As part of The Blue Mags 40th anniversary celebrations guest bands have been booked (First Tues in the month ) for two- band sessions at the Tuesday residency throughout 2008. The first of these - Manchester Jazz, is on May 6th. See Web Page for more details
26/04/08 - Brian Harvey, who runs the on line jazz programme at www.radiojazz.co.uk, tells me that his biography of New Orleanian Kid Howard - trumpet man for many years with George Lewis - is now published by Jazzology Press of New Orleans and included with it is a CD of previously unreleased tracks and an interview with the Lewis band. The book was written with the help of Howard's family, his friends and colleagues in New Orleans. Copies are now available for purchase from the Jazzology web site and Brian is able to supply a few copies directly to enthusiasts in Europe. The book is a strictly limited edition and it's title - for the record - is - "The Hottest Trumpet - The Kid Howard Story by Brian Harvey".
26/04/08 - Hello Fred, Thank you for directing us towards the very sensitive obituary for Humphrey Littleton. I never knew him personally, but he appears to have been a wonderful, talented, educated, humorous, humble man, who was very successful at the variety of things that he loved doing. There’s been a lot of babble in the media this week, about “what is English?” He was typically English. Sadly, just below The Independent’s obituary, there was a notice for other items in this edition – “Whitehouse arrested for alleged headbutt”. Says it all, really! - Frank Slater
26/04/08 -The May edition of Just Jazz magazine has arrived and includes part 3 of the Spotlight article on Ottilie Patterson. You can see the rest of the magazine contents via Jazz Extras from the Main Menu
26/04/08 - "What sad news that Humph has passed on", writes Clive Thomas (Porthmadog Jazz Club). "Surely a Prince amongst jazzmen and we must always be truly proud of him. I was fortunate to have met him many many times at Maida Vale Studios where he presented Jazz Club (on my patch as a copper in London) and also at many charity events he supported throughout his life . Seeing him perform at Bridgewater Hall last Autumn together with Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball will stay as a very pleasant memory of a truly delightful personality .Well done Humph and a fond farewell from us all !!!".
26/04/08 - Unfortunately yesterday's news items on the death of Humphrey Lyttelton, was misdated 24th April and this has now been corrected. I have also just seen the most fascinating and comprehensive obituary I have ever read. It was written about Humph by the North West's own Steve Voce, for Monday's edition of The Independent, and you can now read it on line by clicking here. Chris Walker has also sent me a link to the BBC's obituary, which also includes a video tribute.
25/04/08 - Don & Margaret Ashworth have pointed out that there's a message on Humph's web site at www.humphreylyttelton.com and on that site, if anyone wants to leave a message, they can do.
25/04/08 - I've just been advised by Steve Voce and Ron Johnson that one of 'The Greats of British Jazz', Humphrey Lyttelton, died about 8pm this evening. Steve has written an obituary for The Independent, which will appear on Monday, and I'll publish the link as soon as I get it.
24/04/08 - Redrow Homes in Rochdale are holding "Open Days" at their new development at Naden Mill in Edenfield on Saturday and Sunday the 3rd and 4th of May. Visitors to the site will be entertained by the Tame Valley Stompers from 2.00pm till 4.00pm. The development is in Blackpits Road, off the Edenfield Road in Norden Village, near Rochdale, Post Code OL11-5NG. Is this a case of Buy a house and get one band free?
24/04/08 - I've just added a link to Amersham Jazz Club from the Links Page.
24/04/08 - The Wagon and Horses, in Lancaster, is closing for refurbishment, and the New Riverside Jazz Band's Thursday gigs at are moving until further notice to another pub on St George's Quay, the George and Dragon. This is the next pub closer to the city, and is just a few yards from the Wagon and Horses. They will be playing there on the following three dates - May 1st, May 15th and May 29th.
24/04/08 - Mary Allen wrote to tell me that "Bill and I went to the jazz at The Chatsworth in Llandudno last weekend. We very much enjoyed the "Cluskey Hopkins Band" who were playing on the Friday. They were all superb, talented musicians, and very entertaining. I love the trumpet player, he was always laughing and looked so happy! As usual, it was a full house there, and what a fantastic evening we had. The standard of musicianship was superb. Furthermore, they were entertaining! ". That was confirmed by Joe Silmon, but my restriction on allowing partaking musicians giving band plaudits, presented me with a problem, however, as Joe was guesting with the band, I allowed myself a little leeway. Joe wrote, " There were fans there in their 30s, 40s and 50s, as well as the predominant 70s (my age-group) and even 80s. What would we do without them? There were musicians there too. I only found out at the end of the session that we had "Jazz Royalty" in the audience: John Higham and Pete Darwin from the Merseysippi J/B. The line-up of Des's band, was: Des Hopkins (drs/ldr/voc.), Billy Hopkins (bs gtr/voc), Brian Mellor (bjo/gtr/voc), Andy Hillier (tbn/voc), Danny Hammerton (tpt, crnt, flg Hn, tbn/voc), myself (4 reeds, tnr sax refused to work; now fixed). Every member of the band participated in the vocals. Outstanding for their vocal contribution, though, were Andy, Des and Brian. Andy and Danny did two excellent trombone duets. These two young musicians are great now; the only way is up, from here onwards! We all had a great time. I liked the food too, and I can strongly recommend the deal". Harry tells me that the next Weekend in Llandudno will feature The Chicago Teddybears and The Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra, and he's hoping to bring back Des Hopkins and the band. More details when I get them.
