31/12/20 - Many Happy Returns today  to our Quiz Master, Bert Thompson who was born on Hogmanay (Dec. 31st), in Dundee, Scotland, in 1934, and now lives in Orinda, California, USA. A new
 

30/12/20 - The reply to the toast "Lang may yer lum reek!" is usually "Aye. Wi' other folk's coal!".  I can't work out who wrote that...Bert? - Howard Murray

30/12/20 - I've just added a link to Syncopated Times, which 'Explores the world of Hot Jazz, Ragtime and Swing

30/12/20 - Time for the Wednesday Quiz, Bert says, "Well, Fred, we got through Christmas Zooming and now we'll do the same for New Year's. At least we can approach Hogmanay with a good single malt in hand, COVID be damned. In my household it is a double celebration - New Year and my natal day. As we used to say in Scotland, "Lang may yer lum reek"--although in these ecologically sensitive times, it is not politically correct to say that".
 

29/12/20 - Another lockdown photograph from Peter Swensson, once again it's the Savoy's 30th anniversary, but this time some different faces.
 

28/12/20 - Anybody see Chris Langford guesting on the Morecambe and Wise Show on Boxing Day? I remember backing and recording with her, with John Taylor's Wolverines in the 60s. She was a lovely lady and a great singer and always sang with a great jazz feel and had good dots! She also sang quite a bit with the NDO. - Dave Moore
 

27/12/20 - I am devastated by the news of the demise of yet another big band and jazz programme together with Bill Kenwrights. The BBC is not only politically biased but age biased. Over many years whenever the presenter of a jazz or big band programme has died or become ill the programme has been axed. We oldies are one or the most vulnerable age group in this pandemic - we are unable to venture out or our interests have been curtailed and we have been made to pay for a tv licence. Personally with Roy now being in care and I have to pay all household bills and any extras for him, I am finding it hard financially. My savings which are comprise mainly my superannuation from Bury council over 23 years ago are for my care.  Just what are we supposed to do to relieve the isolation and monotony? I thought I would never wish the BBC to lose the taxpayer's contribution but I certainly do now  with all the drivel and repeats. Lord Reith would turn in his grave.  Good job I have about 200 CD's to play. Hopefully a better 2021 - Pam  Woosey

27/12/20 - Mustn't be many Boogie Woogie fans out there ? Maybe we should have a look at the New Orleans 'Master of Stride Piano' Jim Hession playing a bit of Boogie Woogie, then those not keen can follow with a visit to some of his stride on You Tube. Of course seeing him live is always best! -  Norman Gibson

27/12/20 - Someone who was a regular visitor to Keswick for the Jazz Festival was pianist Neville Dickie. Neville will be celebrating his 84th birthday on New Years Day. Many Happy Returns.

27/12/20 - The January edition of Just Jazz magazine is now available, and Andrew Liddle's evaluation and write-up on the survey results is published so thanks Andrew, saved me a job, it may also bring some new visitors to the web site. It will be interesting to see what comments emerge, if any. I also realised that a previous "survey" was also on the site about, "what makes a jazz evening successful. By coincidence John Howell recently sent me an email about Jazz Club 90 and what they were doing to keep it together. His comments are added to the original survey
 

26/12/20 - I've just come across a photograph amongst the 1000s on my PC, It brought back some happy memories of the Merseysippi Jazz Band. I've added to the lockdown Photographs, and quick off the mark, Pete Darwin comes back with an answer to my question.
 

24/12/20 - Jon Critchley has sent me a copy of a letter he received from the National Jazz Archive. He says, "Maybe some will be interested in this and supporting the NJA".
 

23/12/20 - Many Happy Returns today to Bernard Burke (tbn), to Pete Darwin (dms) on Thursday, The Revd Allan Wilcox (bs) on Friday and to Mick Unthank (clt) on Saturday. 
 

22/12/20 - I’m really pleased for Ed (19/12), that he’s got a gig next September. I just hope it’s not because everyone else was booked up. Happy Christmas Ed! - Jon Critchley

22/12/20 - Just read the Guardian  article. Why do people have to analyse everything!  Have they lost the ability to just enjoy! - Bryan Yates

22/12/20 -  Bert Thompson has sent me this week's quiz No. 40 called "colours". Bert says, "Although we have a killer pandemic surge going in the U.S. at the moment, at least there is light at the end of the tunnel with two vaccines now approved and more on the way. But the tunnel is still pretty long!".

22/12/20 - Two more photographs for the lockdown pictures, this time featuring Carole Oldham. Submitted by Peter Swensson, they were taken by Terry Birkenhead.
 

21/12/20 - If Boogie Woogie is your thing, you'll love these 5 performances. Me? I enjoyed them as long as I had a rest every few minutes, I felt exhausted. Norman Gibson started me off on the trail when he sent me this email, "Players don't come much better than this young guy from Paris, and only 17. He's listed to be appearing at FestJazz next July hopefully".

21/12/20 - Many Happy Returns this week to Bernard Burke (tbn) on Wednesday, Pete Darwin (dms) on Thursday, Allan Wilcox (bs) on Friday, and Mick Unthank (clt) on Saturday.

21/12/20 - Derek Brown emailed to pass on the sad news that Eric Hammond had passed away.  Derek says, "He was a legend in the jazz field in and around Preston, and Lancashire and many areas of this country.  In fact the most well known drummer in town.  With countless named bands to his credit, today many a drummer that he taught must be gratefully thankful for his teachings.  Eric died very sadly after losing his wife Anne of many years.  The news is spreading wildly through the area of his sad loss.  I'm sure many of your readers will have comments to make on this sad news. 
 

19/12/20 - Diane Davies writes, "I want to personally thank all the musicians that Alan played with, too numerous to mention, for all their help and friendship over the past few years, and to all the musicians who wrote such kind words,  it is a great comfort to me".  You can read Diane's email in full on Alan's Tribute Page

19/12/20 - Re your various texts on the 100 club in London. I recall when we loaded up the band van at the back of the club after the session the cardboard boxes stored out there would move and the occupants sleeping in them would complain. This was my first experience of homelessness. - Peter Sumner

19/12/20 - I've got a gig! A proper cash money paid gig...... It is a while in the future I admit, Sept 4th 2021, but nevertheless an entry in my MU diary. I'm available for more by the way...... -  Ed Lloyd Hughes


18/12/20 -  Car parking at Malvern jazz festival, 1991,-  a picture for the lockdown series.  First a thank you for making available the late Louis Lince’s record of North West jazz on your web-site. Louis was a lovely guy and like yourself, did a lot in publicising our jazz, as a labour of love.  The photo was taken at The ‘Al Capone’ Hot Jazz Festival, at The Winter Gardens, Malvern in October 1991. This gives you some idea of how keen the local authority were in enforcing the strict parking regulations.- Terry Birkinhead

18/12/20 - "An interesting article about Louis Armstrong", says Mike Feltham, and he's right! It's called, "Not a wonderful world: why Louis Armstrong was hated by so many", and it was in The Guardian.
 

17/12/20 - The growl is achieved simply by growling with the vocal cords (now known as folds) into the mouthpiece and having that low frequency note, unrelated to the music being played, modulate the actual note. Never gave me a sore throat but I wouldn't for one minute quarrel with anyone to whom it did. It's a bit of an attack on the throat! Maybe I didn't overdo it or had adequate pints of MSG No 3 to ease its passage. In electronics, it's known as mixing as our illustrious Fred, Pro Electronics Engineer can confirm. Some Easten Eu & Asian countries have developed a technique, throat singing whereby they mix the fundamental note of their voice with high order overtones/harmonics to produce totally unrelated but quite tuneful notes! No instrument necessary. (You can leave your trombone at home as the old joke goes!) (Well! busk something!) You want nodules on your larynx? This must be a good way. When I taught kids in school, I had to tell the boys that raucous growling would only come after their voices had broken and girls never! In the present environment that may no longer be altogether true! Maybe Miss Ketchen is spherically endowed? But don't do It In The School Orchestra! They will throw you through the window without opening it!  - Howard Murray

16/12/20 - The Tribute Page for Alan Davies is now complete with several contributions. There's room for more if you remember Alan

16/12/20 - Time for the Wednesday Quiz from Bert Thompson. This week it's about tunes and their composers
 

14/12/20 - The growl is produced by basically doing what you do when you gargle with any liquid, as a trumpet player, I was able to do it very young but found I was getting a lot of sore throats, I had an operation to remove part of my epiglottis, and after that I was unable to growl ever again. -  Derek Dalton

13/12/20 - Are you with Tiscali or TalkTalk, if so, chances are you didn't get the News Emails if you have registered for them. Many bounced with the message - "Content Rejected". Well I never!

