Last updated Thursday December 19, 2024 at 21:25:51
DECEMBER
19/12/24 - Jon Critchley writes, "Despite the awful weather last night, our Christmas Party was very well attended: a great buffet was provided by Sara who serves us behind the bar and we had a visit from Father Christmas who joined us on washboard in a medley of Christmas songs. The highlight was a special raffle for our OPJB hamper which raised £200 for Myeloma UK. Thanks to The Irby Club who allowed us to do this alongside the normal raffle. We're back at Irby on New Years Day, then the 15th January and also January 29th". Jon1812/24 - "Home now and ready for a few days rest. All went very well with the miracle team at LHCH. Merry Christmas to you and Jazzers everywhere". - Derek Harrison 16/12/24 - For the final session of 2024 on 22nd December, we welcome special guests Phil Lucas on trumpet and Phil Shotton on reeds at The Thistleberry, Newcastle ST5 2LT. Session is 1 pm until 3-15 pm Admission £7 - Dave Timmis 16/12/24 - I had an email yesterday from pianist and entertainer Derek Harrison who says, "I'm in Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital ready for a heart valve op tomorrow. All well, but missing Christmas gigs!" Derek gave me permission to post this and I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing Derek a speedy recovery following today's operation. 15/12/24 - A bold and courageous change for Dove Jazz Club and one that I wholeheartedly agree with. Gone are the cold dark Saturday nights and in comes 2025 jazz sessions on Sunday afternoons from 1pm until 3-30pm. Barbara and I no longer enjoy night time journeys, driving in the dark doesn't get any easier, even if I can stay awake. So we may just make it to one now, although a fair run from Preston. So you can look forwards to a pleasant daylight drive through the Peak District National Park from now on and you'll be able to take the grandchildren as well. Check out the club's calendar of events which I have just updated. - Fred 15/12/24 - Our guitarist Alan Jeffs created this poster for the charity raffle we'll be having next Wed 18th. - Jon Critchley 15/12/24 - The Seaside Stompers did a charity gig at St Peter’s Church, Southport (click on photo) which was very well supported despite the storm of 7 December. The band now has monthly gigs at Crown Hotel , Birkdale on the last Monday of each month having moved from the Mount Pleasant in Southport. - George Lapsley
15/12/24 - John Petters has sent me details of Bill Cornell's funeral which you can read here 15/12/24 - There is now a tribute page here for Tony Dunleavy 15/12/24 - Owing to an over-full calendar page, I missed 4 musician birthdays hiding at the bottom and all taking place today. So it's last minute birthday greetings to Richard Slater's (66), Duncan Wilcox (48), Richard Knock (85) and Keith Garner. 15/12/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Sam Wood (67 on Monday), Harry Swinburne (93 on Tuesday)), and Derek Brown on Thursday 14/12/24 - Tony Dunleavy passed away early this morning. He was surrounded by all his family. Apologies that I haven't contacted his friends personally. I will contact you again with more details. Thank you - Maureen Dunleavy. "Just to say - one of the most lyrical trombone players I ever worked with, has passed. I'd known Tony for over 60 years from the Pete Hartigan Band to the Chicago Teds". - Ian Royle 12/12/24 - Hi Fred, I would like to wish you ,your Family and all the great bands that are playing Jazz in the UK the very best for Christmas and hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year, Keep up the good work Fred I really enjoy reading your posts. Cheers Derek Dalton (South Australia) 12/12/24 - Dear Fred. In case the news has not reached you. Sadly to announce the passing of Tony Carter. Former Chris Barber reed man and flautist, His varied career is noted on the Chris Barber former members site. Tony RIP - Ken Ames 11/12/24 - A great moment at Lowther Gardens Jazz Club with Cafe Society, featuring Phil Shotton (reeds), Andy Henderson (trumpet), Pete Lindup (trombone), Anthony Mason (banjo) and Colin Turner (tuba)
11/12/24 - Frank Griffiths says, "I am doing a Christmas gig from 8-10pm at Tallulahs Emporium, 122 Victoria Road, New Brighton, CH45 9LD. Free admission. Many Christmas songs will abound in abundance. Accompanied by the house trio there with Mike Hughes- drums, Alan Jeffs- guitar and Tim Pike- bass. 11/12/24 - "In 2025 the Beaufort Jazz Guitar Club, featuring gypsy jazz at The Junction Pub, News Lane, Rainford will be celebrating 25 years since we first started, It's an excellent venue with an affordable food menu", writes Rae Owens. "Initially, the purpose of the club was to provide a platform for non professional guitarists to perform with fellow musicians and to encourage others to play! Over the years the format has become:- - We meet on the first Monday each month. Start at 8.00pm. Jam sessions follow with the house band, formed from members! (The Hot Club of Rainford) organising the session. I have a Special Programme for 2025 and full details can be found on the 1st Monday each month in What's On. More sessions with international players are being arranged. For any information please contact Rae Owens 07960011815 or raeowens@hotmail.co.uk 11/12/24 - "We are changing venue again in an attempt to arrest falling attendance numbers by returning to Glossop Cricket Club", writes Grayham Simpson. "Their property has easy access to the premises and to toilet facilities as well as ample car parking. This change is effective from the 1st January". Grayham has also sent me an update to the club's gig list. 11/12/24 - The Chicago Teddy Bears annual Christmas party at Grappenhall Ex Servicemen's Club, Chester Road, Grappenhall is on Thursday, 19th December at 8p.m. Buffet and band with special Guest Roger Browne on piano - £10. Anyone interested please let Rae know as soon as possible (07960 011815) so that he can arrange for food. 10/12/24 - Eagley Jazz Club Page has been updated to show the booked bands for the first 6 months of 2025. Ann Lord tells me that, "An update from We sold 106 tickets for the Christmas Dinner: and the event was a roaring success! A fabulous silver service, 3 course dinner followed by the ever-popular Dixie Beats made it a night to remember! Eagley Jazz Club continues to be a wonderfully friendly community with the best live bands in the North West! We look forward to our exciting programme for 2025, starting with the Wabash Jazzmen on Monday 6th January followed by the Tame Valley Stompers on 20th January".
10/12/24 - Graham Brook has sent me a copy of the "Tuesday Jazz & Swing" programme for the next 6 months. It's a mixture of all kinds of jazz, and takes place on the 2nd Tuesday in the month at The Morley Green Club, Wilmslow. Click here to view 08/12/24 - Didsbury Cricket Club gig list has been updated 08/12/24 - Wednesday December 18th will see the Original Panama Jazz Band Christmas Party / 70th anniversary celebration at The Irby Club. It will be pretty similar to all our other Irby gigs, except that we may be brightly dressed and smiling. We'll have a super well-balanced programme of songs: lots of really good ones, with an equal amount of rubbish. There will be cake, mince pies, etc. all free, as thanks to our great supporters who come relentlessly, good or bad weather. I think they keep thinking we're going to get better. Alongside the usual raffle, we will be running a separate raffle for this hamper which includes this very fine Panama mug, featuring our band logo: We guarantee this is the only one in the world and was created by our excellent reed player Jonny Spall. The picture shows it in right-hand mode, but the clever design incorporates a facility to cater for those amongst us who are left-handed. All proceeds from this raffle will be going to Myeloma UK. We hope that the night is filled to capacity and look forward to an enjoyable gig. - Jon Critchley
08/12/24 - The 13 Club Jazz Band is now playing once a ,month at the 13 Club, Cedar Ave, Alsager ST7 2PH. The next session is Fri 3rd Jan 7.30-9.30pm £5 entry. The band is- Terry Brunt trombone, Eric Newton clarinet, Glyn Bennett trumpet, Howard Worthington bass, Stuart Renn banjo/guitar. - Stuart Renn 08/12/24 - Traditional New Orleans jazz is alive and well in Liverpool, if The Savoy Jazzmen sessions in the Palm House in Sefton Park is anything to go by. According to band leader Peter Swensson, last Tuesday, the attendance was a record of over 250 jazzers. He sent me these photos taken at the event. "It's a brilliant venue", said Peter, and I'll go along with that.