24/04/08 - If anybody comes across Andrew Liddle, who has written several articles for the site, perhaps you could ask him to let me have his email address as the old one has stopped accepting them.
24/04/08 - Brian Singleton has emailed to say that due to an oversight, Harry Swinburne was not informed until recently that the Chicago Teddybears Soc. Jazz Band will not be playing at Maghull on May 8th, and he has arranged with Terry Brunt for the Jazz Gentlemen to be there instead.
23/04/08 - Jazz musician and veteran presenter Humphrey Lyttelton has been admitted to hospital to undergo surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm. Information via http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/TradJazz/.
22/04/08 - "After many years with the Original Panama Jazzband, trombonist Bob Hambleton has left the band, and we all wish him well. I'm sure we'll see him again. Stepping into his place is Laurie Cooper, a fine musician, who will I'm sure be a great asset to the band. " - Jon Critchley
22/04/08 - Just had an email from Brenda Canty-Forrest, who used to play piano with Pete Haslam's Collegians from 1958-1962, and was married to Colin Tomkins who played trumpet during that time with the Zenith Six. I've added it to the Reminiscing page. If you use the drop down menu to select The Black Lion, it's just above it.
21/04/08 - I've been having a clear-out. Computers are very much like garages and pantries, they are very good at collecting rubbish. I decided to build up a second pc from scratch and swap it over when I had got it fairly well up to date. Of course I did it too soon, and every minute there's something new to be added to get me back to where I left off. I've had to get mailing list, web site login details and emails back, hopefully I can answer some of them soon. Bear with me if things go wrong.
17/04/08 - Fred McCormick has updated his World of Trad Music Radio Station at . Fred says, "In this month’s bargain basement bonanza there’s a whole loada jelly rollin’ and a whole loada holy rollin’. In the jelly rollers corner we’ve got Cotton Thompson, who ain’t giving nobody none of his, Lil Johnson, who sure misses hers, Al Dexter, who’s renewed his, and Lu Watters Yerba Buena Band, and there’s no way that I’m going to tell you what they’ve done with theirs. For the holy rollers we’ve got the Blind Boys of Alabama, backed by the Preservation Hall Jazzband, The Clouds Of Heaven Trombone Shout Band, Doc Watson, and that wonderful old veteran of the Memphis blues scene, Furry Lewis. If you can’t save your jelly roll, these guys will make sure you save your soul." You can hear it at http://www.live365.com/stations/oneworldmusic
17/04/08 - Kenny Ball and John Bennett are appearing with the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra at The Liverpool Olympia West Derby Road Liverpool L6 9BY, for a night of Trad Jazz & Skiffle on Friday April 25th 2008. Doors 7.00pm till late also appearing Chaz McDevitt (Freight Train) and Craig Douglas (When my Little Girl is Smiling) also the massed ranks of Merseybeat with legendry 60s musicians. In aid of BBC Radio Merseyside Charitable Trust, Hanover Street, Liverpool (City Centre) Further Information www.rickresource.com/irondoorclub/ Tickets £12 from the Trust Office in Hanover Street (0151 794 0995.) Olympia Box Office (0151 263 6633) Tickets on line www.ticketline.co.uk.
17/04/08 - Many Happy Returns of the day to Chris Barber, born 17th April 1930.
15/04/08 - A message went on the bulletin board at http://www.musicservices.org.uk/page15.html today from Gerry Higgins to say that, "My lifelong friend, the bandleader Dick Charlesworth, sadly passed away at 5.00 o’clock this morning, after a sudden setback with pulmonary congestion had put too much strain on his heart". Dick Charlesworth & The City Gents had a hit record in the 60s with "Billy Boy".
14/04/08 - I have someone looking for pictures of London Jazz Festival of 1970 (specifically New Jazz Orchestra and Colosseum at the Jeanetta Cochrane Theatre) It's just a long shot, but I get people outside the North West visiting this site.
14/04/08 - Littleborough and District Lions Club are presenting "A Night in New Orleans" with New Orleans Wiggle and vocalist Topsy Hilton at Littleborough Cricket Club, Calderbrook Road, Littleborough at 7.30pm on Saturday April 19th in aid of charity. Tickets are £10 including Creole/Cajun style supper. Phone Harry (01706 370967) or Susan (01706 377697) for tickets.