13/12/20 - Dave Mott replies, "Hi Fred. It's not me in the 100 Club footage I'm afraid. In fact the last time I was there was in the excellent company of Pete Darwin himself - I was depping with the Merseysippi".

13/12/20 - An abundance of birthdays coming up this week - Tomorrow it's Birthday Greetings to Alex Clarke and Barry Quilliam, and on Tuesday to Richard Knock, and Keith Garner (who celebrates a special one this week). On Wednesday it's Sam Woods Birthday and on Thursday Harry Swinburne's birthday. Norman Gibson has asked, "As I enjoyed a number of his weekend jazz events, perhaps I could be permitted to wish him a great festive birthday with this video"? Finally it's the turn of someone nearer home, bass player Derek Brown, here in Preston, who will be celebrating his birthday on Saturday. Many Happy Returns to you all.
 

12/12/20 - John Muskett has advised me - "Meryl and I learned today in a ’phone call from Diane that drummer Alan Davies had died last night. He had been suffering from a worsening heart condition for some time.  Alan was born (in 1939) and brought up in Liverpool, but had lived, we found out, for a while in West Kirby, Wirral, where I was raised. He played in a number of Merseyside bands and was well-known in the region, but our paths did not cross until he joined the Milenberg Boys in (I think) the late 1990’s. At that time he and Diane were living in St Asaph, North Wales. About ten years ago they removed to Cornwall, to live in a park home on a site in St Ann’s Chapel near Callington. We visited them there a couple of times. Meryl joins me in saying farewell to a true friend and sending condolences to Diane". A tribute page will appear here shortly.

12/12/20 -  As good a clarinettist as she is, I find Doreen Ketchen's growl effects misplaced and as such unnecessary, adding nothing. I've heard trumpeters use the effect equally indiscriminately, just because " they can". Secret is knowing when to leave out1 - Jon Critchley
 

10/12/20 - Clarinet players may be interested to learn how Doreen Ketchens plays the 'growl' which is common in her style. Check out this lesson from Doreen which finishes with 'House of the Rising Sun'. It just went online in October 2020. - Norman Gibson
 

09/12/20 - Wednesday and time for another quiz from Bert Thompson. Quiz No. 38. Bert writes, " Here in the U.S. we are in the midst of the worst surge yet of the virus. Tonight in my part of the world we go into a partial lockdown through Christmas. We're not making it easy for Mr. Claus. Hope things are not as bad your way; and we hear that a vaccine is available to U.K. citizens. Apparently Mr. Trump is quite upset that Britain seems to be ahead of the U.S. in that regard".
 

08/12/20 - Re Bob Metcalf’s query. Check this out, it looks like it was 1969. - Alwyn Smith.

07/12/29 - Although I am "Down South!" I enjoy following your emails. It was great to see those two videos at the 100 club which in my youth, (a long time ago!) I used to frequent once or twice a week. I have an old poster. Can anyone date it? The Yarra Yarra band were touring from Australia. -  Bob Metcalf.

07/12/20 - Pete Darwin watched the royal visit to the 100 club and did a double take!  Is that Dave Mott sat at a table he asked?  Well you judge for yourself as I've found the table in question at 1:38. If you need a closer look, click on the picture. I guess Dave will be the best person to tell us.

06/12/20 - Many Happy Returns on Friday to Moe Green.

05/12/20 - "So once again, at last, our once-was-beloved 100 Club gets some Royal patronage" writes John Westwood. Apparently there was an item one day on Channel 5 news. No mention of that four letter word ending in z though. So John says, here's one from happier times.

03/12/20 - Did you know you could limit your searches to this site. Just enter what you are looking for in the search box at the top of the Main Menu

 03/12//20 - Sorry to read about Andrew’s father: He was a nice chap, always pleasant to chat to. He was invariably there at the Hand Hotel in Llangollen when the Deeside Dixies played on Sundays, and at other gigs. I well remember years and years ago when The Original Panama had a residency at The Hotel Victoria in New Brighton, Andrew and his dad were usually there in the audience. These were the days when we would invite young Andrew (as he was then) to come up and do a number with the band, probably “Mood Indigo”. He could barely string four notes together then. I like to think that we were responsible for him doubling that number. Cheers! - Jon Critchley
 

02/12/20 - Time for the Wednesday Quiz No. 37 from Bert Thompson, and this one should sort the men from the boys. If you enjoy doing these quizzes, you are going to see a new look this time. Hope it's an improvement.

02/12/20 - The latest edition of Jazz Rag has a feature on Alex Clarke and Roy Williams

02/12/20 - I came across this LP the other day, recorded live at the now gone Doctor Johnson pub in Ilford; closed in 2010 and, after a fire in 2018, transformed into the Co-op. This is a great band, super ensemble playing, with Ken Sims at his fiery best: What an atmosphere there must have been at these sessions. I would like to know when it was recorded though, no indication anywhere that I can find. Anyone know? Some of the band are sadly departed, but maybe others may know? - Jon Critchley

02/12/20 - I noticed that I'm sitting on the far left of the front row of the picture of the Savoy and Beryl Brydon, and my Dad is slap bang in the middle. My Dad died at the end of last month, by the way. You might like to mention that on the site if you wouldn't mind, as he was well known on the local jazz scene. - Andrew  MacKenzie

01/12/20 - The latest edition of Just Jazz has arrived through the letterbox, you can view the list of contents here

November 2020

30/11/20 - Re the email 17/11/20.  That viewing of 9 Sporting House Strings at Bude 2002 with Spats and Paul Degville was terrific. I was down to play there at The Globe this year but Covid put paid to that. Re the email 20/10/20 Trad Mad by Brian Matthew I’ve got that book and it certainly does make scant mention of Ken Colyer. I’m 85 and I remember playing at Ken’s club till about 6 am when I was banjoist with Bill Nile’s Delta Jazz Band. Ive got a signed copy of Ken’s “book” which makes interesting reading .Love your site. Stay safe. - Peter Sumner

30/11/20 - I've just made my Christmas talk into a video file and thought it might brighten up some time during the present Lockdown. You can see/download it by clicking here.  With all best wishes and Stay Safe. - Chris Walker

30/11/20 - Ian Cockerill was prompted to write a comment after reading the following letter from the Telegraph, - "SIR - On Monday we went to Stratford-upon-Avon to walk along the river in the lovely sunshine. We bought food and a coffee and sat on a park bench to enjoy our lunch. Nearby, but at a distance from us all was a young girl playing a guitar and singing. What a treat for everyone to hear some beautiful music while we sat in the sun. After some time, a police van arrived and the girl stopped singing and sat on a bench. We thought she had just finished and went over to give her some money, but were shocked to hear that the police had told her to stop singing as it might attract a crowd. In all the time that she sang, the only "crowd" was made up of those sitting on the benches which are well spaced. We live in a strange world". I can sympathise with the police, who have the unenviable job of preventing crowds from gathering, as well as with the busker mentioned in the letter. Both the musician and the letter writer were enjoying the sunshine and the music, but social-distancing rules appeared and the music had to stop. Stratford Council has an excellent system in place for buskers, which we have benefited from. A permit is required and one is easily obtainable, together with printed information that sets out clear and simple rules for buskers. Stratford employs Town Hosts who are visible around the town and helpful to the very many visitors throughout the year, apart from 2020 of course! It is likely that the busker mentioned was playing in a open area close to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as shown on the photograph. Hopefully, music will be able to return to that and other parts of the town very soon - Ian". Click photo for larger version, Ian is on sax.

29/11/30 - Here's one band that has never cropped up on this site before. A message from Allan Walsh - "Hi I'm doing some research on my wife's dad. He was in a jazz band from Manchester called Glen Glen in late 40s and 50s. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you".

29/11/30 - The Panama Jazz Band at The Black Horse, West Kirby in the 1970s, is the latest photograph to join the Lockdown Photos

29/11/20 - Many Happy Returns to ex-pat and ex NW musician Tony West. On Tuesday 1st Dec, it's birthday wishes to Paul Marks, and on Thursday to Howard Murray.
 

