Hi Fred,

I am trying to track down original members of the Dee Valley Jazz Band and Pam – who played in 1962 at Lewis's department store in Liverpool, and were supported by the Beatles.

I am working on a reunion event at Lewis's – and would love to speak to one of the original members if they are still around.

Best,
Katie

On 28th April 2013, John Braben emailed Peter Swensson, with a copy to me -

I'm not sure you will remember me after all this time - I left Merseyside for Australia in 1973. Apart from playing trumpet/cornet in the Dee Valley Jazzmen I also played with the Gutbucket Stompers (my first band - we were just kids really), the Gutbucket Steam Orchestra (yes, that was the name!) and the Panama Jazz Band (John Critchley took over from me when I left for Australia) as well as depping for the Savoy (with yourself on bass) and the Merseys among others. It seems like another life now. Good times.

Anyway, I've just received an email from Tony Pringle regarding the request for info on the Dee Valley Jazzmen. This is a real blast from the past! I'll do what I can to remember a few details. I assume the original request has come via Fred's Traditional Jazz website?

The line-up was indeed as Rob Turner named it but he missed out Mike Allen on banjo. Strange, as I think he and Rob were mates at the time.

Trumpet: John Braben (now in Australia), Piano: Dave Antrobus, Clarinet: Andrew Jenner (also in Australia), Trombone: Terry McGrath, Still very active in the Midlands, Banjo: Mike Allen, Double Bass: Rob Turner, Drums: Tony Crofts and Vocalist: Pam Mackie

I'm not certain but I think Brian Bamber eventually replaced Andy Jenner on clarinet & sax. Also I think Terry McGrath left for Birmingham before the band broke up so we must have had another trombone player for a while. It's all a bit of a blur I'm afraid.

I remember the band playing at the Odd Spot in bold street several times and we did a regular Sat night at the Silver Blades Ice Rink. I also remember playing at the Mardi Gras but can't be sure it was the Dee Valley. Terry McGrath might have a clearer memory of events back then. We were once on the bill somewhere with the Beatles when they were known as the Silver Beatles I think.

I've attached some photos and memorabilia which may be of interest. The photo taken at the Odd Spot, probably in 1962 shows, from left to right: Andy Jenner, Dave Antrobus, John Braben, Pam Mackie, Tony Crofts, Terry McGrath, Rob Turner, Mike Allen.

I am still playing here in Brisbane. For many years Andy Jenner and myself had a well respected band simply called the Vintage Jazz Band. We played the usual classic jazz repertoire (Oliver, Morton, Hot Five etc with some New Orleans revival influences and early Duke E). I now play with the Caxton Street Jazz Band (now in its 35th year). We have a pretty eclectic repertoire ranging from classics to mainstream-ish numbers and a touch of blues and 50s r&b.

In case you're interested I've attached a MPEG sample from our latest CD. This track is Under the Double Eagle (with apologies to Ken Sims/ Acker Bilk). Interesting bowed bass for the first three passages, sounds vaguely tuba-like. Not sure it really works!

Fred: Do you think you could add a link to the Caxton Street Jazz Band on your website? Much obliged if you can. Our website is being updated at the moment but this URL should work:

www. caxtonjazz.com.au

You never know, there might be some interest in our recordings.

John Braben
 

24/04/13 -

Dee Valley; I could have done things with them, there use to be lots of different name bands around at that time. I played a bit when I first arrived in Wirral, with a very good clarinet player who was a physicist I believe. Went to live in USA. Just thought of his name John Stringer. I do not remember what that band was called. I was involved with the Five and a Penny at its basic formation at Christmas time 1967. Within six months we were auditioning for TV!   I have been with it ever since. I think you were at the run out for this new Band the New Orleans Express about 18 months later. I went along with Geoff Walker to look at the potential players. An excuse for another night out really.

Roy Potts

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