Traditional Jazz in The North West (UK)

SEPTEMBER - KEEP SAFE

18/09/21 - Thanks to Keith Wadeson for highlighting the return of jazz to the North Euston Hotel, Fleetwood, on the 29th September. However, the start time is the usual one of 12 noon and not 2pm as stated. - Colin Turner
 

17/09/21 - Hey Fred, I hope you are well. I just wanted to let you and your wonderful readers know about a new restaurant gig that's starting next week. It's 7-9pm Thursday 23rd September at La Vita (77-79 Derby Rd, Huyton Village, Liverpool L36 9UQ). It's hopefully going to become a regular weekly gig and will present the amazing talents of the North West's finest musicians. Next Thursday features the wonderful trumpet playing of Tony Peers, with a great rhythm section provided by Mal Horne and Jim Swinnerton. We'd welcome the support of the jazz loving community, so to book a table please contact the restaurant on 0151 458 2845. It will be great night out and I've attached the poster. I'll keep you up to date about more gigs happening there in due course. Many thanks, Jonny Spall

17/09/21 - Hi Fred, Jazz is back on at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood on September 29 from 2pm. The North Euston Orpheans are playing, £6 on the door. Last Wednesday each month – Keith Wadeson

17/09/21 - Just to let you know -  The Wyre Levee Stompers, now in their 47th year together, are pleased to announce that, after some 18 months absence due to Covid, they will be returning to their Thursday night sessions at The Ashley Club, Victoria Road East, Thornton Cleveleys commencing Thursday 23rd September at 8-30pm.  The line-up will comprise Pete Lindup on trumpet, Mike Pearson on trombone, Willy Barrow on banjo/guitar, Frank Carter on bass, John Smith on drums and myself on reeds. Despite some health issues, Ken Emery, a founder member of The Wyre Levee Stompers will be with the band, on piano for their Thursday night sessions at The Ashley Club - Bill Barrow

16/09/21 - Norwich Evening News has just published an article, "Remembering the dazzling career of Norwich's very own 'Queen of the Blues' ", reminiscing about the life of Beryl Bryden

16/09/21 - A 1938 CG Conn Victor 80-A Cornet in Mint Condition has just gone on the Sales page
 

15/09/21 -  Peter Swensson has now confirmed that jazz at the beautiful Sefton Park Palm House has been confirmed for 2022.  As in the past the Savoy Jazzmen will be playing on the first Tuesday of each month with the exception of January & August.

15/09/21 - Trombone player, Mike Taylor, is the latest musician to be remembered on the Tribute Page
 

14/09/21 - Good to see your News Page is back to normal. Great to read the various messages. Pleased to say we (Savoy Jazzmen), are back at the Palm House. Had hoped to have started earlier but the jazz sessions start again Tuesday 7th December 2-4 pm. Fingers crossed we will get the support we had pre Covid-19. We should have the dates for 2022 very soon. Our Monday lunchtime sessions are a real challenge. We are not getting anywhere near the support we were hoping for but it’s so good to have a weekly session and it keeps the band together. - Peter Swensson

14/09/21 - John & Marie Howell write about Jazz Club 90 in Albrighton, "Due to Covid and our ageing audience being reluctant to venture in to a crowded room the attendance has dropped off over the past few weeks making Jazz Club 90 no longer viable and we have cancelled all future gigs. I have informed band leaders and those in the audience who are on our mailing list and will put a notice on the website. I will still keep an eye on your website!  Best wishes to you and Barbara and thanks for all your help ,over the years".

13/09/21 - Mike Carnie tells me there is a once only band change for the 4th November at the Boathouse, Ellesmere, Shropshire. The band playing on this date will be - The Five & A Penny Jazz Band. Mike also tells me that the regular band, The Boathouse Stompers, have had 2 great monthly nights there since reopening. On request a meal can be arranged before the Jazz session commences at 8pm in the evening. The monthly concerts are held on the 1st Thursday of every month, so Mike suggests you come along and have a great night of jazz and food.