28/11/20 - Frank says £3000 to book the Alex Welsh band today. Still worth every penny, Frank. Wish we could! - Cheers, Jon Critchley
 

27/11/20 - It is good to see the lockdown articles and pictures.I was interested to see Jon Critchley's comment about the Blue Mags hiring the Alex Welsh Band for the bargain price of £175 in 1970 (ish) Out of interest. I put the figure into the Bank of England inflation calculator and it would have cost him nearly £3,000 in 2020.I don't recall an admission charge at the Coffee House, so you will have had to pass the tray around a few times to cover the cost. - Frank Whitehead

27/11/20 - An interesting site playing Dixieland jazz comes nominated by Graham Martindale.  http://radcap.ru/dixieland.html is a Russian Web Site, but don't worry the site is coming up as safe when checked out with a security site
 

26/11/20 - I was interested to read about the Harlem Hot Stompers LP and am pleased to fill in some of the blanks. Although the label refers to a recording date of October, 1971, it was in fact earlier than that because by that time I was playing trumpet with the Vintage Syncopators. It was actually recorded by an acquaintance of Tony Foulkes. I recall that it was recorded in a back room of the Gloucester Arms, off Regent Road in Salford. I remember it being freezing cold and seem to recall that it was about November/December 1970. I know that the drummer on that recording was Bob Coulson and I see from the log I kept at the time that he replaced Brian Ellwood on the 19th November that year. Nothing was ever done with the recording so I borrowed the master tape and had John R. T. Davies transfer it on to an LP. Sadly, I lost the LP when my record collection disappeared under 2' 6" of River Irwell on Boxing Day, 2015. The reference on the label to Eroica recording services is strange, as it was Eroica who recorded an LP for the Mick Burns Rhythm Kings (precursor of the Stompers) on the 21st June, 1969 (also lost in the flood). At the time of the recording the Harlem Hot Stompers consisted of Murray Smith (trumpet), John Ronan (trombone), Tony Foulkes and Howard Murray (reeds), John Reade (piano), Jim Lias (banjo), myself (sousaphone) and the aforementioned Bob Coulson on drums. We also recorded "Deep Henderson" that evening but it wasn't considered up to scratch! - Colin Turner

26/11/20 - Two pictures added to Brian Legan's request for memories of visiting musicans to the NW - Cy Laurie and John Barnes

26/11/20 - Some more photographs from Barrie Marshall added to the Lockdown Pictures one taken in Dumfries and one taken in Ireland

26/11/20 -  I agree entirely with Jon Critchley's comments about Young Jazz Musician of the Year. I thought 20 year old Alex Clarke's playing was tremendous and I keep replaying her performance which seems to get better with each hearing. my only concern is whether these accomplished musicians will be able to earn a living playing jazz. I certainly hope so. - Moe  Green.

25/11/20 - Re: The LP by The Harlem Hot Stompers. That would be by the original band formed when Mick Burns of the M.B Rhythm Kings moved to London taking his band name with him. I'm interested because I'm on the LP. That astounding multi instrumentalist, Willie Entwistle had been with Mick but pulled out when Mick went sarf!   For the life of me, I cannot remember where it was recorded.. In all probability it was the MSG..  (Not mono sodium glutamate) but Manchester Sports Guild...a leading, 2 floor venue for International Jazz.  Five founder members survive today, Colin Turner Wind Bass,, John Reade Pno, John Ronan Tbn, Brian Elwood Drms (Mr Caesium Atomic Clock time keeper) and yours truly on Clrt/Tenor. It was the few local bands, to have a regular 4 piece front line and that caused the band to need some tight, repeatable arrangements for almost everything, arranged largely by John Reade and co-operatively with the band. - Howard Murray

25/11/20 - "Quiz 36 is Bert’s best yet: ingenious, keep going Bert!" - Jon Critchley. "Finding all ten instruments quite quickly in Quiz 36. Full marks to Bert, a good bit of 'concocting'". -  Norman Gibson.  First time i got them all right - Fred 

25/11/20 - Received this email today -  I’m writing from Guildhall School of Music & Drama to let you know about a new online course that may be of interest to your members: Jazz History, Part 1: From its Roots to Bebop.

25/11/20 - "That time of week again", says Bert Thompson. "I had some fun concocting this week's quiz No. 36. It was a slight challenge to compose sentences that didn't sound stilted or unidiomatic and that would encapsulate the several instruments. Some, however, may just sound a little awkward, so I hope everyone will cut me some slack.
 

24/11/20 - A message from Lynne Whittaker, "Hi Fred, I am contacting you regarding the recent peaceful passing of our mum, Pamela Gerrard, of Chester, on the 16th November.  She was the widow of Hugh Keith Gerrard (d. Mar 2005), former trumpet player of 'New Orleans Express Jazz Band', and amongst others of the North West's finest, including 'The Savoy Jazzmen' and 'Tuxedo Jazz Band'.  Both mum and dad, had made so many friends and acquaintances in the Jazz world, throughout their lifetime together, and I thought it would be an impossible task to let them all know.  I remembered you had very kindly created a Memoriam page for our dad Hugh, when he passed in 2005, and was hoping that you could possibly announce the news of mums passing and her funeral details via your website, to your Jazz followers who may remember her. Funeral will be held at Chester (Blacon) Crematorium, Blacon Avenue, Blacon, Chester, CH1 5BB, on Monday 30th November 2020 at 11.20 am. There will be a live webcast for any friends who would have liked to attend, which I can supply the necessary details for via email".

24/11/20 - Dr Jo Ashbourn, Senior Tutor (Academic Affairs & Programmes) at St Cross College, Oxford has offered an online invite. She says "I thought you and colleagues might be interested in the online live jazz-style 'a capella' Christmas song medley that I've arranged for some festive cheer. It's on Friday 11th December 2020 at 7 pm GMT live via YouTube. There's a booking form to complete if you want the link.

24/11/20 - Watched BBC Young Jazz Musician on BBC4 the other night: All brilliant musicians, technically and wonderful to have got to the final. Someone said on the programme that it’s possible to over-think the music. Well, I thought four of them did. One of them really looked like she was having a ball, and, unlike the others, swung like the clappers. Really difficult under such clinical conditions. Alex Clarke will get the gigs and fill the rooms for those reasons. I also thought that Josie d’Arby overdid the grinning. - Jon Critchley.  She was congratulated by John Howell, and Alex replied, "Thank you so much! It was one of those lovely things where losing didn't feel like losing at all! Everyone was so friendly and non-competitive, and it was simply a brilliant experience".

24/11/20 - Michael Wright writes, "I recently came across an unusual record made by "Eroica" Recording Services Ltd. (Altrincham) of the Harlem Hot Stompers performance recorded in Manchester in October 1971. The following tracks are listed on the hand written record label:- Sugarfoot Stomp, Rockin' in Rhythm, Papa-de-da-da. Copenhagen, Lil' Darlin', Saratoga Shout, Black & Tan Fantasy, The Mooche and Stevedore Stomp. The record is a 12" LP in good condition and appears to be a shellac pressing but is without a printed record sleeve . It was included in a general auction lot from Leyland along with other earlier shellac jazz recordings by Humphrey Littleton, Chris Barber and Acker Bilk.  I am from Warrington and am retired and collect records as a hobby, although not jazz, and am not a "dealer". Perhaps you could let me know if this is of interest to you or Jazz North West visitors". Click picture for full size version.

24/11/20 - Barrie Marshall has sent me a picture of The Mahogany Hall Stompers, taken in the mid 80’s, when the band was playing at Dumfries Jazz club. It's on the Lockdown Picture Page

24/11/20 - Another photograph in the "Guest Musicians with NW Bands series. This time Wild Bill Davidson with the Red River Jazzmen kindly sent in by Bernard Selby
 

22/11/20 - Many Happy Returns today to John Meehan, leader of the Savannah Jazz Band. On Thursday it will be Dave Berry's birthday and on Saturday Mike Pearson. Best wishes to you both
 

21/11/20 - I think it's great Fred when people respond to queries like Allan raised re- Laurie Gold. Thanks David, I'm sure Allan was pleased, and I, and perhaps quite a few others, learned some more about The Pieces of Eight we had seen' and enjoyed' often on our black & white TV's. - Norman Gibson

21/11/20 - "Here is a drawing from my sketchbook when I was at Manchester College of Art and singing with The Southside Stompers at The Black Lion in Salford every Saturday night. It’s of Eric ‘ Ulysses’ Newton who was the bass player at that time". - Sheila Collier. It's on the lockdown pictures page

21/11/20 - Re: Allan Wilcox's enquiry, Laurie Gold was Harry's tenor sax playing brother. - David Davies.  
 