12/04/08 - Mart Rodger has now completed the line up for Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz to play on "Thomson Destiny" leaving Dominican Republic on 19th April 2009 - yes next year. She will stop at a number of islands in The Caribbean before sailing trans Atlantic to Madeira. Then they call at Gibraltar, Barcelona and two other ports before ending the cruise at Palma, Majorca on May 6th. Mart tells me that Allan Dent and Nigel Cretney cannot make this cruise so the line up will be Jon Critchley (tpt)., Chris Pendlebury (drms)., Eric Brierley (tmb)., Colin Smith (bs/tuba), Roger Browne (pno)., Charlie Bentley (bjo/gtr), plus himself on clarinet. He says, "Playing during the trans-Atlantic stretch is extremely demanding but at ports of call it's more relaxed. You will recall we played on this same ship when she was call 'Sunbird' in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. This booking for next year is a result of lobbying by fans and passengers who were on the previous cruises and we are in debt to these fans for their help. Jon Critchley is coming to Vancouver with the band at the end of September for the DixieFest there.".
12/04/08 - The Millennium Eagle Jazz Band are traveling North next Saturday to play at Eddie Simpson's new venue at St. Michael's village hall, which is just a few miles West of Garstang. Eddie is trying hard to get his Mad For Trad venture off the ground again, booking what he considers to be some of the country's top bands, and deserves our support.
09/04/08 - Sean Moyses' Trad. Jazz Radio has been broadcasting via the internet since July 21 2005, and he is trying to encourage jazz bands to send him their CDs. His address is:- Sean Moyses, Jahnstr 17, 53225 Bonn, Germany. His website is at www.SeanMoyses.com, click and follow the link to Trad Jazz Radio. Sean says, "Please support TJR, it is there for you, the jazz enthusiast to enjoy. Best wishes, Sean Moyses".
09/04/08 - Let me be the first to spread the news. The Friday 18 April edition of Jazz Library is devoted to a celebration of "what would have been Ken Colyer's 80th birthday. Alyn Shipton and Michael Pointon, Colyer's biographer, look back over the trumpeter's recordings". BBC Radio 3 22-30 to 23-30. - Fred McCormick.
09/04/08 - Thanks to Geoff Brooks for the phone call to say that Bob Erwig's videos are now available on www.dailymotion.com - This web address should find them - http://www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/erwig.
09/04/08 - I popped into the hospital yesterday (10 minute walk away) to see Keith Staveley, and he was in good spirits. His speech was slightly affected and he had a plaster on his leg. When I asked him if he'd recently broken it, he told me he had been using sticks for some time as he had trouble walking, but since he came into hospital, they discovered he's chipped the tibia bone in his leg at some time! I dropped off a few sheets of this News Page, so he's busy catching up on the local gossip now.
08/04/08 - It looks like Bob Erwig has got on the wrong side of YouTube again, all his videos are currently listed as follows:- "This video has been removed due to terms of use violation."
08/04/08 - I was sorry to hear from Alan Mathews that Keith Staveley, ex drummer with the Raikes Paraders and of late the New Riverside Jazz Band, is having to cope with a stroke. He is in Ward 20 at Preston Royal Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston.
08/04/08 - Many Happy returns of the day to Monty Sunshine, for many years the clarinet player with the Chris Barber Band
07/04/08
- Last
night I went to Moor Park Bowling Club where Mike
Carnie & his Jazz Allstars were playing for the
first time, and my first opportunity to hear them. Promoter
Derek Daniels had prepared his news sheet with details about
the band and telling us of the delights in store from the
entertaining Derek Harrison. Unfortunately, as often happens
with bands these days, Mike had to bring in deps, and on
this occasion it was for Derek Harrison and
Jon Critchley. Personally I don't have a problem with deps,
it can bring a whole new sound to a band I've heard many
times before (except in this case none of us had). But with
Billy Edwards and Maurice Gavan doing the depping, there was
no doubting that Mike had more than made up for it. Everyone I
spoke to told me that they had thoroughly enjoyed the
evening, but the disappointing aspect was the shortage of
fans. Derek is now considering whether or not to continue at
the end of this year.
