The WirrOrleans Jazz Band was so named because half of the band were from the Wirral peninsular the remainder from the
Merseyside/Lancashire area.
We are a 7-piece jazz band originally formed in 1978 with a front line of Brian Brothers on trumpet, Al McDowall on trombone and Geoff Parker on clarinet. When Brian Brothers left the band Al McDowall took over leadership which he did very well until his sudden death in June 2000. Al's eventual replacement on trombone was Andrew Mckenzie who joined the band in August 2000.
The latest recruit to the band is 23 years old Phil Lucas on trumpet and vocals. Phil also teaches music and trumpet, and plays monthly in Terry Perry's big band, "The Big Easy". We are very pleased to have Phil join us, his playing and youthful enthusiasm has been a real boost to the band.
Whilst being firmly rooted in the British Dixieland style we play an eclectic mix
of jazz from Buddy Bolden, Jell "Roll" Morton and Sydney Bechet to Duke Ellington. We have performed at various festivals and events, such as Keswick Jazz Festival; the Crowne Plaza Merseyside Jazz Festival; Prestatyn Jazz Festival, Bodelwyddan Castle Jazz Weekend and various jazz clubs. Tracks from the band's CDs have been played many times on Jazz FM.
The band has also hosted guest appearances by some of Britain's leading jazz players such as Enrico Tomaso, Mike Cotton, Campbell Burnap, John Barnes, Gordon Whitworth and Jim Fryer from America.
The current line-up is: (clockwise in picture)
Mike McLachlan - Piano
John Blackman - Drums and vocals
Dave Dixon - clarinet, soprano and alto saxophones and vocals
Charlie Walkom - Bass
Bert Schroeder - banjo/vocals
Andrew Mackenzie - Trombone and vocals
Phil Lucas - Trumpet and vocals
The band can adapt their programme for any occasion; bookings can be arranged by contacting:-
Band Contacts -
John Blackman 01695 574153
or Bert
Schroeder 0151 639 4136
Please mention 'Fred's Web Site'