20/11/20 - Following on from the photo of Harry Gold, when I was a lad - in the late fifties or early sixties - I had a smashing EP, probably bought from Woolworths on their Embassy label, of Laurie Gold and his Pieces of Eight [sic]. It was a few years before I came across Harry, and then I assumed that my record was of the same man 'moonlighting' under an assumed name to avoid breaking his regular recording contract. Can anyone throw any further light on this? (If anyone has a copy of the EP, I'd love to hear it again.) - Allan Wilcox,
 

19/11/20 - Another lockdown photograph, this time from Terry Birkinhead, and it's a picture of the great Harry Gold

19/11/20 -  Lynda writes, "Colin's funeral will be at 12noon on Tuesday 24th November at Stockport crematorium. Anyone who wishes can view it live by going to  www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view and using the Order ID - 57272 and password ctpbqgsj".  Thank you again to everyone for their kind words and lovely tributes". If you have a problem reading that, here it is phonetically charlie tango papa bravo quebec golf sierra juliet - Fred

19/11/20 - Join us today for a collection of Big Band, Swing and Trad Jazz music that spans the period 1920–50. You’ll hear the Charleston to Glenn Miller and everything in between, with both instrumental and vocal selections. In addition we’ve thrown in a few period novelty songs for your amusement. Today’s programme features a mixture of original period* and modern recordings. - radioriel.org

19/11/20 - On the 17th one of your writers mentioned the "Sporting House Strings" at Bude and said he hadn't heard anything about guitarist Paul Degville for a long time....sadly Paul died on Jan 6th 2013, I think he was 65 or 66.  Paul was a great friend of Tommy Burton and a long time member of Tom's Sporting House Quartet, there are quite a few videos of Paul and Tom on YouTube. - John and Marie Howell, Jazz Club 90
 

18/11/20 - Time for the Wednesday Quiz from Bert Thompson once again, this time Quiz No. 35 is called, "Down by the Riverside".  You have to fill the blanks in the song lyrics with the names of the rivers. After the fires in California which burned a stunning 3.8 million acres this year, Bert writes," We got a sprinkle of rain this past week--not a deluge, by any means,. but enough moisture to end the fire season, they say. I'll take it! And some more is forecast for mid week. We'll see".

 

17/11/20 - "Being as there's not a lot of news", says one site visitor, "This YouTube video might be worth watching - 9 Sporting House Strings at Bude 2002. It was put on last year and only 174 views so far. Paul Degville is playing guitar and he's a guy I haven't heard of for a long time".

16/11/20 - Ian Royle's comment (13/11), about 'San Quentin', reminds me of my own similar mistake. In the early fifties, at about the age of twelve, I first heard traditional jazz at the Brighton Hippodrome in one of the variety acts. Full of enthusiasm, I arrived home and told my parents about it and said the band had played 'Twelfth Street Rag' and 'Basingstoke Blues'! It was some time before I discovered the correct title! - David Lawrence

16/11/20 - Another photograph from the lockdown pictures. This time it comes from Peter Boswell, and he'd like to know more about Dave Stansfield
 

15/11/20 - Tributes to Colin Smith are continuing to pour in. It's lovely to read them all.

14/11/20 - It is quite some time since Pete Beaumont collapsed whilst on stage playing piano on his last performance with New Orleans Wiggle and it has been some weeks between his death and the funeral which is now next Monday 16th November at 11am on the northern edge of Sheffield.  Sadly due to Covid no live music is allowed at the crematorium but a small group of musicians agreed to play at the funeral home in Holmfirth as the hearse left but due to the even tighter restrictions this also is sadly no longer feasible. Just one more quiet funeral amongst many taking place during these very dark times. - Richard Lord.  The funeral service will be available on line, and I have the details should anyone want them. - Fred
 

13/11/20 - The Yorkshire Ripper died today and your readers might find it interesting to learn how I once met him in a Jazz club. Click here to read an article published today. I still shudder at the thought. - Andrew Liddle

13/11/20 - There is now a tribute page for Colin Smith, please send in any memories you would like to share.

13/11/20 - I had a lovely chat with Linda Smith this afternoon, even though she was ringing to tell me the sad news that Colin had passed away. She wasn't sure if I'd received the following email. We chewed over the old times and it was really nice. Colin always seemed to be pleased to see me whenever our paths crossed, as was Linda, and I think Colin will be particularly remembered in these parts for the lovely tune he wrote, "I believe in Rainbows", which Mart & Colin always played so beautifully. This message from Linda - ""Dear Fred, sadly yesterday evening my lovely husband Colin left this world and went to join the Big Jazz Band in the sky. He's probably best remembered as bass player with Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz but in the 60 something years he played he also got to play with plenty of other bands . His last gig was 2yrs ago at the age of 87.  He was admitted to hospital 9 weeks ago having been ill for a few days with what was subsequently confirmed as COVID. After 3 wks he appeared to be recovering but the damage done by the COVID took it's toll and finally took his life. His son Justin and myself were allowed to be by his bedside for his last 3 days and nights, but sadly his other son Jason lives in Berlin and was unable to get here.  Colin was a lovely man and a talented musician and I am left with some wonderful memories of the places we've been and all the lovely people we have met in the "jazz community ".

13/11/20 - I played with Bryan's Band for quite a few years and here are a couple of stories for you. -  An agent in Ireland phoned Bryan asking whether he'd take the band out to Cork for a ludicrously low fee. Bryan turned it down out of hand. "But it'd be great exposure for the band" insisted the agent. "Captain Scott died of exposure" said Bryan.  Then there was the gig at Nantwich Vagrants and a young lady in the audience was talking about her preferences on the big band scene. "Oh I like them all except one" she gushed. "I don't like that San Quentin". And that's the TRUTH !!  - Ian. Royle
 

12/11/20 - A blast from the past sent in by Des Hopkins - A photograph taken at Hyde Jazz Club 14th July 1961. Check it out in the Lockdown Pictures

12/11/20 - The composer of the week commencing 9th.November at 12 am. on Radio 3 is James P. Johnson. The programmes are still available online and are a fascinating in-depth study of his life and music. There are recordings by James P. himself, of course, and also Fats Waller, various bands led by Dick Hyman, one of my favourites, Marty Grosz and even Doris Day singing One Hour – If I Could be With You One Hour Tonight. In the 1960s I went to the Free Trade Hall in Manchester one afternoon to pick up some tickets for that night's performance by Duke Ellington. On hearing music coming from the concert hall, I looked in and there was Duke Ellington on piano playing James P. Johnson's Carolina Shout which he used for a time as the introduction to Rocking in Rhythm. - Jim Heap
 

11/11/20 - Just had a phone call from Ron Darlington to say he had received an email from Paul Medina, and he has a copy of the CD of the Bryan Jones big band which someone was after for a funeral. Ian Royle also had a video of the band. So nice to be able to help people out and so nice to be able to find so many helpful people. I've given a contact phone number to Ron.

11/11/20 - Mention of Nellie Lutcher reminded me of an incident many many years ago. A local jazz fan who was working on a building site got back late from his lunch break after going to buy tickets for her appearance in Hanley. The foreman challenged him and he explained that he'd been to buy tickets for Nellie Lutcher. "Next time let her buy her own expletive tickets" chastised the foreman, - clearly not a fan. - Keith  Garner

11/11/20 - Time for the Wednesday Quiz from Bert Thompson, number 34. A different kind of heat this week from Bert as he moves from forest fires to a bigger fire, one from the White House, but he thinks it won't be a quiet affair.
 