05/04/08 - More videos for your entertainment have gone on YouTube from IboFilms (Bob Erwig). See Jazz Extras for the list
04/04/08 - The April edition of Just Jazz magazine has arrived and includes part 2 of the Spotlight article on Ottilie Patterson. You can see the rest of the magazine contents via Jazz Extras from the Main Menu
04/04/08 - Merton Cahm was around on the Manchester Jazz Scene in the late 40s and 50s, but where is he now? Joe Silmon has provided the answer in "Whatever Happen To..." which can be accessed via Jazz Extras
04/04/08 - On Thursday 27th. March, at Hyde Cricket and Squash Club (Werneth Low) there was a special reunion, organised by Ged Hone, to welcome back (for a brief visit) clarinetist Pete Hartigan, who ran several of his own bands in Manchester during the 50s, 60s and 80s, these periods being interspersed with long stays in Montreal, Canada, and Philadelphia, where Pete lives now. He was a member of the Unity Jazz Band (Stockport-based in the mid-50s), which along with personnel from the Ray Leclercq Jazz Band, ca. 1952, became the forerunner of the very famous Zenith Six, that was based at the Clarendon Hotel. Mart Rodger, who was due to play, couldn't make it through a temporary illness, but there were some excellent sitters-in with Ged Hone's band. The main band consisted of Ged (cornet), Grant Hogan-Taylor (drs), Howard Worthington (d/bass), Dominic Groves, a fantastic multi-reedman who puts me to shame, Roger Brown (pno) and Mike Reddin (banjo/guitar). Ged had put the programme together in order to re-create the old Pete Hartigan J/B sound of several decades back, so Pete himself was, of course, very prominent and played with great gusto. The sitters-in were Gordon Robinson (tmb), and Ian Royle (tpt), Howard Parr (gtr), Mervin Calvert (drs) and myself on alto sax only - and nowhere near excellent!!!, plus two of Pete Hartigan's ex-pats. who have worked with him in Canada and the USA, whose names I failed to grasp, but saw one of them playing trumpet. Officiating for part of the evening, was ex-Manchester Evening News (and several other newspapers') Jazz Critic of many years, Chris Lee; Chris has promised to share some of his memorabilia (articles/photos, etc.) with me for the book. We're now in touch again after many years. So all in all, a very successful and enjoyable evening. - Joe Silmon
03/04/08 - Thornton Little Theatre Gig List has been updated
03/04/08 - Around 140 people attended the cremation service yesterday for Delia Glaister, vocalist with the Quayside Hot Stompers and The New Riverside Jazz Band. Alan Duckles has written an obituary entitled Delia Glaister - 1933-2008. An Appreciation. which you can read by clicking here
03/04/08 - Didsbury Cricket Club Gig List has been updated
02/04/08 - "The Dalesman pub in Sedbergh appears to have given up on live bands. They've had the place very nicely re-furbished, but don't seem to have left a space which would accommodate more than a solitary midget busker", writes Les Bull. "Pity - it was a nice friendly venue. However, as one door closes.... The Bull in Sedbergh, which is about a hundred yards away, is going to promote Traditional Jazz again after a winter break. Kicking off the new season is the LES BULL BAND Tuesday 8th April. They are changing the seating around a bit, to make the place more user-friendly. The diners will be on the upper deck ( it's only about a foot higher than the rest of the room ! ) and Band and jazzers will occupy the lower level ( nearest the Bar ! ) The bar food is excellent, there is plenty of parking behind the pub, the beer is fine, and admission is free ( no - you don't have to be a diner ). Oh, and the Band is pretty damn good too - even though I say it myself. So - as Delia Smith famously once said - " Come on ! Let's be 'aving you ! "
01/04/08 - From Fred Allen - "The 'George Lewis in Japan' dvd has arrived! - brilliant Service from your mate in Australia!! I've just viewed a series of fantastic jazz performances by George and his marvellous New Orleans colleagues. The quality picture and sound are really excellent. Will watch this many, many times. Thanks for your help in making this available"
31/03/08 - Brian Mellor, Banjo and Guitar player from Birmingham, is the latest musician to be added to the deps list.
29/03/08 - I've just been informed that respected British jazz drummer and arranger, Allan Ganley, (born 11 March 1931 in Tolworth, Surrey, England) has died suddenly this morning. A self-taught drummer, in the early 1950s Ganley played in the dance band led by Bert Ambrose. In 1953 he came to prominence as a member of Johnny Dankworth's band, then the most popular modern jazz group in the UK. Also in the 1950s, he worked with pianist Derek Smith, Dizzy Reece, clarinettist Vic Ash, Ronnie Scott and several visiting American musicians. Towards the end of the decade he was co-leader with Ronnie Ross of a small group known as the Jazzmakers. In the early 1960s, Ganley was often with Tubby Hayes, playing with his small groups and the occasionally assembled big band. As house drummer at Ronnie Scott's club he played with numerous leading American jazzmen, including Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Jim Hall, Freddie Hubbard and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. In the early 1970s he took time out to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, then returned to the UK to form and lead a big band, which he maintained sporadically for the next 10 years.
29/03/08 - American cousin and soul-mate of Pete Fryer - Jim Fryer (trombone, cornet etc) will be joining the Merseysippi Jazz Band at Liverpool Cricket Club on Monday 12th May following the Keswick Jazz Festival.
