The Wabash Jazzmen

Bringing you the best in hot, driving

traditional jazz in their distinctive rhythmic style.

Left to right:

Mark Challinor, band leader on banjo, guitar and ukulele :
Richard Slater - trombone     Richard Vernon - string bass
Jon Critchley - trumpet       Mike Hayler - clarinet / tenor sax

This highly entertaining hot five came together in 1994 with the desire to create a new refreshing sound on the traditional jazz scene. They chose to go drumless and the front line is driven along by the flowing banjo playing of leader Mark Challinor, accompanied by the rhythmic string bass of Richard Vernon - a real powerhouse rhythm section from the band's youngsters!

The front line of Jon Critchley on trumpet, Mike Hayler on clarinet/tenor sax and Richard Slater on trombone, play as one during ensemble work but also demonstrate their years of experience, producing engaging solos.

For our work in The Midlands area, our line-up includes the punchy cornet playing of Tony Pipkin on cornet, complemented superbly by the tasteful trombone of Richard Leach - both masters of their instruments across a range of styles.