08/12/24 - Many Happy Returns on Wednesday to drummer Moe Green. Also next Saturday, it's birthday greetings to Alex Clarke and Barrie Quilliam 07/12/24 - Trevor Stent has sent me details for FestJazz 2025 as the first names have now been booked You can read more by clicking here 07/12/24 - There has been a change of date for Steve Butterworth's funeral from Monday the 16th December to Thursday19th December, the time is still the same i.e. 3.30pm at Dukinfield Crematorium. - Linda Smith 06/12/24 - An article entitled, "The Forest New Orleans Jazz Band and onwards....", by Jeff Roberts has appeared in the latest edition of Just Jazz Magazine 05/12/24 - News from Saints & Sinners Jazz Band - Thursday evening 19th December in Didsbury will be the last time the Saints & Sinners Jazz Band will be playing in jazz clubs around the area. However, their long term relationship with the Macclesfield Treacle Market, where they play once a month, will continue. You will be wondering why the band's activities have been reduced? It's simply due to musician movement between the Saints & Sinners and Original Tame Valley Stompers; effectively both bands now have identical musicians! We have therefore decided to take the action stated. We hope for a good turnout on the 19th to see the Saints & Sinners for the last time at Didsbury. - Andy Wagstaff 04/12/24 - Childwall Abbey Hotel. The Savoy Jazzmen will now be playing Sunday 15th December not the 8th. The hotel had overlooked a charity event booked for the 8th. The band will be playing in the bar between 2-4 pm. Free admission. Plenty of parking, cask ales available. Why not book a table by ringing 0151 722 5293 and have a Sunday Roast as you listen to the band. - Peter Swensson. 03/12/24 - This little item came to me courtesy of Google Alerts and the Shropshire Star. A venue in Presteigne is preparing for a pre-Christmas knees up with The Gin Bowlers. Formed a little short of a decade ago in Bristol through a love of Hot Jazz, Trad Jazz, and Swing, The Gin Bowlers have since played on festival stages, clubs and bars, and a variety of events touring all over Europe in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Austria, Germany and more. Their exciting and captivating show brings together music from the 30s and 40s with original arrangements and masterful solos, gorgeous vocals and a fantastic old sound. I found them on Youtube, take a peek - Fred 03/12/24 - The Phoenix Suite at Stoke webpage has been updated 03/12/24 - Could you please remind people that the Canal Street Stompers will be playing at the Railway in Sale on Wednesday 18th December (a week early ) - Derek Galloway 02/12/24 - The December edition of the Dove Jazz Club Bugle is in circulation, grab your copy here. On Saturday, December 14th. 2024 Jools and his Jazzaholics “Festive Christmas Special” will take place. Don't miss it. 02/12/24 - The gig list for 2025 at Ayr Jazz Club has been updated. Stuart McLean tells me, "Depending on what happens at our AGM in January, 2025 may be our last year. We are losing our venue at the end of October due to conversion of the function suite at The Fairfield into their new leisure centre and although we are seeking accommodation elsewhere, signs at the moment are not good. Will see how we progress. Please note that the November party night will be at The Carlton Hotel, Prestwick". 02/12/24 - The room at the Thistleberry is not available on Sunday 8th so there will not be any jazz. The next session will be on Sunday 15th when the Coffin Dodgers Jazz Band will be joined by special guest Matt Palmer on reeds, Admission £7 Session 1 pm until 3-15 pm. - Dave Timmis 02/12/24 - I'm very sorry to report that Bill Cornell, drummer, bandleader, promoter and all-round good egg, passed away last night at the grand age of 96. Bill was responsible for my jazz career and those of countless other young musicians over the years, whom he inspired and encouraged with his love of jazz. Bill was active in the Essex / Herts area and used to run jam sessions at the Railway Hotel, Bishops Stortford. It was there that both bassist, Keith Donald and I got some of our earliest experiences playing with other musicians. Martin Taylor OBE was also part of Bill's sessions. Bill led the Golden Era Jazz Band for many years, finally hanging up his sticks a couple of years ago. He and his devoted wife, Vanessa, continued to promote jazz in Saffron Walden and the sessions booked will continue. Sarah Spencer will be guesting with his band on Sunday and I will post details of this gig later in the week. Bill and Vanessa were regulars at my festivals and at the ARC, Old Harlow, where they were on the door, welcoming jazz fans and selling CDs and books. Bill's knowledge of jazz was encyclopaedic - he would know the answers to questions about personnel on early recording, which stumped musicians and fans alike. No one had a bad word to say about Bill. The jazz scene will be the poorer for his loss, which closes a chapter of British jazz. - John Petters 02/12/24 - I have just been informed that the funeral for Steve Butterworth will be at 3.30pm on Monday 16th December at Dukinfield Crematorium. It has taken some time to arrange since he passed away in September as it was in the hands of his solicitor. Steve was a drummer and a jazz fan, he helped to run the Thursday night jazz at Didsbury Cricket Club, taking the money on the door etc. He also attended other jazz venues and festivals. R I P Steve. - Linda Smith 01/12/24 - I don't have any videos of the OPJB. But this is my favourite go-to when I'm feeling that I'm wasting my time, or maybe I'm not worthy of standing in front of people who've actually paid to hear me. - Jon Critchley. I'll let this jump the queue and be the Video of The Month - Fred 01/12/24 - 4 to the bar are at the Devonshire Arms on 17th December from 8.30 till 10.30 with Phil Lucas trumpet John Padfield reeds and Dave Parr double bass. 01/12/24 - Many Happy Returns today to Paul Marks and on Tuesday to Derek Harrison. Best Wishes to you both. NOVEMBER 20/11/24 - "For 2025, there's an exciting programme featuring your favourite bands and some great new ones at Eagley Jazz Club", writes Ann Lord in one of her regular email to members. Our first event of 2025 is on 6th January, when we welcome the return of the Wabash Jazzmen, followed by the Tame Valley Stompers on 20th January. Doors open at 7pm and the bands' performances will start at 8pm. Here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and may 2025 bring us all good health and happiness". As you will know, our last event on 18th November had to be cancelled due to the inclement weather. We did our utmost to contact everyone on our mailing list to inform them and I sincerely hope that you were not put to any inconvenience because of the cancellation. Events like this highlight the importance of registering as a ''Friend of Eagley Jazz Club'', so we can alert you to emergencies. If you are already registered but have changed your contact details, location or have acquired a mobile phone or an email address, please update your details with us. 28/11/24 - Barrie Marshall has also forwarded me a video of his band, the Sun Street Stompers, that was taken last Sunday at The Tap House in Lancaster 26/11/24 - Des Hopkins has released a video of the Des Hopkins Dixieland Jazz Band in Cork at the Guinness Jazz Festival October 2024. The video was taken at the Clayton Cork City Hotel 26/11/24 - Harry (Harold) was pleased to have his birthday mentioned a few weeks ago. Unfortunately he had a fall when out walking and spent his 85th birthday in hospital being operated on for a broken hip (not quite the celebration we had hoped for). He is still in hospital but on the road to recovery and hopes it is not too long before he is playing his cornet again - Pat Parkinson (His partner). 