28/03/08 - Hi Fred, In pursuance of your flyer I watched Thursday's episode of "Murder she wrote". Did you notice that the star clarinettist ( who was the murder victim) played his clarinet the wrong way round - with the left hand below the right? Of course he did not get very far playing it that way and I don't think he was murdered because of professional disharmony - he simply could not play the clarinet!!! - Alan Brown
28/03/08 - Can you please announce that, after a five year break, and initially for one night only, live trad jazz is coming back to the Liverpool Arms, Water Street, Menai Bridge, Anglesey. On the Evening of Tuesday 8th April Mad Eds Hot Five with be performing, starting around 9pm. - Tom Rippeth
28/03/08 - Stewart Scott writes, "Hi fred just to let you know I have found brand new clarinets for sale in the local Netto for £49-99 !! (they look great) also violins- don't know what they sound like but in today's prices could be the basis of future young jazz musicians--I paid twice as much 50 years ago for my first clari so good luck to all who take the chance, take an experienced player with you and blow above all the tinned beans and frozen things-this is where genius is born". That will be two tins of beans, 1lb of carrots a cauliflower, and oh yes, a clarinet please
28/03/08 - Lancaster's John O' Gaunt pub, has once again re-opened under new management, becoming a bit of a habit this! It will host popular jazz vocalist Sue Parish on Tuesday 8th April. Sue's musicians for the gig will be astonishingly talented young pianist Andrzej Baranek and superb swinging bassist Frank Grime. The music starts at 9pm and admission is free.
28/03/08 - Following major technical work by computer engineer John Booth the March-April Hot Jazz Channel show is now "live" at www.radiojazz.co.uk details of the programme can be viewed via Jazz Extras
28/03/08 - The Mart Rodger M/cr Jazz Band played its last 4th Sunday in the month gig at Hayfield Conservative Club last Sunday.
28/03/08 - The Chicago Teddybears Society Jazz Band web page has been updated
28/03/08 - Dumfries Jazz Club gig list has been updated
28/03/08 - "Have just spent a couple of days looking at www.JazzProfessional.com web site. What a source of Jazz information. The Author the late Ron Simmonds Trumpeter who must have played in all the Big Bands of the 50s -80s plus TV Films Shows etc., and was also Ex RAF Padgate and has some lovely stories of his service days. If you have not yet seen this one, on the opening index click on Author, from this he has lots of sub headings of different bands that he played with, also plenty of stories of things that happened on recording sessions and various performances. I had a look at your links page and could find no link to this site, so thought you may be interested in browsing a bit. Cheers Graham (bugleboy) Leavey" The link has now been added
28/03/08 - Carlisle Jazz Club gig list updated
27/03/08 - "It's a big birthday weekend for Mad Ed's Hot Five. We will be commiserating with Ed Lloyd-Hughes on double bass and the fantastic Stan Williams of blue trumpet fame this Sunday with cakes and ale, superb trad jazz with the rest of the band and lots of fun to boot. Come and join the party from 3pm! at The Bluebell Inn Halkyn, North Wales". - Steve Marquis
27/03/08 - Many Happy Returns of the day to Bert Schroeder, banjo player with the Wirrorleans Jazz Band.
26/03/08 - I've just received details of Delia Glaister's funeral. It will take place next Wednesday, 10-15am, at Lancaster & Morecambe Crematorium, Powderhouse Lane, Lancaster, LA1 2TT. Family flowers only please, all donations to St John's Hospice c/o The Undertakers, Preston Ireland and Bowker, of Lancaster.
25/03/08 - The Wilbraham Arms gig list has been updated
21/03/08 - Don't laugh, at least not yet, but it looks as though next Thursday's episode of "Murder She Wrote", might just possibly be worth watching (Thurs 27 March BBC 2. 15'00). The episode is titled "Murder to a Jazz Beat" and the blurb says "Jessica takes a trip to New Orleans, where she helps to solve the murder of a jazz musician". Just so long as it isn't the music which ends up getting done in. - Fred McCormick.
21/03/08 - A Rare CAMMEYER Tenor Banjo c. 1930. in excellent condition & original case, has just gone on the Sales Page, which you can access via Jazz Extras
19/03/08 - It is with a deep sense of loss and sadness that I have to announce the death of Delia Glaister, vocalist with the New Riverside Jazz Band and the Quayside Hot Stompers. Delia had been bravely fighting cancer for some time, and I spoke to her just over two weeks ago as she was about to go into St John's Hospice, in Lancaster, to manage her pain. She came back home, but had to return again on Monday this week and her son-in-law Shaun, told me that Delia died there peacefully at 11-30am this morning. Delia was well known at jazz festivals up and down the country, and it was a tribute to her that I once overheard someone at Keswick say, "We went to listen to Delia last night, she was wonderful, she was singing with "that band". Delia had a unique deep voice that suited the Bessie Smith numbers she sang so well and we shall miss her. If you missed it on the Home Page, there's a background track of Delia singing, "I Love to Dream", which was recorded at one of her last gigs, which took place at Rochdale Jazz Club. I'll be giving the funeral details as soon as I have them.
18/03/08 - Many Happy Returns of the Day to Pat Halcox, trumpet player with The Chris Barber Band since 1954
17/03/08 - Humphrey Lyttelton has decided to bring the curtain down on nearly 40 years as presenter of The Best of Jazz. You can hear his final programme tonight at 22:30. Tune in to hear this special show as a jazz broadcasting legend signs off with a very personal selection of recordings which have become landmarks of both the programme and of Humphrey's own amazing jazz radio career.
