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We are a Manchester-based band which is dedicated to keeping the traditions of the early Ken Colyer and early Barber bands going, which, as any Trad fan knows, gives us a wide brief. Sophisticated we ain’t! But we do admit to being a smartly dressed, happy crowd of nutters. As banjo, guitar, vocalist and leader (of the orchestra?) it is my duty to keep some semblance of order amongst this motley crew, which I do with my extensive man management skills and an extra thick banjo sound box. |
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We have Stuart Scott on clarinet, alto and vocals. He used to have a job that took him the length and breadth of the country. In fact, once whilst having a liquid lunch at a pub near Harwich, a chap told him how much he’d enjoyed his playing in the same hostelry two months earlier. |
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On trumpet and vocals the very talented, ‘Smiling’ Rebecca ‘Hat’s’ McShane, a beautiful fat tone and a great technique. Jazz has a future with this young lady. |
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Our trombonist is the hilarious and irrepressible Bill Oldham, an ex-copper who once arrested Frank Randall, a story you must ask him to relate when you meet him. |
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Our drummer was the late John Stavordale, again a much-travelled fellow, who has lived and played all over Europe. |
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And last but certainly not least, our double bass and sousaphone player, Andrew Sunderland. Andy is so tall, when we do a march we have to re-route round low bridges. |