10/11/20 - I've had this request in - "Can you help me, I’m trying to track down any recordings by Bryan Jones, more specifically ‘Spring can really hang you up the most’. This is a request from my step-dad who was a keen Jazz fan of the 40’s and 50’s and a regular attendee at the Jazz night in St Georges, Telford, my request is unfortunately a little sombre as he has requested this to be be played at his funeral (hopefully not too imminent!)".  I can see the Bryan Jones Big Band was on a playlist on BBC Radio Stoke, but not found it elsewhere - Fred

10/11/20 - Having my morning coffee just now, thinking back to my early jazz learning, and as I have a couple of old LPs of Nellie Lutcher, I thought I would re-acquaint myself with her through YouTube. Quite a bit of old film of her on there ! Anyone not familiar with Nellie might watch her in glorious black and white of course. Norman Gibson

10/11/20 - Brian Legan writes, "In October,  I was lying on my back on a bed in the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital with a newly fitted defibrillator counting the ceiling tiles when Terry Birkinhead rang me. We chatted for a while exchanging stories about guest musicians with North West bands we had encountered over the years, some humorous some serious. When he rang off I got to thinking there is a vast store of untold stories about these events and time's getting short! There are already lots of reminiscences on your site but very few are concerned with visiting guest musicians, especially international stars".    Brian's recalls some of the top names that have played in the North West, an interesting read, and he invites others to do the same. I've started the page here.

10/11/20 - I had a phone call tonight from Paul Broomhead who asked me to let people know that bass player Harry Mouat, a well known musician in Cheshire who was a regular dep at Keel University events, had passed away.

10/11/20 - Just noticed that the film 'Ronnie's', celebrating the legacy of Ronnie Scott and his world-famous jazz club, is showing on BBC4 on Sunday 15th November at 9.00pm. This is a great surprise as it was only released into selected UK cinemas in October, and I couldn't get to see it before lockdown 2. Should be a great watch. Barry Pryme.
 

09/11/20 - I am inclined to agree with Chris Massey. I think the bass player at the Black Lion is Geoff Ford and the banjo player alongside Tony Dunleavy in the penultimate photo is Mike Dexter. - Paul Medina. The banjo player next to Tony Dunleavy is Mike Dexter. - Graham Brook. See Lockdown Photographs
 

08/11/20 - Bob Lamb has sent a couple of photographs for the lockdown gallery. We need yet another identity.

08/11/20 - l have had a look at the photograph at The Black Lion .Could the Bass player be Geoff Ford before he joined the Zenith Six. I started going to the Black Lion in 1965 and Geoff was on the bass then with the Zenith. - Chris. Massey.  What does anybody else think? - Fred

08/11/20 - I'm told that the Young Musician of the Year Final is a two hour programme on BBC 4 starting 7.00 pm on November 22nd

08/11/20 - Today is the birthday of trumpet player, Peter Brown, and on Tuesday, Graham Martindale and Terry Brunt. Next Saturday it's the turn of Ken Parkinson to celebrate years of jazz. Many Happy Returns to you all.
 

07/11/20 - Those of you with access to Netflix, will be able to watch Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom after December 17th. - "Chicago, 1927. A recording session. Tensions rise between Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), her ambitious horn player (Chadwick Boseman), and the white management determined to control the legendary “Mother of the Blues.” Based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's play. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, directed by George C. Wolfe. Starring Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Colman Domingo, Michael Potts, Glynn Turman, Dusan Brown and Taylour Paige"

06/11/20 -  Well done Alex, knock 'em dead! Cheers - Jon Critchley :  That's great Alex, keep swingin' - Bill Buck

06/11/20 - A couple of lovely photographs and a fitting tribute to George Galway have been sent in by vocalist Julie Flynn

06/11/20 - "I've been sitting on this news for quite some time now, but I'm so excited to be able to announce that I've managed to make it through to this year's BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year Final   In what has been a truly dreadful year, it's so nice to have some good news, an incentive to practise, and the wonderful opportunity to surround myself with some top-notch musicians". - Alex Clarke. .

05/11/20 - An item on BBC North West tonight, had an item on a black musician from Liverpool called Gordon Stretton (born William Masters), and how his family are trying to get Liverpool to do more to recognise him and his achievements. He played in Paris and Latin America where he found fame. Check out the item from the program and fast forward 30m 20s.

05/11/20 -  I'm a bit miffed that my good friend Trevor has beaten me to the post with his Jazz Promoting experiences. I am having some difficulty in getting down to producing my effort, for various reasons, but I have made a fair start and will get there this side of Christmas. Trevor and his Fest Jazz have been a revelation to me, a real inspiration and I agree with every word he has written. I just sincerely hope that UK bands and Festival promoters finally take some notice of Trevor's advice freely given. It's not too late, but it's a close thing. - Norman Gibson

05/11/20 - Don't miss any of the news, you can always have it emailed to you twice weekly, just let me know - Fred

05/11/20 - Bravo to Jon Critchley for unearthing the video of Chris Barber and Ottilie Patterson (“Mama, he treats your daughter mean”). Sensational ! I’d forgotten just how good they were at that time. Thank you both! - Trevor Stent.

05/11/20 - I'm delighted to have persuaded Trevor Stent to send me an account of his experiences organising and promoting jazz events, moving from band leader with the Blue Mags to international jazz event promoter in France, for which he now has a team of young people -  Fest Jazz
 

03/11/20 - As the election chaos swirls around us here in the U.S., I'm finally getting to this week's quiz: States' names in song titles! Although we probably won't know tomorrow if the stable genius has been served an eviction notice, I'll keep my fingers crossed that such will be the final outcome and that he will not have to be hauled kicking and screaming back to Trump Tower. It sure has seemed as if the old Chinese curse has been coming true these past several weeks (months? years?): "May you live in interesting times."  And I believe the U.K. is teetering on the edge of another lockdown. Are you also being visited by the Chinese curse? Stay safe and well. - Bert Thompson

03/11/20 - The November edition of Just Jazz Magazine is now out. Check out the front page for the contents

03/11/20 - Some great responses to the survey results. "This was an excellent report, well presented; better than most of the COVID reports I read and certainly much better than some of the BBC’s mumbling weather presenters" - Barry Aldous. "Very informative" - Pete Darwin. "Thank you for conducting your survey and for your report on the results!  It's heart-warming to learn that there's a 'majority' with an optimistic view of the future for Jazz. In recent months I've found great consolation in...... 'YouTube', not only because (I've discovered) it's a truly limitless source of Jazz performance ,often on film or video, but also because everything is contributed by Jazz fans and musicians, from around the World , often for no apparent advantage than to entertain, inform, encourage, educate, or 'advertise' availability!  That may be of little financial benefit to unemployed musicians but at least it's a ' resource' that can help to sustain the interest of an audience in Jazz , of any style, past or present, and for that reason, it has my recommendation, even with the intrusion of commercial 'ads' that are totally irrelevant to the chosen subject!  For without an audience, what would become of us all?".  - Roy Cansdale
 

02/11/20 - Back in late October I asked musicians to complete a survey as an indication as to how they felt about the future considering the gigs had dried up and there was no end in site until possibly next year. As i said previously, once the answers came in, I began to realise how I could have worded it better and the answers would have been easier to analyse if they had been yes/no/maybe, rather than "not very much", "I hope so", "possibly", "depends", "unsure" etc., but thankfully Andrew Liddle came to the rescue and analysed them for me with a view to publishing them in Just Jazz magazine. Normally Andrew's articles for Just Jazz appear on this site by permission of that magazine when they have a North West connection. In this instance his article on my poll is now posted on this site first and an extended version Is scheduled to appear in Just Jazz’s January edition".

02/11/20 - Two more photographs join the lockdown photographs, sent in by Terry Birkinhead, It's the big names this time.

02/11/20 - A while ago there was a request for any recommendations regarding internet radio. Well, for anyone who likes a mix of different types of jazz, as I do, I recommend Radio Swiss Jazz. It's a mix of trad, gypsy, big band, mainstream, vocal, modern. Some tracks are the original recordings, and some are new interpretations by today's musicians (many, but not all, are Swiss). Best of all, there are no commercials! You can download the app to your phone or tablet. Better still, if you have an Amazon Echo ('Alexa') then do this:  1. Say 'Alexa, enable Simple Radio'. : 2. Say 'Alexa, ask Simple Radio to play Radio Swiss Jazz'. : Happy listening! - Alan Jeffs

02/11/20 - "John Hallam played the flute sometimes with Smoky City at the Grant Arms Ramsbottom then sold it  I have an LP of Sheila Collier's Smoky City which features Terry Brunt playing Jackass Blues on euphonium.  The sleeve notes are by George Melly who says that Smoky City was one of the first to offer him a guest spot out of London when the tide was turning before he went back fulltime to John Chilton.  Thanks are given to Royal Northern College of music,  sponsors Stan Cross and Harry Hallam (John's Dad?) and John Featherstone (another name from the past)  I do not have a record player anymore so if any keen collector would like this LP they may have it on collection". -  Pam Woosey (Ramsbottom)

02/11/20 - "It has finally happened....after months of uncertainty regarding the future of Jazz Club 90 at the Albrighton Social Club a date has been set for the closure and demolition of the club.", writes John Howell. "This will be November 20th 2020 and with the new lockdown we can't continue our little get-togethers on Sunday lunchtime (just for a drink and a chat, no jazz!) so Jazz Club 90's address is now "No Fixed Abode", Albrighton!  It will be a great wrench to leave the club as we have had a superb 5 years there, Robin Giles the chairman and Pete Jordan the steward could not have been more helpful and encouraging....we will miss them. Marie and I would like to thank all the fans who have supported us and the musicians, many from the North West who have provided such wonderful jazz over the years. This does not mean the end of Jazz Club 90 as we have made provisional arrangements to move to the Royal (the old British Legion club) in Albrighton as and when this blasted virus lets us. Hopefully Jazz Club 90 has many more years left to provide jazz and continue to be successful for both fans and musicians".