16/03/08 - ARE you a jazz fan with £150,000 to spare? If so you may be interested in the leasehold of Lancaster's famous John O' Gaunt is up for grabs. The pub in Market Street has now appeared on a property agents website offering the opportunity to run the "internationally renowned Dickensian hostelry located at the heart of the city". The pub has been closed for more than a week after former landlord Robin Edmundson left with no explanation. It is owned by Punch Taverns.
15/03/08 - Hi Fred, The funeral of Don Sinclair, leader of the Yarl River Jazz Band, who died suddenly and unexpectedly on 29th February, will be on Thursday 20th March 2008, 4pm, at the Barrow-in-Furness Crematorium. - Regards, Brian McQuillin
15/03/08 - A correction to the News item of 27/02/08, about the Jazz Gentlemen's new venue at The Beaufort Hotel, Burscough. After the first gig on Sunday evening (16th), the residency will be on the 2nd Sunday of each month, not the 3rd as originally intended.
14/03/08 - A reminder to all those who go to Bill Oldham's Rehearsal Band in Withington, Manchester, that there will be no meeting this Thursday 20th March, since, being Maundy Thursday, the Church Hall where we meet will be being used for religious purposes.
14/03/08 - Hello Fred, last night I did a gig in Alsager, at The Horseshoe Hotel, and was knocked out by a wonderful guitarist, Andy MacKenzie. Possibly, many people know him, but, until last night, I had never heard him. Great player, excellent musician! The rest of the band was not bad either – Ian Royle, Nigel Carter, Roger Keys and me. A good night all round. - Frank Slater
11/03/08 - James Evans, composer and instrumentalist, is doing a "Yorkshire Tour". Thankfully nobody told him that Delph has moved into Greater Manchester, so you can catch him there on Friday 21st March at Delph Band Club with the 'Spirit of New Orleans' with Jim Swinnerton on bass. and special guest - Tom Kincaid.
11/03/08 - Suzanne Fonseca (Suzy's Little Big Band) will be playing at the new venue, The Rose and Crown in Ramsbottom, for the second time on Wednesday, 19 March at 8.30pm. This time the line-up is Andrzej Baranek on piano, Jenni Molloy on bass, Grant Taylor on drums, Wal Davies on reeds and Suzanne on trombone. Admission is 4 pounds and there is a car park at the back of the pub. Suzanne says, "We had a good turnout last time, including a lady from Ramsbottom who used to play trombone with the Ivy Benson band!".
11/03/08 - NW musician, Maurice Gavan. has lost a valuable songbook of good standards. It is entitled "The Satanic Changes", and Maurice would like to obtain a replacement if someone could point him in the right direction.
10/03/08 - North West trumpeter Ian Royle is getting his passport stamped moving around the Counties quite a bit. He played with the Peter Frank All Stars at Boston Spa last Saturday "with my great mate and superb reed player Dave Mott" whilst depping for Martin 'Kid' Boyd". As usual with Boston Spa, the hall was packed (see article on this site). Ian says, "We'll be back there on August 23rd with Jeff Barnhardt which should cause a jazz riot!!" Ian was depping for Martin, who has recently had his shoulder 'pinned' in a keyhole surgery operation and will be out of action for about five weeks. The following day Ian was off down to the Stafford Jazz Society with is own 'Jazz Five' for the lunchtime session where people were dancing between the tables, not something we see in the North West very often. The Peter Frank All Stars will be at the Abersoch Jazz Festival on June 13-14 and will have Dave Mott and his daughter Susanne on vocals with them as well.
09/03/08 - "We are pleased to announce that the very experienced and excellent drummer Moe Green has agreed to join the Old Fashioned Love Band and has already made his mark on it", says Mike Pembroke. "We are looking forward to the coming months and will be looking to get him on record with us as soon as possible. We would like to express our thanks to all the super deps who have helped out during the past few months and are so pleased to be settled again.".
09/03/08 - Dennis Harrison has sent me a new photograph of The Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra which is now showing on the band web page.
09/03/08 - Congratulations to Mart Rodger and Colin Smith who share birthdays today. Janet tells me that by co-incidence - dep trombonist Gordon who played with the band at a Charity gig last night in Cheadle Hulme last night also celebrates his birthday today. Mart also remembered Neil Hopkins, retired banjoist and mastermind of the Abersoch Jazz Festival revival, has his birthday on the same date. Any more?
08/03/08 - Rochdale Jazz Club gig list has been updated.
08/03/08 - One of the problems with jazz weekends on the doorstep is that they are too near home not to be in your own bed, but then you can't get day tickets either. Mike Lovell has persuaded the Doric to open it's doors for day trippers and allow locals to join the jazz weekend for Dinner & Jazz nights. The price will be £23 for one night, or £40 for the two nights. Internationally respected jazz star and possibly the UK's top reedsman, Alan Barnes, will be the guest musician for the weekend. Call 0800 458 2383 for reservations or see web page for weekend details.