13/09/21 - Just to let you know that The Downtown Dixieland Jazz Band are back at The Caledonia in Liverpool this Friday 17th September at 8.30pm. We are also planning to play there in the 3rd Friday of every month. -  John Dorgan

13/09/21 - Just linked to your excellent site relating to Ian Royle, who refers to playing with the Syd Lewis Big Band/Orchestra, presumably in the immediate pre/post war period. Syd was my uncle and we know very little about his musical career (which was always a part-time occupation despite the impressive look of the band). If you know anything or anybody who may know something we would be very pleased to hear about it. - Pete Lewis
 

12/09/21 - Many Happy Returns today to Tony Ormesher. Also tomorrow to John Howell of Jazz Club 90 fame, Richard Lord on Wednesday and Mike Reddin on Saturday.

12/09/21 - The Wirrorleans Jazz Band will resume their residency at Formby Cricket Club, Cricket Path, L37 7DP, from 24th September on the last Friday of the month up to and including March 2022.  Please note the earlier times of 8pm - 10-30pm. Looking forward to welcoming everybody back - John Blackman

11/09/21 - I’m sure your members will be sorry to learn of the death of Alan Radcliffe, aged 92, on August 14th 2021.  Alan was founder and leader of Manchester-based “The Saints” jazz band from the late 1940s until leaving the band in 1975, during which time it had established itself as among the finest of the British jazz revival, playing at the Royal Festival Hall before the (then) Princess Elizabeth, supporting Louis Armstrong and his All Stars on their 1956 tour, recording with EMI and Parlophone (under the watchful eye of George Martin) and playing innumerable concerts across the north west.  I know he is fondly remembered by many who heard the band at the time and who still listen to CD transfers of the original 78rpm recordings that they made. But for Alan’s modest, self-effacing nature he would undoubtedly have made one of the most popular jazz clarinetists of his day. As it was, he was content to be the best he could be in the band he founded in the late 1940s with his school friends. -
Tim Atkinson https://www.timatkinson.info
 

10/09/21 - Sheila Collier sent me this lovely photograph. She says, "It’s the ferry from Elsinor Denmark to Helsingborg looking west to Denmark ! Takes 20 minutes. We are able to go without any restrictions now and playing too!   We are only a short walk to the ferry from our Apartment so it’s like Ferry cross the Mersey. Haven't sorted visiting U K yet though, they have their own restrictions .
 

09/09/21 - Some Good News at least, Barbara Hallam tells me, "Our Jazz Lunch at the Farmer's Arms is now full with a waiting list, so thanks for putting it on your site. Just hoping nobody comes on spec as we won't be able to accommodate them".

09/09/21 - Dear Fred, You kindly put a message on your site re my late husband’s old jazz programmes. I received a reply from a jazz enthusiast who lives in Macclesfield who has been to collect them on the basis it would take him down memory lane of the concerts he went to at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester in his youth.  He kindly gave me a donation which I have passed on to Pancreatic Cancer UK for research into the cause and treatment of this illness from which my husband sadly died. Nice to know the programmes so lovingly kept for nearly 60 years have found another home. - Lisa King

09/09/21 - I’m delighted to report that Lowther Pavilion has decided to launch its own jazz club and we, Cafe Society, are playing for the first one. It’s on the 29th of September in the evening and details can be found here on their website. - Anthony Mason

09/09/21 - "I’m sorry to report the death of trombonist Mike Taylor, native of Sheffield. Mike had suffered a stroke a month or two ago and had been in hospital since. His partner Annie ’phoned us on Monday morning with the news that he had died the previous day, Sun 5th September.  He had played for some years with New Orleans Heat, and we both played with The Spirit of New Orleans. Mike was an open-minded excellent musician, very approachable and considerate. He would occasionally suggest trombone and bass duets for several, or many, choruses, which I greatly appreciated. He will surely be missed by many. I’ll try to send on any further details. Best wishes to Barbara, yourself and your many readers, Harmoniously, - John Muskett

09/09/21 - The latest Just Jazz Magazine is now out and includes part 4 of Dave Donohoe's "looking after the Legends", which will eventually be reproduced on the site. Click on the title above to see a list of the contents.