26/11/24 - Carlisle Jazz Club gig list has been updated 25/11/24 - A reminder that Jazz at Colne Legion has been moved from December 1st to January 5th. - Jeff Roberts 24/11/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Dave Berry & John Dorgan on Tuesday, Mike Pearson on Thursday and Tony West on Friday 18/11/24 - On Sunday 24th November the Coffin Dodgers special guests are Colin Bostock on reeds and Derek Galloway on trombone. Session 1 pm until 3-15 pm admission £7 at The Thistleberry, Newcastle - Dave Timmis 18/11/24 - The Committee at Eagley Jazz Club has had to make the difficult decision to cancel tonight's Jazz event with the Harlem Hot Stompers. The weather prediction is snow from around 7pm, becoming thicker as the evening progresses. The band is travelling in from Merseyside and we have many Friends travelling in from the areas most affected by the snow. Also, Bromley Cross, being one of the highest areas of Bolton, receives more snow than the western side of the town. We apologise for this but feel it is in everyone's interest in the circumstances. - Ann Lord 17/11/24 - Many Happy Returns on Friday to John Meehan who will reach his 85th birthday, I know many of you out there will be wondering how he is getting on after a stroke sadly put paid to his drumming career and organisation of the Savannah Jazz Band. I gather from Brian Ellis that, "He is doing OK and is quite happy with what he has at the moment. He can communicate with people, he can walk unaided, he likes a beer or two at his local and he is very well looked after by Pru his wife. His main problems are reading and writing other than that he's absolutely fine". That's great news and I'm sure many of you out there will be pleased to hear this. Best Wishes John - Fred. 16/11/24 - Graham Martindale's son Dan has been in contact, and he says, "I own a very small craft ale bar with a couple of friends in Horwich- and we do have acoustic Sundays and open mics etc and I’ve always thought about a jazz night every now and again. Wondered if you had any contacts who may be interested in discussing opportunities". I'll email musicians with Dan's contact details for anybody interested 14/11/24 - Christmas and New Year - Manchester Jazz - Our programme of gigs on the first Monday of each Month is unaffected by the Christmas break. Therefore, we will be at High Lane Conservative Club, as usual, on Monday 2nd December and on Monday 6th January 2025. Playing Times- With effect from Monday 6th January 2025, we are bringing our playing times forward by 30 minutes to 7.30 start, 10.00 finish. The times of the next gig, on 2nd December, will remain, 8pm to 10.30 . These changes have been made after consultation with our wonderful loyal regulars, the musicians, and the fabulous crew at the Con Club, and will help people who travel a distance to attend High Lane, to arrive home a little earlier and to reduce their driving in the dark hours throughout the year. 14/11/24 - Roy Cansdale's funeral will be held at 12.30pm on Friday 29 November at Eden Valley Crematorium, Temple Sowerby, Penrith. CA10 2AN. Family and friends are invited to get together afterwards in the Kremer bar at Kendal Rugby Club, Shap Road, Kendal LA9 6NY. Will musicians please bring their instruments to the Rugby Club to help celebrate Roy's life. Any personal messages can be sent to Roy's son at jonathanpcansdale@gmail.com. - Bruce Carnaffin 11/11/24 - Fred's Jazz Northwest is the spot : For news on what's cool and what's hot : Twice a week, by email : Jazz news without fail : For fans who all dig it a lot! 10/11/24 - T Lowther Pavilion at Lytham will be staging one of their jazz nights on Wednesday, 13th November starting at 8pm. Cafe Society's guest on this occasion will be trumpeter Phil Lucas. 10/11/24 - Happy Birthday to my old band member and dear friend Terry Brunt Thinking of you and the fun we had - Love from Sheila Collier
10/11/24 - Many Happy Returns today to Graham Martindale and Terry Brunt. A special birthday greeting to Ken Parkinson, who will celebrate his 95th birthday on Thursday 14th, obviously trombone playing is good for you. 07/11/24 - Roy Cansdale, a fine bass player and guitarist, well known in the NW and other parts of England where he has resided, has just died at the age of 80. He will be remembered not just as a musician but also as a promoter - he ran the now defunct Kendal Jazz Club for many years, and was an interesting, warm and kind man. He will not be forgotten. There are no funeral details available yet. - Bruce Carnaffin. There is now a tribute page for Roy. 04/11/24 - I always look forward to reading Roger Marshall's Dove Jazz Club Bugle. I marvel at his eloquent, articulate, and silver-tongued way with words, he makes it sound so inviting, so I was amazed to read that last month’s attendance for the "vastly entertaining Nick Ward’s Jelly Roll Quartet", was sparse. If only I lived nearer. Where were you all? 04/11/24 - Another good attendance last month at The Thistleberry, Newcastle ST5 2LT. On Sunday 10th November our special guests are Derek Galloway on trombone and Colin Bostock on reeds. Session is 1 pm until 3-15 pm admission £7 - Dave Timmis 03/11/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Harry Roberts on Wednesday and Peter Brown on Friday 02/11/2024 - Hi Fred, Have seen your note about lack of videos of the month. Here is one which is Kevin Grenfell's Jazz Giants which includes Jeremy Huggett ( sadly died recently) on saxes. Cheers - John Howell 02/11/24 - "We're happy to announce that the Christmas Dinner is a sell-out", says Ann Lord for Eagley Jazz Club. "This Monday, 4th November, we will be hosting the very popular Night Owls. If you're a Dixieland purist and want to enjoy some of the North's best musicians, please don't miss this event! We will be distributing a questionnaire on Monday to find out your preferences about the club's operation". OCTOBER 31/10/24 - '4 to the bar' will be at the Devonshire Arms, Mellor on 19 November with John Hallam Reeds, Jim Lucas Trumpet and Dave Parr Double Bass from 8.30 till 10.30. 31/10/24 - There are a lot of misunderstandings about my Pedigree Jazzband. Firstly - I have NOT retired although I did have a brief spell in hospital. Following a body MOT I have reformed the Pedigree band as “Chris Walker’s Pedigree Chums” Mainly this is because Marstons have been taken over and their sponsorship ended. Please see our website and get our updated info and diary. With all best wishes and stay safe - Chris Walker 30/10/24 - I'm pleased to report that Barrie Marshall is now out of hospital and none the worse for his experience. 29/10/24 - The Jazz at The Phoenix club in Longton, has been updated for the November gigs 28/10/24 - I've just received a newspaper cutting from Jon Critchley, showing a letter the late Dave Thomas, written by his widow Diane. I've reproduced it at the end of Dave's Tribute Page 28/10/24 - This Thursday 31st October Roy Chappell will be singing with the Roger Browne Trio at Didsbury Cricket Club. It's an 8pm start finishing at 10.30pm, £8 admission. Good music, good humour and a friendly atmosphere. - Linda Smith 27/10/24 - Barrie Marshall had a bit of a scare during his gig at Lancaster today when he had problems standing up, so finished up being taken to the hospital by the pub landlord. Thankfully he's doing OK and rang me tonight from hospital following a CT scan. They've had him walking round but he's still undergoing investigation though looking forward to playing his clarinet again soon. 27/10/24 - The latest edition of Just Jazz Magazine popped through the door on Friday. 40 pages of all things to do with Traditional Jazz, including a page and a half contribution from yours truly. 27/10/24 - Many Happy Returns tomorrow to Phil Shotton. Also Many Happy Returns to Roger Browne on Friday, and on Saturday to Danny Riley. 23/10/24 - Many Happy Returns today to drummer Dave Stanley who played with The Forest Jazzmen 23/10/24 - Carlisle Jazz Club gig list has been updated 22/10/24 - To anyone who knew the pianist Colin Hilton : We had a phone call from his son Gary to say Colin's funeral will be at 11.45am on Monday 28th October at St Peter's Church, Jessel Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn BB2 2RQ. There is a tribute page here to Colin from the Empire Theatre, Blackburn. Roy sang frequently with Colin over many years and they had many good times together. - Linda Smith & Roy Chappell. 21/10/24 - Late band change at Carlisle Jazz Club this coming Thursday, 24tth. Steve Andrew and Friends are now appearing - Bill Duckworth 21/10/24 - This Sunday 27th October at the Thistleberry, Newcastle, we welcome special guests Matt Palmer reeds and Richard Slater trombone. Session is 1 pm until 3-15 pm Admission £7 - Dave Timmis 18/10/24 - Peter Swensson has played with the ‘Savoy Jazzmen’ since his demobilization from serving as a National Serviceman in the British Army. Peter joined the Savoy Jazzmen on October 18th 1960, 64 years to the day. He has performed with the band without a break continually until present day. Perhaps you may agree Fred that this is indeed a long time to play with the same band. - Geoff Hogarth. 18/10/24 - The Peninsula Jazzmen are due to play next Tuesday at The British Legion in Heswall, but unfortunately the venue has been taken over for a séance night and nobody saw it coming! The band sends its apologies to all its fans. 16/11/24 - Just to inform you of the passing of keyboard-player / MD Colin Hilton on Friday October 11th. Though he primarily was a show musician (personal pianist for the Kaye Sisters, Donald Peers, Johnny Hackett, Norman Wisdom amongst others) Colin was a very keen jazz instrumentalist. I recall him brilliantly backing Maxine Daniels at one of the Blakey's Jazz Nights. And had an extensive repertoire of the jazz standards from cakewalks to swing. The most affable of men with a cheery smile and a wealth of humorous anecdotes, Colin will be sorely missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. R. I. P. - Pete Lindup
14/10/24 - Manchester Jazz is reviving the "Bring
Your Own Supper" concert at Goostrey Village Hall on 26th October,
for The Holmes Chapel Support Group of St Lukes (Cheshire) Hospice.
