MANCHESTER JAZZ

FOUNDED BY MART RODGER

In 1982 the late Mart Rodger and his wife Janet were on holiday in New Orleans. Invited to “sit in” with the resident band at Maison Bourbon on Bourbon Street he and the audience had a ball.

Mart had proudly made a lot of the fact that he was from Manchester. A city with a wonderful history of great Traditional Jazz in bars and clubs. He had never seen the point in naming a band after a North American city, as was often the case with semi- pro British bands.

On the way back to their hotel Janet said to Mart “Why don’t you start a band called “Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz” when we get home?” So, in October 1982, the band played its first performance.

Over the years celebrity jazz musicians such as Humphrey Lyttleton, Marion Montgomery, Yank Lawson, and many others, have all guested with Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz.

Upon Mart’s untimely death, in March 2019, the band decided to continue playing, but as “Manchester Jazz”, under the leadership of pianist Roger Browne,

The band, post Mart, remains true to Mart’s musical principals.

Driving Tradition Jazz, incorporating the highest levels of musicianship and professionalism, paying homage to an eclectic mix of musical influences from Ragtime, Blues, Sacred Music to Swing and beyond.

Mart always led the band with passion and total commitment to entertaining, delighting and at times, moving audiences. That mantra remains.

With retirement, illness, and, sadly, passings of so many jazz musicians to that great Jazz Club in the Sky, Manchester Jazz has seen several recent changes in personnel. However, Mart’s template for the band’s performances, incorporating energy, quality, and sincere feeling for this amazing music, is still evident in the DNA of Manchester Jazz

Eric Newton – Clarinet

A brilliant player, capable of both stunning technique, exciting solos, and deep sensitivity. He was born in Stoke on Trent and has been a stalwart of traditional jazz in the Potteries and beyond since he started playing in 1956. He now, also, wows audiences in Cheshire.

Co-founded the Dallas Jazz Band in the nineteen fifties. His jazz adventure was interrupted by National Service, but not for long. His natural feel for ensemble playing makes him the ideal trombonist for Manchester Jazz. His fine solos and vocals are added bonuses.

Longest serving member of the band. Roger joined in 1995, his first gig being in Dresden. Hugely experienced. Joined The Dallas Jazz band in 1959 and subsequently accompanied many international jazz musicians. His catholic musical tastes and influences add depth and variety to the band’s rhythmic dynamics.

Since founder trumpeter Allan Dent retired, shortly after the post Covid resumption, Manchester Jazz has left the trumpet/cornet seat vacant for guest players. Such great horn players as Jim Lucas, his son Phil, and others, regularly guest with the band.