The Panama Jazz Band

Left-Right, Howard Parr, Mike Pearson, Barry Quilliam, Maurice Pike, Bill Bradley, David Burke, Pete Smith

07/10/07 - When Maurice Pike retired Rebecca McShane joined the band, and was the only one who showed any interest in taking the band on. Gigs dried up and having played two gigs in November......12 months apart.... Nov 2005 and Nov 2006, nothing since or planned, the band faded away.

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, the Chicago styled PANAMA JAZZ BAND, in its 7-piece format, re-formed in 1953 from a dissolved 6-piece New Orleans style college band to become one of Manchester's most popular outfits - holding down a "packed out" residency at the now-demolished "Tommy Ducks" pub in the city centre for 15 years.

In addition to appearing with the bands of Ken Colyer, Terry Lightfoot, Acker Bilk etc. the Panama have backed guests of the calibre of Roy Williams, John Barnes, Pete Allen, Pat Halcox, Nat Gonelia, Alan Elsdon Beryl Bryden, Digby Fairweather etc.

Personnel :-

Howard Parr (banjo)
Mike Pearson (trombone)
Barrie Quilliam (piano)
Maurice Pike (Trumpet/leader)
Bill Bradley (drums)
Dave Burke (clarinet/saxes)
Pete Smith (drums)

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