Its a brilliant atmosphere, with picnic baskets and bottles of wine
on the tables. It also happens to be in a great cause. The
concert starts at 8pm. To help regular fans of the band, some
of whom may be unsure about driving through lovely, unfamiliar,
Cheshire lanes, in the dark, the band is laying on transport from
its monthly residency at High Lane Conservative Club, where
attendees may park their car free at 6.30pm for the evening whilst a
minibus takes them to Goostrey and brings them back to High Lane by
11.15. There is a £13 fee for the minibus trip plus a
discounted ticket price of £10. Anyone interested in joining
our minibus folk, and attendi ng the concert, please call Roger on
07590 641 386. I need to have final numbers for transport by
19th October in order to arrange the appropriate size of bus. We
will have fun. - Roger Browne 13/10/24 - It seems that rumours are spreading around about my retirement from music! The fact is that I was taken into hospital early this year and, during my absence, Ken Ames kindly took over running the Pedigree Jazzband and a few long distance gigs were cancelled. I’m extremely happy to report that all tests proved negative and that I am now fully recovered and taking on gigs for 2025 with my reformed Pedigree Chums! At present I am busy fulfilling contracts aboard cruise liners where i give illustrated talks about music and play live sessions with the ships musicians. I look forward to meeting up with old friends during the coming months. Please see www.swingtet.co.uk/yesrplanner for my availability. - Chris Walker 13/10/24 - As you know, our Annual Christmas Dinner at Eagley Jazz Club is a very popular event, usually attended by over 100 guests. Tickets went on sale last Monday and we have already sold 81 tickets! This means we have only a maximum of 24 tickets left. If you would like to attend, to avoid disappointment, please let me know as soon as possible! eagleyjazzclub@gmail.com. If you're coming alone, don't worry as we'll allocate you a table with some lively Jazzers! It's on Monday 2nd December, 6pm for 6.30, through to 10.30pm. The band will be Bolton's own Dixiebeats! Menu: Vegetable soup, Turkey and Christmas Pud/Trifle/Cheese& biscuits - all courses with Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, non-dairy and Diabetic options. - Ann Lord 13/10/24 - Just had the following sad statement delivered over the phone - "John Blackman, drummer with the WirrOrleans Jazz Band is sad to inform all our musician friends and other supporters, that my lovely wife Stephanie (MBE), had a bad fall suffering head injuries on arrival at the NW Castle Hotel, Stranraer, for the jazz festival commencing 11th October. Paramedics arrived and she was rushed to hospital by emergency ambulance, where despite the best efforts of immediate medical treatment, she died three hours later. RIP my angel - John". 13/10/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Dave Bateman on Thursday and to Suzanne Mott on Saturday 12/10/24 - I've been asked for information about a musician Ted Calvert from the Stockport area. I emailed musicians and several told me there was information on the web site (I'd already sent that off), including this page Alan Hare and Ted Calvert, where Mart Rodger wrote, - "TED CALVERT. Singer and ukulele player. Lived in Brinnington. Occupation: Window dresser. He was a real character and he could sing. I remember he recorded with Pete 's Collegians - originally the Crescent Jazz Band. Ted did a super version of "Are You From Dixie" I don't have a copy but remember it well. He sang with most of the Manchester bands on a "sit in basis", but did sing full time with Pete Haslam's Collegians and recorded "Are You From Dixie" and I remember it was an excellent recording. He was a "snappy" dresser with pencilled moustache and wore a cloak. ... he was attacked by a yob in Macclesfield and was hit so hard he ended up in hospital and as a result died some weeks later. Janet and I remember sitting on the top deck of a bus travelling from The Railway in Wilmslow to Bramhall and Ted sang and played his ukulele all the way". Ted's relative would like to know if there's a recording with Ted singing or playing on it? It seems there was but does anyone have a copy? If anyone can add any further information about Ted Calvert, I'll pass it on. 09/10/24 - Due to circumstances beyond our control our next session at the Childwall Abbey Hotel with the Savoy Jazzmen, will be on Sunday 27th October not Sunday 13th. November it’s back to normal the second Sunday of the month (10th November). - Peter Swensson 08/10/24 - A Rath R12 Custom trombone, as new, has just gone for sale at £1,475 on the Sales Page 08/10/24 - I am very sorry to inform all who knew Steve Butterworth that he sadly passed away fairly suddenly at home. He was the one who took the money on the door at Didsbury Cricket Club on the Thursday jazz nights. His was also known as a drummer he had played with lots of bands in various clubs since the late 60's . He still sat in occasionally with some of the bands that play at Didsbury. He also attended quite a few other jazz and big band clubs. He would go down to Bude each year for the festival with friends from Didsbury, Marian & Roger ( who organise the Didsbury jazz) & John & Pearl. I attach two photos that Marian took at Bude 2023 and Bude 2024. it's sad to lose a friend. I'm waiting to hear from his sister in law about his funeral and will pass the information on when I know . - Linda Smith 07/10/24 - Could you let those who were at Colne Legion last week know, that due to circumstances beyond my control, the date of the next session is now on January 5th NOT December 1st. - Jeff Roberts 07/10/24 - Adrian Cork has written, "I was just randomly searching the internet for anything on the Alt River Jazz Band and came across your site. Why was I doing this? Well, I believe my dad, Conrad Cork, played with the band during their residency at The Crown in Birkdale. He was a lifelong jazz lover who ran the Formby Jazz Appreciation Society from our front room at 63 Freshfield Road, Formby. His idea was that someone would informally present an evening on a particular artist, era or style, say a few words and play some records. One week it might have been Tommy Ladnier, next week hard bop favourites. I recall that Radio Merseyside’s Steve Voce was an attendee. He left Merseyside and moved to Leicester in 1981. He passed away in 2021 and here’s an obituary from London Jazz News. His legacy may well be his book, Harmony With Lego Bricks. I’m just curious why his name isn’t included with past band members and whether or not anything else is known about the Alt River Jazz Band". The reason I didn't know about Conrad Cork is because nobody told me! Did anyone out there know him? The only information I have about the Alt River Jazz Band is here 07/10/24 - In spite of the price increase we had a really good crowd at the Thistleberry, Thistleberry Avenue, Newcastle on 29th September. This Sunday October 13th the Coffin Dodgers Jazz Band welcomes special guests Phil Lucas on trumpet and Colin Bostock on reeds. Session is 1 pm until 3-15 pm Admission £7 a mention would be great. - Cheers Dave Timmis 06/10/24 - Dringhouses Jazz forthcoming gigs have been updated 06/10/24 - The Lowther Pavilion at Lytham will be staging one of their jazz nights on Wednesday 9th October at 8pm. Cafe Society's guest on this occasion will be trombonist Suzanne Fonseca.- Colin Turner 06/10/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Jack Cotterill on Wednesday. 06/10/24 - Manchester Jazz Society programme of events has been updated 04/10/24 - Any musicians up for a challenge? This request just came in - "Hi, I am trying to find some jazz musicians who could come to my daughters wedding on Friday 25 October 2.30pm to accompany our pianist for a Flash Mob to All you need is love. I was wondering if you had any saxophone players, trumpeters etc who could do this? I envisage them sitting in the congregation and then getting up as the music starts to surprise everyone. Is this something you could do or do you know anyone who could help with this. The wedding is in a church in Southport". Interested? Let me know and you can have the details. - Fred 04/10/24 - Good News: The Original Panama Jazz Band has been asked by the Irby Club if, in addition to our successful 1st and 3rd Wednesday nights of every month, we can also do the 5th Wednesday nights, starting 2025: That will be January 29th. 02/10/24 - Time for video of the month, and sorry to say there won't be any more unless you come up with some. This came from John Westwood - If I Had You (Fred Elizalde transcription) - Bratislava Hot Serenaders Recorded in Nivy, Bratislava, 16 June 2024. 01/10/24 - The newly formed New Orleans Joys band can be seen and heard at Glossop Jazz Club on October 17th and at Didsbury Cricket Club on October 24th when Olivia Brown ( Vocalist) will be joining the band. If you enjoyed the Spirit of New Orleans, you'll love this band. SEPTEMBER
30/09/24 - The current version of Dove Jazz Cub's Bugle is now available. Well worth a read as always
30/09/24 - Manchester Jazz is delighted to be inviting the superb Andy Henderson, on Trumpet, as their special guest at High Lane Conservative Club, High Lane, Stockport, on Monday 7th October. This longstanding monthly residence goes from strength to strength. The band is very much looking forward to welcoming Andy to the wet side of the Pennines. Andy will love the warm, inviting atmosphere, created by our regulars. We start at 8m. Admission is £8 There is loads of off road parking at the club. The atmosphere is special - Roger Browne 29/09/24 - Happy Birthday tomorrow to bass player Keith Allcock. On Tuesday Brian Ellwood will celebrate his birthday, and on Friday Pete Lindup. Many Happy Returns to you all 29/09/24 - Callander Jazz & Blues Festival is set to return for its eighteenth year next week, and organisers say that it will be the biggest one yet. It's where you will be able to see the Tenement Jazz Band