09/09/21 - Kirkcudbright Jazz Festival announcement - "We have unfortunately taken the difficult decision to cancel this years Jazz Festival which was scheduled for 14-17 October.  We will be back 9-12 June 2022 with a brilliant selection of the best Jazz artists and we can't wait to see you there!  The decision to cancel was made for a number of reasons, primarily the health and safety of our visitors, bands and local people.  We re already working on next years festival to make it the best ever!   Keep an eye on our Facebook and our website for updates on next year's festival and on buying your tickets. If you bought tickets for this year's festival please send us a message or contact the person from whom you purchased your tickets. We apologise again for the disappointing news and thank you all for your continued support".

09/09/21 - Les Brown informs me that "We have resumed our jazz sessions at Boston Spa Village Hall. Early signs are encouraging. Please find attached the programme for September. The normal two monthly programme should be resumed next month. Thank you in anticipation of your continued support".
 

08/09/21 - The Merseysippi Jazz Band are back in action on Monday, and owing to a proposed increased financial burden being levied by the cricket club, the band has relocated to the Aigburth Arms, in Aigburth, Liverpool. Barbara and I went there many years ago when Pat Halcox was guesting with the band, and I seem to recall it was a very nice venue, in a very nice location. Only problem is, that although the band will be expecting to play every Monday night, should there be a clash of interest, football will be the winner, so check with the venue before setting off -. 0151 363 2186.
 

07/09/21 - Did you miss me?  Nobody emailed to say where's the news? Maybe you thought I was sunning it up on a beach somewhere? Well nothing could be further from the truth, I was taken by ambulance into Royal Preston Hospital on Monday 30th Aug, with what turned out to be a urinary tract infection and was finally allowed home yesterday, so there's a lot of catching up to be done, not least of all on sleep. Whilst I'm stamped 'fit and healthy' again, it will be a day or two I guess before I'm fully back in the saddle, so please bear with me.

11/08/21 - I'm afraid I forgot the birthdays this week, so belated birthday wishes to Keith Moore last Sunday, and to Frank Lowe on Tuesday. However it's Many Happy Returns to Harold Salisbury today and to Fraser McCombe tomorrow
 

09/08/21 - A "ROLAND" Percussion Pad model SPO-11 has just gone on the Sales Page. I believe it's something for drummers, I just know it's not a Windows 10  Computer!  No doubt interested people will know, same applies to Malcolm's Suitcase 88, nothing to do with holidays either I bet.

09/08/21 - Re: The Item about European travel abroad for musicians etc. I not sure the guy on the radio is all correct in what he says. It is best for musicians to read all the reports in the Musicians Union’s newsletter, all available online. They say nothing has changed, except the individual can travel, but doesn’t take into account their instruments, or if a band – their equipment, their roadie, their transportation – there’s a hell of a lot of work to be done. A sledgehammer to Boris and Priti might just knock some sense into them. They are not understanding the problem and to be honest, I don’t think they give a damn about the Entertainment and Leisure industry. - Pete Lay

09/08/21 - When Hurricane Katrina flooded 80,000 homes in New Orleans, German musicians, led by Traditional Jazz Trumpeter, Klaus Lumma, raised $50,000 to help New Orleans musicians affected by the storm. This month, these same German musicians were flooded by overflowing rivers and torrential rains in Eschweiler, Germany. The Talbahnhof, Eschweiler's premier Jazz Club, was severely damaged. Several musicians there lost everything, including their instruments and homes. Check out this page for more information and to see how you can help

09/08/21 - Bands are starting to report the return of gigs, the latest being the Chicago Kats Boathouse Stompers at The Boathouse in Ellesmere on 2nd September. I'm updating What's On as they come in so keep your eye on it to find out where you can go and listen to some great music. There's also a monthly version which you can download here, but it's only updated weekly on Mondays.