07/03/08 - Judy Eames writes, "Hi Fred, I get the impression that numbers are down a bit for the Bohem festival this year (probably because it's too close to Easter!) I just wondered if you could give it a mention. Paul and Sally Loftus from Broughton in Furness are coming and you can't get much more North Western than them:-) It's a small friendly festival and it's an opportunity to hear musicians who seldom if ever come to the UK. This will be our fourth trip to the festival in Hungary and there are about 20 of us going from various parts of the UK and indeed Roy Hubbard (ex Zenith clnt) is coming from our Spanish outpost :-). It's not too late to join the party. The festival dates are 28-30th March but a package including 2 nights in Budapest various trips and all ground transport is on offer ( flights not included)". Other information about the Bohem Festival is available at www.bohemragtime.com or email me for Judy's contact details.
07/03/08
- Dear Fred,
Our Claire House event on 29th February went very well with 200 people. The Original Panama Jazz Band excelled themselves and the dancers were nearly worn out by the time
Sheila Fawkes and the Guys came on. Sheila delighted with a varied selection of songs and joined in the brolly parades. There were plenty of instrumental numbers too. The combinations achieved by
George Huxley (clarinet, alto and soprano) and Terry McGrath (alto, soprano and trombone) were spellbinding. Jon Penn's piano was superb. The Panama ended the evening and were forced into 'extra time'. As it was Leap Year night, one 80 year old lady proposed to Terry Birkinhead, our wonderful MC, and his wife Barbara said she could take him home any time! £1000 was made for the charity, taking our total to £23800".
07/03/08
- If
you like the clarinet, especially when it's played by a fine
musician, then you'll love the latest CD released by Mart
Rodger called 'ALLMART'. Mart says, "A long time
ago I promised Janet that I would record an album of our
favourite tunes on clarinet with just my rhythm
section". It's also been released to commemorate Mart
& Janet's Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2007. You can
see details of the CD on the Mart
Rodger Manchester Jazz page, and you can also hear a
track from the CD on this site's Home
Page
07/03/08 - Today, the town of Gosport will be celebrating the centenary of the birth of it's famous jazz musician - The North West recently formed links with Gosport when a trumpet previously belonging to Nat, was donated to the Nat Gonella Trust, by Preston bass player, Derek Brown.
05/03/08 - I've just been listening to Listen Again & Billy Bragg's program called "Ken Colyer - He Knew". It was really interesting for me because it covers how Colyer influenced British Music and particularly skiffle and I was one of those influenced by the music. Remember Chas McDevitt and Freight Train? Lonnie Donegan fans will also enjoy the program, Rock Island Line was on the first EP I ever bought.
05/03/08 - I've just added details of Val Hopkins's Jazz in Grasmere event for March 2009. You can see full details via the Jazz Festivals page.
04/03/08 - Great News. Geoff Bull rang me from Australia to say that I should pay the original Sterling price for the George Lewis in Japan DVDs, and he will absorb the currency fluctuations. This means that the DVD immediately drops back to its original price of £18.50. Ordering direct from Australia at 30 Euros would cost £23.02 at today's price, so it's a great saving. If you haven't got your copy yet, don't delay, ordering details are available via Jazz Extras. Geoff tells me he hasn't had one single complaint about the DVD, and neither have I.
03/03/08 - The February edition of Just Jazz magazine has just arrived. Those of you who have been asking about Ottilie Patterson over the years will be interested to see part 1 of a Spotlight article on her. You can see the rest of the magazine contents via Jazz Extras from the Main Menu
02/03/08 - Hi Fred, I regret that I have some sad news to report for your site, namely that Don Sinclair the leader and inspiration for the Yarl River Jazz Band died suddenly on Friday 29th February. He was returning from a week's holiday in the Canaries when he suddenly had a heart attack at the airport. Regretfully he did not recover from this, and at the relatively young age of 68 is no longer with us. Don was a genuine expert in the history of Traditional Jazz, a dedicated enthusiast and an excellent musician. He encouraged and inspired several relatively inexperienced musicians to perform in his band ,had a great deal of patience with them, and was an inspiration to them all with his incredible knowledge of the idiom, and his own ability to play reeds. He had a vast repertoire of numbers which he introduced us to, and could virtually play any tune on spec. Don will be sadly missed, obviously by his family, by his band members and by many musicians and followers of traditional jazz in South Cumbria. I do not have details of the funeral arrangements as yet, but will let you know these as soon as possible. Our sympathy goes to Rosemary, Don's wife and to Colin, his son. Yours sincerely, Brian McQuillin (Trombone and Sousaphone, Yarl River Jazz Band)
02/03/08 - Frank Farrington has a questions someone may be able to answer - "Some years ago a large group of banjo players used to meet at a pub on the Rainford bypass. Although mostly 5-string bluegrass, it was good stuff. I wonder if they are still around?"