27/09/24 - There's a gypsy jazz event coming up at Threlkeld Village Hall on 22nd November featuring 'Rose Room'. Full details in What's On. 26/09/24 - after 20 years I have decided to increase admission to £7 On Sunday 29th at the Thistleberry special guests are Phil Shotton reeds and Roger Browne keyboard. Session is 1 pm until 3-15 pm Admission £7 - Dave Timmis 26/09/24 - My thanks to John Howell and Alwyn Smith for pointing out that my link to Just Jazz Magazine went nowhere. Happen as well because due to a typing error the link was pointing to jusyjazz and not justjazz. I can't help but wonder where you might have ended up! 26/09/24 - The gig lists for Carlisle Jazz Club, and Southport Jazz club have been updated. 26/09/24 - Just a very small correction to your latest news update. Jim Swinnerton was playing at The Bay Jazz Club in Enfield where he was guesting with Gambit. I happen to know this 'cos I took the photo! For my sins I'm also responsible for two others on the front cover. Many thanks for all your hard work in producing the updates which I always find interesting even though all my jazz is based 'Down Sarf'. Best Wishes - Royston Rose 24/09/24 - The latest edition of Just Jazz magazine has arrived, with a picture of Lancastrian bass player Jim Swinnerton on the front cover. Getting around as always, this time he was at Westoning in Bedfordshire. 23/08/24 - I have lost a pocket trumpet, coloured blue, in a small black plastic case. I have checked all the venues I have played in since it went missing in early August and no sign of it. I would be most grateful if you could put this note on your site just in case anyone has found it. It is a cheap Stagg but I treasure it as I have fond memories of playing it in N.Orleans, New York, Cincinnati, Bude, Keswick and other places when travelling required a small portable inconspicuous instrument. - Peter Boswell 20/09/24 - Tickets for the Christmas Dinner will go on sale at Eagley Jazz Club on 7th October, when the WirrOrleans will be the band that will be entertaining. There are also some free CDs available, as mentioned on this page yesterday 19/09/24 - You may recall that Graham Martindale has been trying to find a home for his collection of CDs . He says, "I brought about 100 back home and will give those to the Hot Club in Limoges to add to their already vast collection of jazz recordings and literature. and at the suggestion of Fraser McCombe (17/07/24), and Pete Lay via Jeff Roberts, decided to give the remainder to a jazz club and where better than the Eagley Jazz Club in Bolton. I rang Reg, and he was, I am pleased to say, happy to take them. He didn't seem at all phased when we plonked six cabinets / plastic boxes containing about 450 CDs on his large, magnificent dining table. Reg said that they had received other collections in the past which they displayed at the back of the hall on club nights so that members and musicians could avail themselves of the goodies. There's a great choice of "real jazz" in the collection so I hope the club's members and performers will enjoy looking through them and adding some to their collections". 18/09/24 - Re: Colne jazz- sitters in are very much welcome. All we ask is that anyone wanting to sit in arrives around 2pm, this enables us to arrange the sitters in slot, which happens after the first interval. 17/09/23 - Another session at The Legion in Colne is taking place on Sunday afternoon, 29th of September (full details on the flyer). Sitters in more than welcome. 15/09/24 - Talking about sitters in with my band, The Sun Street Stompers, two have done well. Adrian Wilkinson often came to sit in, he went to Leeds college of music and is now lead saxophone with The Syd Lawrence band. Then of course Jim Swinnerton would come to sit in on clarinet, he had said he played bass so when we needed a new player Alan Duckles and I decided to give him a try and look where he is now, the fact that they sat in with us changed their lives. 15/09/24 - In an email to Pete Lay, Dennis Whitehead writes, "Hi Pete, just to say a big thank you for another great weekend at Gunton Hall, and the icing on the cake was the money raised for GOSH, many thanks". Pete replied, "The money raised is going to support Gt. Ormond Street build a new school for seriously ill children to enable them to be involved in their education during their stays at the hospital". Well done to all those jazzers who attended the Warner Hotel weekend. 15/09/24 - Reply To Allen Wilcox, I live in South Australia and on a visit to the Hereford Jazz Club I was allowed to sit in with a trad group there and we all had a lot of fun, good guys, nice band, it turned out that one of the Band had sat in with my group years before in OZ but later we were down in Bude Cornwall, different attitude altogether, so I understand the situations in the Jazz Scene everywhere, I think depending on the quality of the band they sometimes feel threatened, they shouldn’t but human nature is what it is/ While running my Band over in OZ, I love sitters-in to get up, we had a young guy called Martin Veasey who got up on Trombone, he was very impressive and we became friends and while on holiday I visited his band and did some gigs near Worchester with him, great fun and the difference it makes to the night is electric. I started my career over in OZ simply by sitting in and ended up getting a 4 nights a week gig at a local Pizza palace, great times . Cheers - Derek Dalton 15/09/24 - There is now a John Rothwell Tribute Page available. Unfortunately you can't post directly into it, just email me any messages and I'll add them for you. 14/09/24 - We are sad to announce the death of JOHN ROTHWELL. He was the drummer with the Silver Bell band, the Red Rose Band and the Savoy Jazzmen. His Family funeral will be at Southport Crematorium on Monday 30th September at 2pm Please wear bright clothes. - Derek Galloway. 13/09/24 - It’s Lancaster Jazz Festival this weekend mainly contemporary jazz. The roots of what they are playing started in New Orleans, traditional jazz or New Orleans jazz. If you want to hear the roots come along to The Tap House (the old Fat Scot) on Saturday or Sunday The Sun Street Stompers will be playing from 12.30 till 3.00 on both days.- Barrie Marshall 13/09/24 - Richard Lord writes, "I have emerged to tell you that I am putting on a top line-up on Sunday October 13th in the United Methodist church in Marsden. A bit later start than usual for the spiritual service, 11am and then the secular session is from 1 to 2.30pm. So, we have Roger Wimpenny trumpet, Andy Wallis reeds, Derek Galloway trombone, Mally Horne banjo/guitar, John Muskett bass and myself. It's on the Marsden jazz festival website under Tom Kitten's Jazz Katz so if you can tap your feet, clap on the off beat and sing a little you will have a really good time. If you can't, you will have a really good time. There's cakes too! But no Tom Kitten. 12/09/24 - Following on from
Allan Wilcox's surprise about The Sun Street Stompers: "This is one
of the few bands in the North West that welcomes 'sitters-in": Who
wrote that comment and how does that person know? I wasn't asked!
One of our sitters-in is now a member of the band (Panama Jazz
Band). Nonsense, if you ask me. Which you didn't. Fact is, there
aren't many potential sitters-in around these days. - Jon Critchley. 11/09/24 - I was somewhat taken aback to read on your news page that the Sun Street Stompers was ‘one of the few bands in the North West that welcomes sitters-in’. How times must have changed! Time was when ALL bands did it. It was how young people starting out in jazz gained their experience, and musicians moving into the area earned their reputations. It was in many respects the lifeblood of jazz (one of the few kinds of music in which it is even possible) - and not only in the North West! Is this the real answer to all those ‘doom and gloom’ questions you’ve posted over the years? Is jazz ‘dying’ because it no longer encourages musicians who want to play it? As I remember it, we had a couple of ‘golden’ rules to ensure that the overall quality of the gig was not severely compromised: only two numbers per sitter-in, and only one sitter-in in each half. It was a system everyone understood, and it worked well. Time it was revived I think. - Allan Wilcox
10/09/24 - "The Dixiebeats are honoured to be playing at Dunscar Conservative Club on Friday 4th October", writes their drummer Karen Johnson. "A dear friend of some of the band was sadly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer earlier this year and has received some fantastic support from Prostate Cancer UK. They are, as with most charities, funded solely by donations and we thought it would be magnificent if we could put on an event where we could generate some funds to 'give back' in gratitude for all they have done for our friend Keith. The event is at the home of Eagley Jazz Club in Bolton and tickets are £10 each including a pasty. We have lots of events taking place on the night in addition to the entertainment which will be provided by our MC and of course The Dixiebeats. People can either contact myself (Karen) or John Percival for tickets or visit our webpage or facebook page and message us there. Click here for more details. 10/09/24 - The Sun St Stompers are playing at The Tap House in Lancaster LA1 1UH, on Saturday and Sunday (14th & 15th). this weekend at the regular time of 12.30 till 3.00.. This is one of the few bands in the North West that welcomes 'sitters-in', so if you are a musician and are in the Lancaster area this weekend, now's your chance to sit in for a couple of numbers. Failing that they are currently looking for bar staff 😊 09/09/24 - This Sunday, 15th September the Coffin Dodgers special guests are Colin Bostock reeds and Roger Browne keyboard. Venue is the Thistleberry, Thistleberry Avenue, Newcastle. Session is 1 pm until 3-15 pm Admission £5. - Dave Timmis 08/09/24 - There's a great weekend of jazz coming up in Rainford, which is easy to get to from the M58. It all starts at the Rainford Junction Pub on Friday Night 13th Sept. 8-30pm with The Hot Club Of Halifax. There's jam sessions, The Chicago Teddybears Jazz Band, The Hot Club of Rainford, Master Class Workshop with Beyond Swing and German Jazz Trio. Full details by clicking here 08/09/24 - Dave Lee will be standing in for Bill Barrow at the Wyre Levee Stompers gig at the Stocks & Shilling, Poulton-le-Fylde, on Thursday 12th September from 2-30 pm. 08/09/24 - Great photo of the Eclipse New Orleans Parade Band on the front of the latest Just Jazz Magazine 08/09/24 - Many Happy Return to Tom (Spats) Langham on Tuesday and on Friday to John Howell who did so much to promote traditional jazz in Albrighton. 07/09/24 - Drummin' man and fellow radio ham John Petters presents a radio programme dedicated to traditional jazz on Monday nights (checkout What's On). The next four shows delve back to the traditional jazz revival, which started in the mid 1930s. John recorded Mike Pointon’s two lectures on the New Orleans Revival and Bunk Johnson, who of course, was a pivotal figure in that explosion of hot music. The first show looks at the rekindling of interest in the early jazz styles of the 1920s in that age of the big swing bands. During the series, Mike explores early British and Australian pioneers – George Webb, Humphrey Lyttelton, Wally Fawkes, Graeme Bell, Cy Laurie, Chris Barber, The Crane River JB, The Yorkshire Jazz Band and Ken Colyer. These shows are a must for anyone interested in hot traditional jazz 05/09/24 - They don't come along every month, but the next gig at the Village Institute, Main Street, Hornby, (A683) LA2 8JR. on 16th Nov` will be the return of the Steve Andrews Quartet, Steve on tenor sax, with Pete Major on piano. Doors & bar open from 7.30, music from 8 p.m. Tickets £16, on the door, on-line, or ring 015242 22227. 