08/08/21 - Hi Fred, Thanks again for your informative and entertaining website. As I write I'm really enjoying the 'lost tape' of Charleston Chasers. Of the 25 tracks, no less than 7 are not in my collection. I don't subscribe to Spotify (being allergic to spending money) but I thought it worth a try, even for 20 seconds!  However, it keeps running and I've reached track 23. It's been interrupted a couple of times by adverts, but only between tracks. A small price to pay! I  have to visit the toilet now and then anyway.  All the very best, - Trig Ellis (Supporter of Jazz and failed jazz musician)

08/08/21 - Malcolm Hogarth has a Rhodes Suitcase 88 for sale. Details are on the Sales Page

08/08/21 - We are delighted to report that the Dovejazz Bugle is blowing again at last after a period of some 18 months ! There were odd occasions during these dark days when as far as live jazz was concerned even the most optimistic of us did wonder if we would ever see a glimpse of a light towards the end of the long and dark tunnel of Covid19 . We do now appear to be moving in the right direction at last and hopefully there will be no hiccups along the way to further dampen our spirits.    We trust that you will enjoy this edition and we look forward to publishing another one before our September opening on the 25th. Please do your utmost to generously assist live jazz whenever you can - it does not need me to tell you that our musicians require and deserve all the support that they can get after an extremely barren period monetarily!    If you live within travelling distance we are greatly looking forward to welcoming you at one of our Autumn productions where we can come together to appreciate what we have been missing for far too long a time. - Roger Marshall

08/08/21 - Ian McCann tells me, "Jazz is returning to the Devonshire Arms on the first Tuesday of the month. Dave Burke, Phil Lucas and Rae Owens will be joining me on 7th September". What's On updated

08/08/21 - Re: The Quarrymen, Interesting.  In 1962, when I was 'livin' da'n Souff', a Liverpool lass said she had tickets for an amazing band and she was treating me.  It was the Beatles at a theatre in Romford Essex.  We were on the front row in the circle, but the screaming from a standing crowd of girls below made hearing them difficult. Ahh ! the Swinging Sixties I was there !   Norman Gibson
 

07/08/21 - Jazz at the Cross keys – restarting Thursday 2 Sept 2021. Traditional Jazz every Thursday afternoon, 1.00pm – 3.30pm, at the Cross Keys, 32 Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1LQ, Tel 01904 701525. Free admission. On 2 Sept we start our new season of jazz at the Cross Keys with Jim Wright’s Rhythm Deluxe. And to follow: 9 Sept. Yorkshire Stompers, 16 Sept. Ron Burnett and his Mardi Gras Jazz Band, 23 Sept. Paul Smith’s Trad Jazz Collective - Alan N Bramley

07/08/21 - I have used the BBC comments link provided by Norman Gibson to yet again complain about the needless use of swearing that (for us) makes otherwise good drama unwatchable. - Jon Critchley

07/08/21 - 64 years ago today (August 7th), John Lennon’s teenage motley crew, the skiffle act The Quarrymen, first performed at the now-iconic Liverpool Cavern club, You can read "Remembering The Quarrymen's first show at The Cavern Club" on line here

07/08/21 - Time for a new album, this is one I came across by accident, hope you like it, The Charleston Chasers - Fred

06/08/21 - Norman Gibson writes, "BBC have a page at https://www.bbc.co.uk/contact/comments for viewers to send in their comments about programmes. Perhaps this jazz tonight on BBC4 could be an opportunity to coax the BBC to put out some more of these jazz specials.

06/08/21 - John Gordon tells me that the Tame Valley Stompers' Wednesday night venue re-started on August 4th. at 9pm at Beaconsfield Conservative Club, Stamford Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6QL The next date is Wednesday  18th Aug and thereafter the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. He's also told me of a gig he's got featuring Alex Clarke on Sunday 6th September, see What's On for details
 

05/08/21 - Another in the Lost Tape series No. 23 sent to me by John Westwood. This one was recorded in 1990 by The Apex Jazz Band and called Carolina Moon

05/08/21 - Tomorrow night ( Fri ) three hours of Jazz on BBC 4 ( FV 9 ).  10pm Jazz Legends in their own words, 11pm Louis Armstrong in Concert and 11.55pm Jazz Horns Gold.  - Norman Gibson
 

04/08/21 - Trevor Barnes writes, "I’m having a clear out of jazz CDs. As you will see from the pictures it is an eclectic collection from the twenties to the sixties. There are about 450 CDs in all. I’ve committed my favourites to my iPod. I don’t want any money for them. I want them all taken together. No cherry picking. Whoever gets them will need to collect them from Sheffield. ALL GONE NOW

04/08/21 - Musicians thinking of touring or playing in Europe, might be interested in this item on Radio 4 sent to me by Howard Murray. It starts about 01:17.