01/11/20 - When looking back there's always one name that escapes your memory, and so it is with the latest  crop of photographs for the Lockdown Pictures page. Sent in by Dr. Alan Brown from Manchester there's one photo of a single musician whose name nobody will have forgotten, but can you name the bass player in the band photo?  It was taken at the Black Lion in Salford around 1956/57.

01/11/20 - Thanks to Pete Lay for pointing out it wasn't African Waltz, but "Revival" that Chris Barber band played. African Waltz was indeed a hit for Johnny Dankworth and his Orchestra, Memory didn't serve me correct it seems, but still both tunes kept going round in my head in their time. African Waltz was also played by the Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band.

01/11/20 - More photographs added to the lockdown photographs, the latest from Sheila Collier and John Brunton's son Gary.

01/11/20 - It's a week for trumpet players. Many Happy Returns today to Peter Brown, on Monday, Danny Riley, and Friday Harry Roberts. Time for a fanfare?

01/11/20 - Yesterday was to be the last day for musicians to fill in the musician questionnaire about how they have been coping with the lack of gigs and how they see the future. As I forgot to warn everybody at the start of yesterday, I've extended it until tonight. 135 musicians have so far contributed, and many thanks to those who have. If you are a musician, and you haven't yet done it, you can fill in the form here preferably with yes/no answers if possible, and as it is totally anonymous, I've asked Andrew Liddle if he would analyse the results for me, and he may eventually submit them for publishing in Just Jazz magazine.

October 2020

31/12/20 - Sheila Collier has sent me a photograph of an LP by the Smoky City Jazz Band recorded in 1978, so I've managed to extract the sleeve notes which tell me that John Hallam played flute and Terry Brunt played euphonium on the LP, I must admit I've never seen either of those musicians play those instruments!  I've included the information on the Smoky City Jazz Page

31/10/20 - Make-up wise this is maybe one for today, Halloween. The brilliant Angela and her 'Mama Shakers' band from Paris. Only a couple of thousand have viewed this video - 'Shake the Devil's Hand', on YouTube - Norman Gibson

30/10/20 - Ottilie was really a bit special. American blues singers couldn't believe she was not black. I've been to her home, which is marked with a commemorative blue badge, as it is just seven miles up the road from where I was brought up. To see it, and hear more about her, Google 'Jazz And Blues Girl Ottilie Patterson's Home In Comber'  -  Norman Gibson

30/10/20 - Hi Fred: Check this out: (Has it been on the site before?).  I don’t think there’s anyone in Britain or even further afield who can equal Ottilie’s voice, dynamism and sheer ability. She was unique. - Jon Critchley. Can't recall ever having seen that before Jon, odd really because it's part of the Jazz 625 series. Digging around I came across https://youtu.be/uKmM-W7psOc African Waltz (Revival it seems), )if memory serves me correct, and a number I heard him play at The Free Trade Hall in Manchester back in the day. Couldn't stop it going round in my head after that! - Fred

29/10/20 - It was back in May when I contacted you about my Jazz related painting. i.e. 3 members of the Red Rose Band. You kindly put the image of the painting on your jazznorthwest site. Can I thank you for doing so. Since that time I have been contacted by a few people who saw the article asking where they could get hold of an image or an image on a T-shirt. I no longer have the painting myself because it is now in the splendid Towneley Hall Museum. However, I am glad to say the image is available as a wall art design and on T-shirts from a company called Redmolotov. Apparently, it is proving popular amongst jazz fans far and wide. This does surprise me a little because this all started out as a lockdown project. I don't normally paint people but with lockdown the way it was, I was going through some old photos seeing if I could find a suitable subject for a painting. It is funny how things happen at times. Richard Slater  (AKA Hadrian Richards)

29/10/20 -  Referencing Fraser McCombe and New Orleans it is worth looking in the direction of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band ( check Wiki ). I saw them at St George's Hall , Liverpool. A revelation. Undoubtedly NO but with a striking difference. They played very few, if any, 'standards' but we're excitingly N.O.  And when the mic'd amplification distorted their sound they called a halt and played ' au naturel ' acoustically. The Hall is big and cavernous and they sounded terrific. Mind you they were very, very, loud.  If you haven't heard them then check them out. - Bob Lamb

29/10/20 - Referring to practice whilst the virus continues I can vouch for the New Orleans Jambook where there are close to one thousand easy tunes for Bb and and chords for both Bb and C instruments free to download/print. - Malcolm Holland

29/10/20 - John Howell (JazzClub 90) emailed to say, "Just had this link from one of our jazzers, if you like skiffle it's great and very amusing - Jive Aces - Mama Don’t Allow

28/10/20 - Time for another quiz, and it nearly didn't make it when Bert Thompson emailed on Monday to say, "I can’t send a quiz - no internet as our power has been turned off for fire danger and I can’t access my hard drive".  Tuesday came the good news, "We are back! Seems a couple of new fires came to life in Northern California during the outage, but at least they seem to be minor conflagrations, fortunately. Hope all is well with you. I know that the U,.K. is having some difficulty with the COVID-19 situation and don't know how it is affecting you folks up north. We seem to be having a modicum of success here in California, but that could change at any time. The bigger success I am looking for is potential - the current occupant of the White House will get his eviction notice next week. I do hope they don't have to send in the National Guard to remove him should the election not go his way, but that might well be the final embarrassment he inflicts upon us. Click here for the quizzes, The latest is Quiz 32

26/10/20 - Another Lockdown Photograph from Peter Swensson, taken by Terry Birkenhead in October 1995

26/10/20 - It seems Pontins have pulled the plug and shut down their holiday resorts from November 2nd until February 12th  (not Britannia Hotels), which is bad news for those people booked to go to Pete & Heather Lay's Winter Jazz Party 15-18 Jan 2021. Pete says, "Customers already booked don’t need to worry about ‘balance payment day’. I’m expecting Sand Bay to make contact about ‘monies’ – they will be offering repayment or transfer of monies to January 14th 2022. I was persuaded to undertake another  in 2022 – I did that because Sand Bay asked me, not Pontins. In working for Sand Bay Holiday Village I have very little to do with the parent company Pontins".

26/10/20 - There's a  a wealth of information on Sandy Brown Jazz put together by Ian Maund. It just happens that today is Ian's birthday, Many Happy Returns Ian

26/10/20 - Hi Fred, It is sad that we are losing so many great players with this virus. In Australia Victoria seems to be the worst affected, and here in South Australia we have been mostly safe because people are really trying to do the right thing and getting tested, socially distancing themselves and using the hand sanitisers at the entrance to shopping centres. I am still playing at gigs a little under very strict conditions also practising heaps trying to keep my lip in, in some ways I have felt all the practice I have been doing has really helped but there are many players I know who rely on gigs to keep their skills up. They will really feel it when the Gigs come back (as they will), so all the best to everyone over there and remember this will pass and they have to be ready to start again, don’t give up. Cheers - Derek Dalton

26/10/20 - “Style rather than repertoire “, how right Dave Donohoe is , “You never can tell” pays homage to EmmyLou Harris and my wife, Melanie’s favourite tune, is again by Dave , singing the Arlo Guthrie number, “City of New Orleans”. Dave certainly widened my horizons of what tunes were acceptable in the New Orleans idiom. New Orleans jazz has always had the reputation of being functional music and as such, bands that played for local dances etc Were expected to play the latest popular tunes . So, Dave is to be applauded for carrying on the tradition. How much better is it to hear an unusual tune played in the style rather than an overworked tune from the repertoire? - Fraser McCombe

26/10/20 - More tributes have come in for Pete Beaumont, which have been added to his Tribute Page
 

24/10/20 - 109 returns to the survey have come in so far, which will close on 31st October. Now the answers are coming in, I realise the questions I should have asked!  Most are yes and no, but some are "possibly", "occasionally", "now and again", "it depends" and "hope so", so it's going to be quite a job analysing them. On the whole the results are quite positive.