03/09/24 - As I'm sure many of you will appreciate, keeping the site up to date, can be quite demanding, and there's one job I keep thinking I should do, yet shouldn't have to do, and that is to check that the information on the dep's list is up to date. Then in a flash I thought, why don't I ask for a volunteer? It would involve ringing or emailing each musician on the list and checking if their details as shown, are correct, and if not make a correction list in the same format, typed in an email or attached document, such that I can just overwrite the old with the new . Anybody willing to have a go, no rush? - Fred 03/09/24 - The gig list for the Fleetwood Hesketh at Southport has been updated 03/09/24 - Time for a new 'video of the month'. This month it comes from Alan Jeffs, who says, "I think this is about as authentic as you can get for reproducing early jazz. Also, check out the dog who doesn't seem to mind all that loud playing right behind him/her!". 02/09/24 - Two new pen portraits have been added to the site, both written by Andy Wagstaff. You can find the links to them on the Pen Portraits page. There's one for Annie Cousins, and one for Andy Wagstaff himself. Andy has taken over the running of the Saints & Sinners jazz band along with Mike Mason, and the band page is in the process of being updated. 01/09/24 - Many Happy Returns on Tuesday this week to bass player Howard Worthington. 01/09/24 - Another information packed Bugle from Dove jazz club, written by from Roger Marshall in his own inimitable style, is now available. Always keeping an eye on the local jazz scene and their supporters, Roger tells me that, "There is very much a large percentage of such folk who are in favour of Sunday Afternoon Jazz Sessions. Bearing this in mind we are presently trying to arrange as many Sunday afternoon Gigs as is reasonably possible from January 2025 onwards to give us an idea of how Sunday Afternoon Sessions go down with our audiences', helpers and musicians alike". Says Roger, "There most certainly will be the usual Beauteous Butcher Burnham's Pork Growlers on sale for your consumption on Saturday, September the 14th for Sarah Spencer's Transatlantic Jazz Band! And the Bar will be open for all of its usual, thirst quenching, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages". AUGUST 30/08/24 - Had a great appreciative audience of 94 to listen to us at Dringhouses yesterday afternoon: Very nice club, free tea / coffee to everyone: The band was given a complimentary first drink (each). - Jon Critchley. You can see short videos of the band here, here and here. 30/08/24 - I see Fritzells Jazz Bar on Bourbon St N.O. is now charging $10 - $20 entry ! You can see by on-line video the small audience shows the punters are not liking it. When my wife and I frequented Fritzells back in the 70s the place was bunged to the gunnels and the atmosphere was electric and it was 'free'. How things change Eh? - Norman Gibson 27/08/24 - "I have got a great band this week", says Dave Timmis, "Pity about the drummer.". Sunday September !st the Coffin Dodgers Jazz Band welcomes special guests Phil Lucas trumpet, Phil Shotton reeds and Roger Browne keyboard. Venue is the Thistleberry, Thistleberry Avenue, Newcastle. Session is 1 pm until 3-15 pm Admission £5. 26/08/24 - Greetings, Fred, from York, where Meryl and I attend Dringhouses Jazz Club most weeks (and occasionally I pluck). However this coming Thursday at lunchtime we shall be casting off from Silsden for a short trip on a long canal. In our absence can I send best wishes to Jon Critchley and the (Original) Panamaniacs for safe crossings of the Pennines and a splendid gig. All the best to you and Barbara. - John Muskett 26/08/24 - I didn't know about this until John Mayall's sister, Caroline, contacted me yesterday morning to tell me there was an hour-long programme on BBC 4 about John last night There are still a few people who remember that John played with Mart's Hounds of Sound before Mart left the band and joined the Zenith Six. He mentions Mart a few times in his book: "The Blues From Laurel Canyon". He even makes a very small mention of the Hounds of Sound! - Janet Roger 26/08/24 - In early July (01/07/24), Jack Grimshaw emailed you from Southern California in praise of the awesome night he passed with the Zenith Six at the Black Lion. There were many such nights at the Black Lion but in an earlier time the Zenith Six, under the leadership of Mart Rodger, were resident at The Clarendon Hotel on Oxford Street and many an awesome night was to be experienced there. Thoughtless city planners saw fit to demolish the Clarendon in 1964 to make way for the Mancunian Way inner city by-pass. The attached image is from 1999 (I think) when Mart Rodger's Manchester Jazz and the Zenith Six played a sort of requiem mass under the motorway at the site of the former Clarendon Hotel. (see latest addition to the Black Lion Page). Happy Days, Grand Musicians.- John Simpson. 25/08/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Mike McLachlan & Andrew Mackenzie on Monday, and to Keith Shone on Wednesday 22/08/24 - As well as the normal Sunday appearance at The New Tap House in Lancaster, over August Bank Holiday Weekend, The Sun Street Stompers will be playing on Monday the 26th 12.30 till 3.00 21/08/24 - For many years prior to Covid, and Mart Rodger's sad passing, Manchester Jazz played a wonderful, regular, gig at Goostrey Village Hall in aid of St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice. This was a great fund raiser for the hospice. It was also great fun as the audience were encouraged to bring their own picnics, including alcoholic drinks. Happily, this very special evening has been restored and Manchester Jazz will be entertaining the good people of Goostrey, supporters of St Lukes and any one else who fancies a fabulous night of Traditional Jazz, in a great cause. The date is Saturday 26th October. The start time is 8pm, but come early. Tickets are £15 and are available from Dennis 01477 532407. The venue again: Goostrey Village Hall CW4 8PE - Roger Browne 18/08/24 - A long time visitor to this site is John Westwood, and he's miles away from the Northwest, down in Taunton. John copied me into an email to Mike Denham - "Firstly, thanks so much for the superb session you Stompers all put on last night - including lots of rarely-played titles very much enjoyed by all. Hope you'll be Stompin' around Somerset again real soon!". It prompted me to ask where it was, and he said it was at Wiveliscombe Jazz Club. Now I challenge you to find this club and what's on there. I told John and he said, "I'm afraid you hit on a very pertinent point here...... Up to 'Lockdown' there were quite a few clubs which published websites, and many more promoters who reported their activities on "Social Media". As in most places, none of the local or regional media give support to our music in any shape or form, the common comment being "doesn't fit our profile - our target is to appeal to a younger audience". Well that may be true of music programmes, but Ann Lord (Eagley Jazz Club), has shown there are other ways of maintaining publicity. As well as regular emails to club members, and listings on this site and social media, she's appeared on local radio extolling the benefits of Eagley Jazz Club, and lately an article in Bolton's local newspaper, well worth a read here. John Westwood doesn't use social media, regarding it as "too dangerous - the stamping ground of crooks, hackers, swindlers and now rioters etc", and has done his bit by printing off these flyers and distributing them. So it's not just the musicians that we need, it's the John Westwood and Ann Lords of this world to publicise the clubs, and dare I say, the odd Fred Burnett?. However, even that isn't always possible, as John says, "I've now only succeeded in getting two responses to requests for updated info. to cover up to Jan/Jun 2025. So I have, reluctantly, had to admit defeat and give all that up now". Tell me about it John, is it apathy or indifference? Thankfully clubs are quite good at letting me know up here. - Fred 16/08/24 - Phil Lucas trumpet Dave Parr Bass and John Padfield reeds will be joining me at the Devonshire Arms, Mellor, on Tuesday 20th August 8.30 -10.30. - Ian McCann 14/08/24 - On Tuesday next 20 August Rochdale Jazz Club (trading as Jazz@TheReform), will be marking two years at its now well established Reform Club venue in Middleton Road, Chadderton OL9 0LG. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by ever popular Canal Street Stompers, and will also feature a brolley parade, and as befits the occasion there will be CAKE aplenty so friends old and new can be assured of a warm welcome. 8.00 - 10.30pm with admission £8 payable at the door. Two years would you believe? To those of us who like yourself are suddenly finding themselves at the plateaux leading to the early slopes of the foothills approaching middle age it may seem incredible but as the sage (well Tony Sheldon) says "Don't time fly when you're having fun?" - Alan Lawless 14/08/24 - Instead of the normal last Thursday of the month, The Seaside Stompers will be at The Mount Pleasant pub in Southport on Thursday 22 August. We are also pleased to have with us now in the band, pianist Graham Senior, who much reminds me of playing with Ray Foxley and Terry Birstall! - George Lapsley 12/08/24 - I just had a phone call from Annie Cousins (Annie's Saints & Sinners) to tell me that she will be retiring from playing as from 1st September. I know she still has a couple of gigs left in the diary - Macclesfield Treacle Market on 25th Aug ( if you haven't been, you don't know what you've missed), and Didsbury Cricket Club on 29th Aug. Please go along and wish Annie best wishes for the future, she's done a sterling job for what I think may be around 30 years if not more. 12/08/24 - Sunday 18th August our special guests at The Thistleberry, Newcastle ST5 2LT, are Matt Palmer on reeds and Howard Worthington on bass, with Rae Owens switching to banjo/guitar. - Dave Timmis 11/08/24 - Let me correct myself on the TRADITIONAL Jazz in Cornwall. What I should have said, apart from Bude, there are very few TRADITIONAL jazz venues in Cornwall. 11/08/24 - Regards to Roger Williamson's comment: - I agree there is jazz in Cornwall. There's Bude Jazz Club once or twice a month at The Falcon Hotel, and literally just over the border in Plymouth is their Jazz Club. There are local Cornish bands (Two Cities, Black Rock, Gt. Western, to name a few), who have regular gigs. I'm sure Derek Winters would be happy to update Mike Lovell. 11/08/24b - The Lowther Pavilion at Lytham will be staging one of their jazz nights on Wednesday 14th August starting at 8pm. Cafe Society's guests on this occasion will be trombonist Andrew McKenzie and reed player Jonny Spall. 09/08/24 - Bob Lamb sent me details of a Guardian article and a picture of Parr Jazz co-promoter J Butters outside Liverpool's St George's Hall during the Liverpool riots, Click here to bring a smile to your lips. 09/08/24 - Just received John Hallam's latest newsletter via email, and it included this beautiful video of which he says, "One of the highlights this year was the Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival in June, where it was good to meet up with two Scottish musicians I always enjoy playing with, Bass player Roy Percy and Guitarist John Fenner, who along with Pianist Dean Stockdale made up the rhythm section for some terrific sessions with Reeds player, Thomas l'Etienne and Clarinettist Samantha Wright, allowing us to play some lovely three Clarinet numbers, particularly in the Church.