04/08/21 - I was unable to update the recommended album on Spotify last week, as we were down in London visiting our daughter. So enjoy the Merseysippi Jazz Band for another week.
 

03/08/21 - Too late - it's gone - Upright piano. In good order and concert tuning. No action problems. Offered free of charge. Collect from Prestwich.  RNCM student needs the wall space for an orchestral size Xylophone! - Howard Murray. 07940 837342

03/08/21 - This week's excellent "Jazz on a Saturday" programme by John Smythe (at https://www.3cr.org.au/jazz until next Saturday) marks 120 years of Satchmo's [actual] birthdate, plus the 50th anniversary of both his and Lil's death in July/August 1971. Interestingly, the first recording aired is by the band in which the intractable Simon Wallace played so well. Another example of just how our music lives on Down Under! After that If you've not listened to Walter Love's Jazz Club this week, you'll have missed hearing what is virtually a "History of New Orleans Jazz in Northern Ireland".- John Westwood.

03/08/21 - Trevor Stent has sent me  a brief report on Fest Jazz 2021. He says, "It was the weekend before last and was a success beyond our wildest dreams (given the problems beforehand). I thought organisers in the Northwest, and beyond, would be interested to know about our experience with the “vaccine passport” which is proposed for the UK later in the year I believe. For us , it worked very well: attendance was cut by 25% but those that were there could enjoy themselves like at a normal festival from 2 years ago . We and the young organisers were mightily relieved and delighted. The atmosphere was one of the best ever".

03/08/21 - A true and amusing story from Terry Birkinhead - From Russia with Love
 

02/08/21- I am afraid that I have just heard the extremely sad news from Colin Bowden's family that he passed away yesterday after a relatively short spell of ill health at the age of 89.  It certainly marks the closing of the curtains for one of Europe's finest New Orleans style drummers ever. A person who has certainly left his knowledgeable stamp upon our genus of the jazz scene and who will be remembered for many awhile by a sizeable portion of the jazz aficionados.   Never again will we be privileged to hear 'Things A Plenty' played with the inimitable Bowden vigour, panache and enthusiasm.   It was a great pleasure for me to have spent time in Colin's company listening to the wonderful tales of yester year that included those when the Colyer Band weaved its magic to enraptured massed multitudes in Great Britain and much further afield. Not to mention witnessing first hand his numerous appearances as a drummer on the Dove podium. The Clubs considerable involvement with the renovation of his 1956 drum kit gained a host of Brownie Points for the Dove Jazz Club that were put to good use by his frequent appearances at The Centre of the Universe.    May this much respected musician and valued and trusted friend RIP. - Roger Marshall

02/08/21 - I must respond to the note in the News Page by Bruce Carnaffin which I regard as rather insulting to all those musos who have, for the past 18 months, done their daily practice and kept their talent on top form. I saw the evidence of this when I enjoyed Chris Walker's Pedigree Jazz Band playing superbly at their first outside gig last Saturday - which would've been very different if they hadn't all kept their metaphorical 'lip in'.  I'm sure his Kendal Jazz Club will experience the full evidence of this and I do hope he'll then recognise the fact then!  Grumble over - enjoy the rest of the day! - John Westwood

01/08/21 - Many Happy Returns this week to Mike Lovell on Tuesday, and to Mark Challinor on Saturday

JULY

30/07/21 - At long last live music is emerging from hibernation, and jazz players are rubbing their eyes, stretching, and checking that their instruments still work. Kendal Jazz Club have planned gigs over the next 3 months, with the first being the Pete Major Trio on Wednesday 11 August - Bruce Carnaffin.

