Based in the North Lancs/Cumbria area, the band's current line-up is a three piece rhythm section with two on the front line. We aim to provide our audiences with an insight into the many different aspects of jazz, from the classic New Orleans style of Oliver, Armstrong and Morton, through the tight arrangements of Ellington, to the swing era of Goodman, acknowledging Bix and the New Orleans Revivalists along the way, played with respect but also with a great deal of originality. But most of all, we want to entertain, and for our audiences to have fun and enjoy the music as much as we do.

Now in our fifteenth year, we continue to have two very well supported regular monthly venues, as well as a busy diary of private and public functions. The Refreshment Rooms at Carnforth Station re-opened after Covid as 'The Brief Encounter Refreshment Rooms and Bistro' and now hosts our 'Jazz Lunch' sessions on the third Friday of every month (12.30-2.30pm). These popular sessions are usually well booked in advance, so early booking is recommended. Over the years we have had a number of 'evening specials' when we have been joined by guests such as Roy Williams and Enrico Tomasso for summer evenings and strawberries out on the platform - with occasional contributions from the station announcer and some rather elderly trains! In 2022, we were pleased to team up with Enrico again to play consecutive gigs at Carlisle Jazz Club and Ayr Jazz Club, to great acclaim!

Bare Village Club in Morecambe is the venue for our other regular monthly session (4.00-6.30pm) on the third Sunday of every month. This session is well supported and has become increasingly popular with other musicians being especially welcome to come along to sit in with the band for a number or two. We continue to support the jazz clubs at Kendal and Carlisle on a regular basis, and, have enjoyed successful appearances at Dove Jazz Club and Glossop Jazz Club.

In keeping with the concept of variety, we sometimes perform as a quartet, or even as a trio. All members of the band contribute to the vocals, which ensures a wide range of variety and styles! Robin has introduced blues harmonica (and ukulele!) to add to his contribution on washboard. We were saddened by the death in April of Gerry Clayton, our bass player and vocalist, and genuinely lovely man. We have been joined by Paul Guppy on bass, tuba - and occasional vocals. We were very grateful to Paul for standing in for Gerry throughout his illness, and we are pleased to welcome him now as a permanent member of the band.

The current regular members of the band are :
 

Peter Boswell -	cornet and trombone
Bruce Carnaffin -	clarinet, bass clarinet and vocals
David Bateman -	banjo, guitar and vocals
Paul Guppy -	Bass, tuba and vocals
Robin Andrews -	drums, washboard harmonica and vocals

Roger Hartley is our regular drummer at the Bare Village Club

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Enquiries about booking the band should be made to :

Bruce Carnaffin : 01539720172
Dave Bateman : 07484718841

For further information, why not visit our website :

https://highsocietyjazzban.wixsite.com/jazzband
or follow us on Facebook on The HS Jazz Band page.