07/08/24 - Whilst cleaning the site of unlinked files and links that no longer worked, I discovered that a link to George Galway playing Autumn Leaves with the Chicago Teds no longer worked, in fact I suspect it never did. You can either listen to it on his tribute page or click here. 07/08/24 - Roger Williamson writes, "I was astonished to read that Mike Lovell thinks that 'Jazz is unknown in Cornwall'. At the end of August I will be making my annual trip to the Bude jazz festival. I'm not sure how many times I've been but it is definitely more than 30. The festival was started by John Minnion but is currently organised by Bude jazz club which is still alive and kicking. Sadly I believe that jazz clubs in Penzance and Erth, which I have visited, no longer function but don't lets talk down Cornwall as a jazz venue. I may have slightly misquoted Mike, I think he said it tongue in cheek, but there must be a difference between a musician living there looking for regular work, which is what I think Mike was talking about, and a festival that takes place once a year. - Fred 07/08/24 - There's a Jazz Night tomorrow night (Thu), at the Rifleman's Arms, in Kendal .From 8.30 pm. Admission free! Visiting musicians and everyone welcome! Pete Major at his restored piano, Steve Andrews reeds, Roy Cansdale bass, swinging the Jazz classics sweet and hot . 07/08/24 - My Thanks to Trig Ellis and Sheila Collier for explaining to me what a Dobro is. (30/07/24) I could have asked CoPilot, or ChatGTP, the A.I. machines, but I guess I was too idle at the time. Google is fine, but it offers, "About 173,000,000 results". At least A.I. offered me this round up. Whether it be right or wrong, it matches what my two musician friends told me, and more, so I guess it's right.. 04/07/24 - Thanks for all the work you put into keeping you site up to date. I noticed you mentioned Greg Robley in your Birthday List. Because you made mention of him, and he being a leading light in the Pwllheli Gig, I thought I'd mention the Gig at "The Chippy" at Pwllheli has been restarted and the venue is now much improved, more spacious and brighter than the previous room (pre Covid). They aim to to run the Gig on alternate Tuesdays, it was packed last Tues. (30th) when I attended by booking through the Chippy on 01758 612641 when Liam Byrne, Saxes, Greg Robley, Skinny Bass and Andy McKenzie, Guitar/Banjo played a good and lively evening of light Jazz. Starts 7.00pm. I hope perhaps this is of some help to you, even though its a bit out of your normal area. - Martin Snow. The site covers North Wales and Scotland Martin since the title changed to, "Traditional Jazz in the North of the UK" - Fred 04/07/24 - Ann Lord has done it again. No doubt instrumental in getting the local newspaper on side, this brilliant bit of publicity has appeared in The Bolton News about Eagley Jazz Club 04/07/24 - Tomorrow at 7pm, John Petters weekly radio show on Spitfire Radio starts with a tribute to the superb trombonist, Geoff Cole, who sadly passed away last month at the grand age of 90 years old 04/07/24 - Just had a call from Barrie Marshall to say the pub the Sun Street Stompers play at on Sundays in Lancaster (The Tap House), is closing today because there's a gathering of thugs and right wing activists in Dalton Square, as well as people supporting refugees, so keep safe 04/07/24 - The Phoenix Jazz Club poster for next month has been updated 04/08/24 - Dave Bateman and Graham Dawson have added tributes to Pete Eddowes tribute page. It's an unfortunate fact of life that as more musicians pass away, there are fewer left to contribute to the page. 04/08/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Greg Robley tomorrow, Mark Challinor on Wednesday, Keith Moore on Thursday, and Frank Lowe on Saturday. 04/08/24 - Barbara and I had a quick phone call with Mike Lovell last night during a break in a gig down in Cornwall. It was Mike's 80th yesterday, so couldn't miss the opportunity to welcome him into my decade. He's keeping in tune by playing in a local brass band, because he says, jazz is an unknown down here in Cornwall. He celebrated his birthday with his family earlier in the day with a meal at Rick Stein's restaurant in Padstow. Great to have the quick catch-up Mike. 02/08/24 - The Tenement Jazz Band have published dates and venues for the band at The Edinburgh Festival. Click here to view 02/08/24 - This month's video of the month from Norman Gibson - "You can post this if you wish", says Norman. "Having seen this band live in France, and then again when they came to Manchester, I have to return to their very lively video. With a few bevvies down me I have, in what seems like the distant past, danced a bit lively to it ! Caravan Palace " Rock it for me ". Roll back the carpet and give it a go". JULY 30/07/24 - The latest edition of the Traditional Jazz Magazine, Just Jazz, is now available. Click here to view front cover 30/07/24 - It can be very difficult trying to concentrate on updating the site and listening to music at the same time, I can't easily do both justice. So when I received a complimentary copy of the latest CD from the Jake Leg Jug Band, "Some Glad Morning", I've been wanting to listen to it because it is one popular band I've never been fortunate to see. In the end I decided to copy it to my phone, and armed with ear buds, I took it to my twice weekly sessions at the cardiac rehab gym. I don't do CD reviews as I never feel qualified to do it, so this is just my impression, technically correct or not. The first track was great, but the second made me halt in my tracks, sung with a Southern American drawl with a hint of Lonnie Donegan, I was less than certain I was going to enjoy it. However as the weeks came and went and I listened more and more, I marvelled at some of the amazing arrangements and harmonies, not to speak of the array of musical instruments - Double Bass, Mandolin, Harmonica, Jug, Washboard, Saw, Jaw Harp, Comb & Paper, Guitar, Banjo, Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Saxophone, Fiddle, Accordion, and Dobro (What's one of those?). A truly amazing array of instruments and a truly professional recording, and one I'm still playing. I've put together a short sample of the tracks (not in CD order), so give them a listen, and then another if you're not sure. 29/07/24 - Attendance at the new venue is improving every week at The Thistleberry, Newcastle ST5 2LT. Thanks for your help. This Sunday August 4th the Coffin Dodgers Jazz Band welcomes special guests Colin Bostock reeds and Roger Browne keyboard. Music starts at 1pm and admission is £5 28/07/24 - I'd like to thank my old pal Ian Royle for his very kind mention of me playing in company with him and the wonderful Gordon Robinson at the Harry Golden big band session last week. One slight correction though, it should've read "Laurie Cooper on extremely cheap Chinese bass trombone"! He obviously didn't mention the brilliant jazz solos which he played on several numbers - too modest for his own good. - Laurie Cooper 28/07/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Barry Aldous and Tom Rippieth on Monday, Jim Swinnerton on Tuesday and Mike Lovell on Saturday. 26/07/24 - Nice picture of the Wyre Levee Stompers on Tram Sunday with me guesting. And they didn't charge me for playing alongside them (now there's a story I won't elaborate on !) Lovely to play alongside Phil Lucas and the guys and to meet up again with Mike Pearson, one of my favourite Jazz Northwestern trombone players from way back (twenty years he reckoned) He still has a great sound and superb ideas. In fact I had quite a week with fine trombonists. After the session with Mike and the guys I played with the Harry Goulden Big Band in Warrington alongside Gordon Robinson and Laurie Cooper (on bass trombone) this last Thursday. Masters both. - Ian Royle 25/07/24 - "Sounds Like Jazz - a community radio station serving the 10 parishes in West Somerset, really did this week, says John Westwood, as she tried, but failed, to play "The Saints" from this fabulous reissue, of which they'd received an advance copy. Hope springs! - JW 25/07/24 - Re: John Mayall. Sad news indeed! As a teenager in the mid-1960s I used to hear The Bluesbreakers regularly in The White Hart Hotel, a lovely old coaching inn in Brentwood, Essex, permanently disfigured and unrecognisable now as The Sugar Hut, the setting for the television programme TOWIE (slurp, spit)! - Allan Wilcox. You can read the rest of Allan's tribute on the John Mayall Tribute Page. 25/07/24 - When I started this web site in the late 90's, very few musicians had heard of the internet let alone had a web page. So I offered a free and easy way of having a page on the internet, although