24/10/20 - When this site began, 25 years ago, few bands had their own web site and so I created pages for them. As time went by and bands started to have their own sites, I continued to keep my pages going.  It soon emerged that mine were becoming out of date as the bands were just understandably updating their own, so I made a decision to remove my pages and simply provide a window into their sites. Of course when some bands decided to delete their own web sites, possibly because they had decided to disband, I was left with an empty page, which I then deleted. It was as a result of Peter Beaumont's death, that I realised I no longer had a record of the Dave Donohoe Band page, if only for the Whatever Happened To section, which I feel is a valuable historical record. Thankfully I kept a copy of some of them, and so I have been able to resurrect the original Dave Donohoe Band page as well as the Dennis Browne Band, page, albeit a little dated.

23/10/20 - Richard Lord has emailed to say, "I received a phone call yesterday from one of Pete’s sons telling me that his father, pianist Pete Beaumont from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, had just quietly passed away in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary". Richard has written about Pete and I've added it to the Peter Beaumont tribute page.

23/10/20 - The 29th Bohém Ragtime & Jazz Festival Live Streaming - Starts today until Oct 25th. Check out http://www.bohemragtime.com/online, you can see the program details here, although you'll need to work out the times especially as the clocks go back this weekend.

23/10/20 - The results of the survey are pouring in, many thanks if you filled one in, because I don't know who you are. What I can tell you is that so far at lunchtime today, 88 people had completed it, out of which just two people said they had tested positive for Corona virus.  Two too many unfortunately. I'll keep it open for a week and then publish the results.
 

22/10/20 - There's no doubting that Covid 19 is having a serious effect on musicians, and I hear some are wondering whether or not to call it a day, and sad to say some bands may not even re-emerge. I thought it might be interesting to carry out a survey anonymously and so emailed the following questions to musicians. 1. Have you continued to practice? : 2. Do you see yourself playing in public again once you are allowed to? : 3. Do you think your band will survive the virus? : 4. Have you been tested positive for the virus? and 5. Do you think you have, or may have had the virus?  It was sent out today and so far 72 people have responded. If you are a musician, you can fill in the form here. I'll publish the results in due course - Fred

22/10/20 - Updated - Here's your chance to watch a live piano concert, now on YouTube rather than Zoom. Acclaimed jazz pianist Peter Edwards will play a one-hour concert with a programme that celebrates Black composers and their huge contributions to the history of jazz music at St Cross College Jazz Concert on Friday 23rd October 2020 at 7.30 pm BST via YouTube at https://youtu.be/l5OtTL4FrM4.

21/10/20 - You can read jazz musician Jim Petrie's obituary in the Scottish Herald

21/10/20 - Jon Critchley says, "Got this from a perfectly legitimate company in USA I’ve dealt with before. It’s extraordinary!".

21/10/20 - Re: Peter Swensson's photograph, the chap with the vibes is likely to be Vic Blackwell - Jon Critchley.

21/10/20 - It's Wednesday again, and today's quiz will sort the men from the boys. How good is your jazz history knowledge? Now is the time to find out with Quiz 31 - Venues, by our quizmaster Bert Thompson.
 

20/10/20 - Some time ago, I was handed a book by a non jazzer called, "Trad Mad" written by Brian Matthew  in 1962 (remember him?), price three shillings and sixpence. I started to scan it with a view to putting it on the site for you to read, albeit it may be copyright infringement.  That is still an ongoing job, but no doubt some of you have already read it. In which case you will be interested to read this article from Jazz Rag, written by Andrew Liddle. It's called It's Trad Grandad and is reproduced by kind permission of Jazz Rag Publication
 

18/10/20 - Re: Peter Swensson's photograph, Bill Buck confirms that the bass player is Malcolm Pendry: We were all in The Wall City Jazzmen at the same time. Maybe the others are early Wall City members also?. Jon Critchley

18/10/20 -  Many Happy Returns tomorrow to Suzanne Mott, jazz vocalist and daughter of Dave Mott.
 

17/10/20 - Another lockdown photograph from Peter Swensson, but just one problem, he only knows one of the musicians - Billy Edwards. Do you know who the other four are, or where it was taken?

16/10/20 - I've just added a track from Tom Culbert's CD - "From Rags to Stride", to his tribute page

15/10/20 - Re Roy Williams on YouTube, Dresden certainly got one hell of an eight and a half minute treat there 50 years ago. That must go down as the best sound track sent in to you for some considerable time. No wonder the audience gave the slow clap for more ! - Norman Gibson

15/10/20 - Hi Fred, regarding Roy Williams I thought some of your readers may appreciate his technical prowess on this YouTube link - Malcolm Holland
 

15/10/20 - If Roy Williams had been a Civil Servant instead of a world class trombonist, he'd have had that MBE twenty years ago. Wonder why he never thought about retraining! - Ian Royle
 

14/10/20 - It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that founder of The Quayside Hot Stompers, pianist Tom Culbert, passed away earlier this week. I spoke to Tom a while back when I asked for his permission to reprint his life story which he had written for Just Jazz. Hopefully I will get more details later, but for someone devoted to the music of New Orleans Jazz, it is so disheartening that he won't be getting the traditional send-off due to Covid restrictions.  Tom was a lovely person, and of late he was a full time carer for his wife Et, who was wheelchair bound. He always seemed delighted to hear from me whenever I rang, and I was touched when he invited Barbara and myself to his 80th birthday celebration at The Union Exchange in Colne, home of The Forest Jazz Band. There is now a Tribute Page for Tom

14/10/20 - Time for the Wednesday Quiz, and this week it's an easy one, well it must be because I got them all except one. This week, Number 30, is all about Faraway Places. Quizmaster Bert Thompson says, "We are certainly enjoying better air quality of late, but of course this virus isn't letting up here or anywhere else, it seems. And that means continuing to have to breathe through a mask, which I'm sure no one enjoys, no matter where".
 

12/10/20 - It was nice to read Sheila Collier’s message about Roy Williams receiving the MBE in the Queens honours list. I used to see him with Eric Batty’s Jazz aces at The Thatched House, Manchester in the 50’s, and didn’t know then that he was related to me. We shared the same great grandparents, and My mother and his mother Lily were friends (Small world).   I do hope he is well as think it was last year that he was quite ill in hospital.  He is a great trombonist. Congratulations Roy!  - Brenda Canty-Forrest (Tomkins)

12/10/20 - Information passed on by Paul Medina - "George Galway passed away peacefully at home on October 4th 2020 aged 79 years. Beloved Husband of the late Muriel, much loved Dad of Martin and Brian and a loved Brother of Sir James and his wife Lady Jeanne. George will be sadly missed by nieces Jacqueline and Lorraine and friends Sue, Jenny and Sylvie. The funeral will be a private family service. All enquiries to Eamonn A. Kennedy Funeral Directors, Northenden tel 0161 945 2097.''

12/10/20 - Thank you for the story about Harry. It is very interesting. Both my husband and I went to three Jazzweekends at Llandudno, which were most enjoyable and they were very reasonably priced too. We were fans of The Chicago Teds and used to go to Lymm to see them. I continued to see them after my husband died in 2003, but eventually gave up because I didn't like travelling alone in the Winter evenings. I have most of their CDs.    Thank you for all your hard work in keeping jazz fans in touch with what is going on. - Kind regards, Mildred Finney

12/10/20 - I very much enjoyed, and appreciated, the story of Harry Swinburne and his Herculean efforts on the Merseyside jazz scene. Too often, the work and talent of characters like Harry are forgotten and unrecognised, not only by the spectators but even by the musicians who benefit so much from the hours people like him put in behind the scenes. Just as the Chicago Teds had Harry, the Blue Mags in the 70s and 80s had Frank Hudston and the band would never have been so successful without his untiring efforts and organising genius. It’s great that your website is now inviting these “forgotten men” to take a bow! - Trevor Stent

12/10/20 - Hi Fred, just to let you know that the Sammy Rimington video playing Ice Cream with the December Band is also on Youtube via this link

12/10/20 - "Please take a look at our updated website at www.pedigreejazzband.co.uk", writes Chris Walker,  "we have our latest news and some recent videos of the band that might be of interest to your members during this present lockdown and starvation from any decent LIVE music

12/10/20 - "Dear Fred ,did you see that the great Trombonist Roy Williams has been given an MBE in the Queens Birthday honours list for services to Jazz?  He is from Bolton . Good news !" -- Sheila Collier.  Missed that Sheila, but great news indeed. Still waiting for mine lol.
 