30/07/21 - Geoff Bull in Australia has also confirmed the bass player on the George Lewis recording, "In The upper Garden", and gives us a little more insight into it.  "To answer your question, the recording that you refer to is almost certainly one from a session where George recorded all hymns and I sure is the only time George ever over dubbed one of his own recordings. The session was a Trio comprising George, the Bassist is Placide Adams and it is Joe Robichaux on Piano but playing in a strictly vamp style which George apparently had asked him to play as he missed the Banjo chords that he relied on as a self taught “ear” player. This would explain why it could be mistaken for a Banjo. If you listen to all of George’s recordings done after Joe Robichaux replaced Alton and when George stopped using Banjo after Marrero had died, Joe Robichaux plays that chord vamp style in all of the ensembles on those recordings. Hope this helps".

30/07/21 - At noon Monday 9th August the Savoy Jazzmen are starting a new weekly residency. The venue is Sefton Cricket Club, Croxteth Drive, Sefton Park. L17 1AP. We will be playing between 12.00 - 14.00 hours. There is an admission charge of £5.00. As the session is at midday you are very welcome to bring your own lunch however tea coffee etc must be purchased at the bar. There will be a raffle. There is a good car park. - Peter Swensson (Savoy Jazzmen)

30/07/21 - The programme for the Fleetwood Hesketh jazz Club in Southport has been updated.
 

29/07/21 - Fred .. I see no mention on your news page that the wonderful Kenny Ball / Chris Barber bassist Vic Pitt passed away on Tuesday last. I am posting this
just in case you had not heard this sad news.-- Des Hopkins. Took me a while to confirm this, but it is on the Chris Barber site where it says, "Vic passed away on Tuesday July 27, 2021 - RIP Vic".

29/07/21 - The latest edition of Just Jazz Magazine has arrived. There's good news for overseas subscribers. In an attempt at eliminating high bank charges incurred when renewing their subscriptions to Just Jazz, there's an easier and more cost effective way of paying. Just Jazz has set up a PayPal account, and although it is mainly for non-UK readers, customers in the UK can, if they wish to, use PayPal to pay their subs as well. Pay to: justjazzmagazine@btinternet.com.

28/07/21 -  Daniel Gottlieb writes, "I came across your website while searching for a band my Grandpa was in. The band was Smoky City Stompers and I'm after a physical copy of the recording where he played guitar. As far as I can tell they only released one vinyl under the label Addison according to Discogs. I'm wondering whether you have a physical copy of the vinyl or know someone who does who would be willing to sell it?".

28/07/21 - Gerry Owen's tribute page has been updated.

28/07/21 - Didn't take long for the answer to the bass player to come along, both confirming the bass player to be Placide Adams. "The Bass player on 'The Upper Garden' track is Placide Adams, but I only know that because it says so on the Album sleeve.  Unfortunately it doesn't credit the Banjo player". -  Norman Gibson. "It is from the CD – George Lewis Plays Hymns – Milneburg Records MCD1 – recorded New Orleans 1964.  George Lewis (clarinet), Joe Robichaux (piano), Placide Adams (bass) ... as you see NO banjo ... just block chords from the pianist. There are 15 hymns/spirituals and an interview with George on the CD. It is worth looking out for on eBay or Amazon". - Pete Lay.

27/07/21 - Quite a few of you bought copies of the "George Lewis in Japan 1963" DVD 11 years ago through me which was made available through a great deal of effort by Australian trumpet player Geoff Bull, in conjunction with the New Orleans Rascals. I met up with Geoff & The Rascals when they appeared at the Whitley Bay Jazz Festival in July 2010.  John Muskett's question has prompted me to email Geoff & Linda to see how they are, but before doing so, I came across this video about him and his latest venture uploaded in June this year at https://youtu.be/DbuD4KqEs4I. It's a short video but well worth the watch to see how young and not so young are getting together.