there was a reluctance by some (Does the tax man look at it?). Eventually some bands developed their own web sites and this unfortunately led to problems as those band naturally concentrated on their own site, with my pages slowly becoming outdated, especially when there were personnel changes. It led to a decision by me to link to their own web sites from the band spotlight page, rather than maintain a page on this site. One of those bands was the Savannah Jazz Band, but due to recent changes their own web site has become unavailable. Thanks to latest band recruit Roger Bird, the band now has a presence once again on this site, having undergone some major changes and decisions over the last year, so worth checking out. 24/07/24 - I was very sad to hear from John Mayall's sister, yesterday that John had died. We had known him for many years when he lived in Cheadle Hulme and he played in the band, Mart Rodger's Hounds of Sound! We visited him in California some years ago and one of the times he played in Manchester at the Bridgewater Hall he phoned Mart in advance and said he would like Mart to join the Bluesbreakers for one number. Mart did this and John said to him to do the same at Buxton Opera House the next night. Afterwards John said he did very well with the keys for the tune they played. Mart said "I took my A clarinet"! - Janet Rodger
23/07/24 - It's good to hear of jazz clubs doing well. This week I asked Alan Bramley if he was still getting good numbers after telling him I had updated Dringhouses Jazz Club (York), gig list. It's a weekly event, so I was astounded to hear, "Yes, I am, Average is around 90". Some monthly jazz clubs struggle to get half that number in. Again, like Eagley Jazz Club most of it comes down to good publicity and regular correspondence sent out to members. Of course once there it takes even more to make them feel like they want to come back next week. 22/07/24 - New Orleans Joys bring jazz back with a bang to Didsbury this Thursday 25th July. There is some change to the expected line-up with Ken Marley joining them on Bass but Ian Wynne unavailable. - Roger Williamson 22/07/24 - An item that was previously linked from the News Page about Freddie Wilcox, George Williams and Jazz in the Potteries, is now retained and linked from Jazz Extras due to its historical value 21/07/24 - Many Happy returns this week to bass player Isabel Toner on Tuesday, drummer Brian Singleton on Wednesday, banjo player Charlie Bentley on Friday, and pianist Barrie Grummet on Saturday. 20/07/24 - Wish we had some "Community Radio" like this, says John Westwood 19/07/24 - Very happy to report that our Charity Hotpot Supper on Monday 15th July at Eagley Jazz Club, was a resounding success! Delicious meal, amazing raffle prizes, fabulous band (Chicago Teds) and we managed to raise £2,000 for the Bolton Hospice! All-in-all it was a ''reet good do!'' Many thanks to all involved, especially Rae Owens and the lads! Click here to see a video - Ann Lord 17/07/24 - Only one response so far to Graham Martindale needs your help 05/07/24, Fraser McCombe suggests donating them to a jazz club, where they can be sold to help boost funds 17/07/24 - Whilst searching for a video which was reportedly seen on this site, I eventually discovered it was indeed on the site and the page was in need of updating. Traditional Jazz in the North West in Video now includes 4 videos from the region. 15/07/24 - Sadly, the Open Mike night at Stanley Social Club, Burscough on the second Monday every month has come to an end. - Rae Owens 15/07/24 - Many thanks for mentioning tonight's Charity Hotpot supper at Eagley Jazz Club. We will also be honouring our committee member/treasure/band-booker/raffle organiser Allan Bower, who celebrates his 90th birthday the following day (16th July). We wish him a very happy birthday and sincerely hope he has many more! - Ann Lord 14/07/24 - Th gig list for Dringhouses Jazz Club in York, has been updated 14/07/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Chris Pendlebury on Friday, and Bob Pickersgill, Mike Carnie and John Percival on Saturday. 13/07/24 - Barrie Marshall has just informed me that Lancaster percussionist Peter Eddowes died earlier this week There is now a page in memory of Peter, which you can find by clicking here. If you have any memories to share, please let me have them 09/07/24 - A reminder that next Monday, 15th July, is a ticket-only event at Eagley Jazz Club. The Summer Hotpot Supper is a fund-raising event for Bolton Hospice, where you can enjoy delicious lamb hotpot and cheesecake and be entertained by the fantastic Chicago Teddybears! 08/07/24 - I've added another tribute to Terry Birkenhead on his retirement as Band Marshal, and one person who is going to get the biggest surprise is Terry himself. You can access it by clicking here 08/07/24 - What an absolute "blast" as you younger members of the jazz\ fraternity have it to see Paul Broomhead back in the front line with the Tame Valley Stompers at Rochdale Jazz Club's June 18 gig at our new(ish) Chadderton Reform Club HQ. Who could ask for anything more? "St Philip Street Breakdown" mayhap? - Alan Lawless. 08/07/24 - Dove Jazz Club has just releases its latest Bugle. Always worth a read. 07/07/24 - Many Happy Returns this week to Ian Royle who will be celebrating his birthday on Thursday. 06/07/24 - Manchester Jazz web page has been re-written and updated. Now the OPJ page has been updated, that's two down more to go I hope. Musicians please note, especially if your band is on the Spotlight Page.. 05/07/24 - Graham Martindale needs your help. This message will explain the problem, can you help.? Suggestions via me please as you may be able to help others 04/07/24 - Just to let you know that, regardless of the first Monday of August, 5th, being a Bank Holiday, we of Manchester Jazz will be entertaining our wonderful, loyal, Traditional Jazz fans at our monthly residency at High Lane Con Club, 8pm start. 04/07/24 - The Original Panama Jazz Band web page has been updated 04/07/24 - Ten blue striped waistcoats and ten peaked parade hats, in a case. Free to collect from South Birmingham. 07710 767972. 04/07/24 - Carlisle Jazz Club gig list has been updated 03/07/24 - The Original Panama Jazz Band is pleased to welcome guitarist Alan Jeffs into the band. Since our great friend Malcolm passed away we have been fortunate to be able to call on various musicians to supplement the band over the past 18 months, including Alan. We’d also like to thank Jon Penn, Mike Swift and Mark Challinor for adding their own stamp to our gigs. 02/07/24 - Thanks for keeping me up to date with the vanishing amount of news about our kind of music. However there is a beacon of hope for the future in the name of Ewan Bleach. I discovered him a few years ago under the banner of Frog and Henry but he has put together several excellent groups under various names. He has quite a strong presence on Facebook and YouTube. I would particularly recommend this clip of Shreveport Stomp for Video of The Month, recorded about five years ago in Brittany. - Trevor Barnes 02/07/24 - On Sunday 7th July the special guests with the Coffin Dodgers Jazz Band at The Phoenix in Stoke are Phil Lucas trumpet and Roger Browne keyboard. 02/07/24 - The Savoy Jazzmen are leading the outdoor service at All Saints’ Parish Church, Childwall, L16 0JW this Sunday 7th July. The service starts with a Mardi Gras Parade at 4 pm from the church hall car park into the churchyard. Everyone welcome. Decorate your umbrella/ parasol and join in the Mardi Gras parade numbers or just sit back and join in singing familiar hymns and gospel music. Free admission. Tea and coffee served after the service. In the event of bad weather the service will take place inside the church. Peter Swensson (The Savoy Jazzmen)) 02/07/24 - The Fleetwood Hesketh jazz events in Southport have been updated 01/07/24 - Delighted to have stumbled across your website and all the wonderful stuff about back in the day. In 1966, I spent an awesome night at the Black Lion, Salford, listening to Marcia McConnell (as she was then) shaking the walls with Keith Pendlebury’s Zenith Six. I was working at the Salford City Reporter and had interviewed Joe Silmon the week before the gig for a features piece. (Lunch at the Town Hall Tavern, just off Albert Square. Drinks and nosh on expenses … perfect!). Joe was a great interview. And, my, the man could tell a story. I think he later played with Leon Chead (hope I have the name right). Many thanks for a pleasurable stroll down memory lane. - Jack Grimshaw, Southern California |
27/09/24
- I am very sorry to inform the Jazz community that yesterday we
lost a former committee member and valuable friend of 