11/10/20 - Many Happy Returns this week to Gerry Clayton on Monday, and to Dave Bateman next Saturday.
 

10/10/20 - Browsing through your videos Fred, I was delighted to see my old friend Peter Curtis and his New Orleans Echoes at the Tunbridge Wells Jazz Club, with Bruce Turner guesting among them. When we were still teenagers a few centuries ago, my brother John (trombone), me (trumpet) and Pete (then on banjo, the reeds came later) recorded three pieces on my Grundig TK20 tape recorder in Pete’s back (or maybe front) room; Bill Bailey, Strutting with some barbecue, and Tishomingo blues. I still have those recordings, now transcribed onto CD. When my brother died in 2015, after the funeral, among the large number of guests celebrating John’s life were at least a dozen musicians from the bands he had played with, including of course, Peter, and I had the pleasure of joining in the session on trumpet. I’m browsing through the videos, some submitted by another old friend and sometime drummer with my own band, Graham Martindale, we also keep in touch via internet. Thanks for these videos, Fred, I’m slowly but surely working my way through them. - Richard Knock.
 

09/10/20 - There will be many people reading this news who have been to the Chatsworth House Hotel in Llandudno for one of Harry Swinburne's jazz weekends, as well as those who have been to Maghull British Legion or the Town Hall for his jazz or big band nights, again put on by Harry. Of those, how many people knew how Harry got round to starting it all?  Well in one of my regular chats with him, I managed to get Harry to put it all down on paper and let me have it for the site. So in the latest addition to the series of Jazz Promoters, you can now read about someone I can truthfully call a dear friend - Harry Swinburne.

09/10/20 - An old 1989 photograph of the Chicago Teds has been sent to me by Harry Swinburne, and is now on the Lockdown Pictures page.
 

08/10/20 - I was delighted to receive a hand written letter from Bert Lamb in Ulverston, who tells me he doesn't really do computers. However he told me that he played with the elusive Ralph Bryson (4/10/20), when he was 17, between 1959-60. He joined a band on piano called, "Buddy Halpman's Jazzmen (or jazzband), in which Ralph Bryson was playing bass, and which renamed to 'The Crescent City Stompers'. He says, "It was under this name that we played regularly at the Iron Door club in Liverpool

08/10/20 - I've just updated the Video's page with a link to 'hoffmmanjazz' who has uploaded what appears to be thousands of classic videos. Norman Gibson suggested I might like to watch Sammy Rimmington playing Ice Cream with Kid Thomas, John Handy and Jim Robinson in 1965. You'll need to scroll a long way down to find it.

08/10/20 - Annie Cousins writes, "A friend who organises practices for an orchestra (he plays flute) around Macclesfield sent me this government guidance regulation. They now practice (about 25 at a time), in several churches, . Annie's Saints and Sinners practiced last Sunday in Christ Church which no longer has services It welcomes groups for a small fee which goes towards the upkeep. It was so nice to have a blow (play) again. I thought you might be able to pass this as some people don't seem to know this is possible. I believe halls as well as churches can be used".  Annie kindly sent me this paragraph, but you should maybe read the whole of the "Guidance for people who work in performing arts, including arts organisations, venue operators and participants", before turning up - Fred.

08/10/20 - The Tribute Page to George Galway has been updated over the last two days
 

07/10/20 - Another lockdown photo supplied by Peter Swensson. This time it's  it's John Petters' New Orleans All Stars taken on the Lady Diana in Chester, June 1996
 

06/10/20 - Bert Thompson writes, "Attached is the latest quiz - Alternate Titles. The air is a good bit better in these parts right now, but we are not out of the woods yet (no pun intended). Can you believe that according to this morning's San Francisco newspaper, a record FOUR MILLION ACRES of California has burned this year? I trust that record won't be broken - in my lifetime, at least".  You can see all set of 29 questions here.

06/10/20 - One thing that has been missing from this site for long enough, is the other side of the jazz club scene,the people who organise the clubs and without whom we wouldn't have any, and that's The Promoters. So far I've published two background stories, and now it's time for the third one. Jazz Promoter Alec Crow has run the very successful Bedale & Northallerton jazz club for the last 17 years, unfortunately it's not quite in the North West, but we can't win them all.
 

05/10/20 - There is now a tribute page for George Galway, and if you have any fond memories of listening to him or playing with him, please email me and and I'll add them to the page for current and future jazz fans to read.

05/10/20 - I had a phone call today just as I was about to leave the house, from Tony Dunleavy, who had rung to tell me that George Galway had passed away peacefully with his son by his side. Arriving home and there was an email from Laurie Cooper to confirm  that George had died on Sunday. "He'll be sadly missed, he was a great player & he touched many peoples lives" said Laurie. Funeral details when I get them.
 

04/10/20 - Aaron, who never knew his granddad, but knew he was a musician, is looking for anybody who may have come across him or knows anything about him. He says, "If you could help in the search for any information regarding ‘Ralph Bryson’, who I believe was a part of ‘5 and a penny jazz band’ and ‘new Brighton tower ballroom jazz band’ that would be a great help". Allan Wilcox asked if he was a bass player and Aaron replied, "My granddad did indeed play double bass!! He also played bass guitar! I believe the person Allan is referring to may well be my granddad! This, I hope, is brilliant news".

04/10/20 - Many Happy Returns today to musician and all round entertainer from the Fylde Coast, Pete Lindup. Also Many Happy Returns on Friday to Alsager born drummer, Jack Cotterill, who describes himself as Event Promoter, Musician & Booking Agent.
 

01/10/20 - Due out in cinemas this month, RONNIE'S is a film about the life of Ronnie Scott. Written & Directed by Oliver Murray, it's due for release in the UK on 22nd October in Everyman Cinemas - Jon Critchley

01/10/20 - I heard a story recently about someone who posted on Facebook that he refused to give Track and Trace information on the basis that he didn't want the Government to know where he had been. Someone took a snapshot of his Facebook profile which was showing all the places he'd been, and posted it to demonstrate his double standards. Someone who definitely isn't worried about his Facebook friends knowing his life story, is today's birthday boy and ex Mancunian, Brian Ellwood, now living in Penzance. I was looking at it today and there's no stone unturned, I didn't realise Brian had played for Savannah Jazz Band, Blue Lotus Jazzmen, Harlem Hot Stompers, Louiseville Jazzband, Dave Donohoe New Orleans Jazz Band, Colin Smith Jazzmen, Pete Haslem/Denis Gilmour Jazz Band to name a few. Happy Birthday Brian, I for one thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Good to know someone who isn't living life looking over his shoulder.

01/10/20 - My thanks to John Richardson who has sent in photographs of the Ken Colyer Jazzmen event and the poster for the 3rd Annual Lake District Festival in July 1983. I've added them to the Ken Colyer lost tape page

01/10/20 -  Tony Baylis, double bass, sousaphone, vocals, born London, 1935 passed away last Thursday 24th September. Tony played with many top bands, notably including Lennie Felix, Bruce Turner, Mick Mulligan, Acker Bilk, Al Fairweather, the Temperance Seven, the highlight being the Alex Welsh Band at the Newport Jazz Festival, USA. Moving to Bristol, he joined the Wurzels from 1969 to 1984 and was in the Pete Allen Jazz Band in 1987. He appeared regularly at the Old Duke with the Dukes of Swing, Groove Juice Special and the Avon Cities Jazz Band. In the late 1990s he moved to Spain to practice physiotherapy and around 2000 he joined the New Zealand jazz scene. He returned to Bristol in recent years, but sadly failing health prevented him from playing there again.