01/03/08 - An email arrived tonight from someone wishing the emailed News to be sent to a new TalkTalk address. I saw it long enough to know that much, before it accidentally got deleted. If it was you, could send it again please?
29/02/08 - It's been confirmed that the decorating has been completed and The Merseysippi Jazz Band are back at the Cricket Club on Monday with guest Dave Mott in new bright surroundings.
29/02/08 - Following on from the announcement that on 4th March, 22:30 - 23:30, Billy Bragg profiles Ken Colyer, Steve Voce tells me, "Alyn Shipton has recorded a programme on Ken Colyer for his 'Jazz Library' series on Radio Three. I don't know when though.
29/02/08 - There are currently 342 pages to look at on this site, this page being one of the longest with 21,490 words in it. Care to count them?
29/02/08 - I'm grateful to Peter Maguire for telling me about www.manchesterbeat.com/shops_music.php it's a fascinating look back at the Music Scene of the 60's. One shop that caught my eye was Mazel Radio on London Road, it was right across the road from my office, and I once bought a 12 string guitar there. It now lies battered at the back of the pantry, and I think there's only 2 strings left on it ! Peter has sent me News from Brussels which you can read by clicking here
28/02/08 - If you are a big band fan you'll enjoy http://www.sdpb.org/radio/bigband/archive.asp which Barrie Marshall has told me about. Bob Haggart, Gene Krupa , Dorsey Brothers, Benny Goodman/Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington - they are all there - sit back and enjoy.
28/02/06 - On Radio 4, 4th March, 13-30 to 14-00 hrs, Kenneth Clarke starts a short series of Jazz Greats. For the first programme, he is joined by Keith Nichols to discuss the life and career of Jelly Roll Morton. The Ken Colyer programme is on later (see below) - Fred McCormick
28/02/08 - In December 2006 the George Lewis in Japan DVD went on sale on this site. The price at that time was £18.50, which was a bulk discounted price and was shared equally between those who bought it, and the site running costs. I've maintained that price ever since, absorbing any exchange rate changes. I'm sure the European holidaymakers amongst you will have been aware, before I was, that the Euro has risen significantly against the pound, such that the I suddenly realised when I came to pay for them, that I sold the last batch at a loss. It is with regret, therefore, that the George Lewis DVD will now cost £20.80 which includes postage costs from Australia. An order direct from Australia will cost you £22.91 so the saving is even more significant.
27/02/08 - The Jazz Gentlemen have a new monthly residency to add to the one at The Derby Arms in Rainford, which has made an excellent start. We'll be playing at The Beaufort Hotel on the A59 between Ormskirk and Burscough on the third Sunday of each month, beginning on March 16th. It's an excellent venue with a very comfortable and well-appointed room and plenty of parking space. There's already big band, modern and gypsy jazz at The Beaufort on a regular basis, so, with our concentration on Chicago-style and mainstream extending the spectrum, manager Giles is certainly doing his bit to help promote jazz in the North-West. Our sessions will start at 8 30 p.m. - Keith Allcock
27/02/08 - Our second son, Andrew, is 47 today and he was born at home. Janet has just reminded me that I played at the Rams Head in Disley that night with the Zenith Six.... does anyone else remember it, asks Mart Rodger?
27/02/08 - I've just added an interesting story about a trumpet that belonged to Nat Gonella. Bass player Derek Brown has just handed it back to the Nat Gonella Memorial Trust, to coincide with the Centenary Celebrations of Nat Gonella's birth date. You can find the story listed in Jazz Extras
27/02/08 - Thanks to Peter Maher for notifying me that on 4th March, 22:30 - 23:30, Billy Bragg profiles jazz trumpeter Ken Colyer, "A musical evangelist who joined the Merchant Navy just to go to New Orleans and learn from the greats" on BBC Radio 2 - "Ken Colyer - He Knew". That's one I'll be listening to. "Hopefully it will be available on ‘play it again’ for those who can’t stay up that late or are out enjoying ‘live’ jazz". says Peter.
26/02/08 - The John O'Gaunt in Lancaster closed its doors recently, causing the Sun Street Stompers to move to the Robert Gillow, just up the road. After equally finding alternative venues, other musicians were persuaded to return to the John O'Gaunt when it re-opened. They must be feeling pretty sick today when the latest notice appeared saying that as from 26th Feb, the J.O.G. will be closed, and thanking all patrons for their past custom. Sounds pretty final this time, but then I suddenly got a feeling of déjà vu.
26/02/08 - Did mothers ever influence the Jazz Greats? If not, they have certainly influenced Moor Park Jazz Club in Preston. It's Mother's Day on Sunday 2nd March, so Derek has booked the Wirrorleans Jazz Band to play there on the 9th of March instead, so that the regulars can go out and enjoy themselves with their children. Maybe the mother's should have told the kids to take them to hear some jazz!
25/02/08 - It's not often we get the chance to see and hear the Pete Allen Jazz Band in the North West, but on Saturday he's coming t