In general the band members are all well known to the jazz fraternity, however and importantly, they produced a unique sound to the Spirit of New Orleans.  That sound has now followed them bringing the Joys of New Orleans music with them. In addition where possible we intend to feature a special guest

Richard Slater – trombonist, sousaphone player and vocalist

Richard Slater (AKA Billy Bedlam) is a classically trained musician who came to playing jazz via the symphony orchestra, a travelling circus band , a German “Oompah” band and performing a multi- instrumental act on the cabaret circuit.  He first dipped his toe into the world of jazz by playing with the Harry Black Banjo Band in the late 70’s. Since then he has played with the likes of The French Quarter Band, Shep’s Banjo Boys, The Dixie Beats, The Worth Valley 7 and The Jake Leg Jug Band, etc, etc.  Richard is often asked to play as a guest instrumentalist/vocalist with bands both in the UK and abroad. To this end he has played across Europe, The Middle East and in New Orleans.

Brian Woods – Drums

Found “New Orleans” jazz aged 40 and followed it ever since. Lucky enough to be offered permanent drummer for local bands Climax, Savoy and Peninsular Jazz Men and my own band The Tuxedo. However, it was Drummer for the New Orleans Express that took me to play at all the main UK and European Jazz Festivals. At this time I was offered, by both Phil Mason and Max Collie to turn professional and join one or the other of them. I am pleased to say I still play with local bands, Savoy, Peninsular and Manchester’s own Canal Street Stompers. My new joy is to be asked to help form the New Orleans Joys and play alongside some of the best North West musicians who follow the New Orleans style.

Howard Worthington – Bass

Started playing bass in 1967 with a Merseyside band – The West Coast Jazz Band, in a variety of styles , including The Ken Colyer Trust Band, The Steve Graham Festival Band, Jools’ Jazzaholics, Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band, The Wabash Jazzmen, Martin Bennett’s Old Green River Band, The WirrOrleans and Tony’s Tailgate Ramblers.

David Pogson: Trumpet

Dave is equally at home playing jazz standards, ballads, blues, spirituals or parade tunes, in an unmistakably relaxed, melodic and polished style that owes something to all his acknowledged influences, Louis, Bix, Harry 'Sweets' Eddison and Kenny Baker. His musical career began in brass bands, but he quickly saw the light and joined the local jazzers, The Imperial Jazz Band. After National Service, he teamed up with trombonist Jeff Milner's outfit in Huddersfield and for many years played a hot trumpet in that New Orleans-style band. Later, he played for The Magnolia Jazz Band, formulating the expressive style and developing the diverse repertoire that anybody who went to Gildersome Lodge, now much missed, will remember fondly. Then came the move to Delph, along with Dave Donohoe who had formed a new band. Dave has been much in demand, throughout his career, playing regularly with several bands, including the La Harpe Street, Harmony Hounds and Dave Brennan's Jubilee Jazz Band; and, recently, has guested for, among others, New Orleans Heat and Savannah.

Mal Horne: Banjo and Guitar