27/07/21 - While roaming around YouTube I came across a recording (sound only) of George Lewis playing “In The Upper Garden”. I thought that the bass playing was superb – resonant plucked notes (no slapping) accurately delivered, chords clearly described, mix of 2 beat and 4 beat playing until the final (4 beat) chorus, sympathetic lines, neither too simple nor over-complicated. The banjo playing (plectrum rather than a tenor model?) is discreet, and a second clarinet (George multitracking?) joins in half way through.    I’m sure that there must be George Lewis enthusiasts who can identify the bassist. He (she?) and the banjoist don’t sound like Pavageau and Marrero to me. Any answers? - Harmoniously, John Muskett

27/07/21 - Sheila Collier writes, "Maybe this band was not based in Manchester, but I have been singing again in Copenhagen and Bornholm !  It’s great . Here is a photo
 

26/07/21 - Ed Lee tells me that Rae Owens' birthday was on 29th June, better late than never  I suppose.

26/07/21 - Re: The Barber CD set - I purchased it last week. If you have a lot of Barber in your collection, you will have a good majority of the recordings. However, an excellent tribute. Although there are two Colyer tracks on the CD, the reviewer makes no mention of Ken. Without Ken, Chris would not have had the 'springboard' he was given in 1953. The band would have started out its professional life without Pat Halcox, I wonder who Chris would have got? Others in the frame at the time, didn't want to turn professional. Things could have turned out completely differently ... funny how fate has a part to play. - Pete Lay
 

25/07/21 - Jazz is back at The Hope & Anchor pub in Ulverston on 29th July, "Hope Springs Eternal" will hopefully be playing regularly on the last Thursday in the month. See What's On for more details

25/07/21 - Many Happy Returns today to Les Harris, and tomorrow to Charlie Bentley. On Thursday it's Happy Birthday to three musicians - Barry Aldous, Rae Owen and Tom Rippeth. Two more musicians complete the week's birthdays on Friday - Jim Swinnerton & Ken Binns.

24/07/21 - The Recommended Album page has been updated, Time for Volume 2 of Vintage Merseysippi Jazz Band
 

22/07/21 - I think the Times article is referring to a new 4cd boxed set of Chris' music, and is reviewed by Denny Illett. Here's a link: - Jon Critchley

21/07/21 - Chris Barber: A Trailblazer’s Legacy review — the innovator with a taste for tradition - That's the heading of an article in the Times, published on Wednesday July 21 2021, 5.00pm. Unfortunately you have to pay to read it unless you are already a subscriber. Sadly, I'm not.

21/07/21 -  Congrats to Eagley Jazz Club. A venue I remember with affection having guested there many times with the fabulous Jim Wilkes and his energetic Stompers. Happy Days! - Derek Harrison
 

20/07/21 - Now for the bad news - The Classic Jazz Party at Whitley Bay 2021 has been cancelled and also Pershore Jazz Festival 2021 has been cancelled

20/07/21 - It's good news bad news time. First the good news - Annie’s Saints and Sinners are playing at Macclesfield Treacle Market once again between 11am and 12 noon outside the Town Hall. This is the first time since the first lockdown and Annie Cousins says, "Please forgive any mistakes if anyone comes to hear us as we have only managed one short practice in the garden".  Dave Bateman tells me that the High Society Jazz Band is back at the Bare Village Club on Sunday 15th August, 4.00-6.30pm. We are hoping that this will become a regular monthly gig again, and we are looking forward to seeing old friends and making some new ones. Admission is free, but a collection will be taken. There is ample car parking and a well-stocked and reasonably priced bar, but they do not serve food at the moment. Thirdly Allan Wilcox tells me, "Manchester Jazz  monthly session at High Lane Conservative Club begins again on Monday 2nd August". Finally Derek and Trish Galloway tell me that "The Canal Street Stompers resume their residency at the Railway in Sale on Wednesday 28th July at 8.30 and The landlord is looking forward to welcoming all you jazz fans back after such a long enforced break So are we !!".

20/07/21 - In this week's programme, Walter Love takes me back to the days of my youth - and beyond - again! Nothing to do with the North West but a stunning reminder of how it all once was on the London scene. Do give it a listen. - John Westwood

20/07/21 - Many Happy Returns today to John Percival leader of the Dixie Beats.

20/07/21 - I asked Ann Lord how it went last night at Eagley, and she told me - "John Hallam and Tom Kincaid and the lads put on a really great performance of a mixture of various genres of Jazz and were greatly appreciated by the audience. I videoed the finale which I'll put on our Facebook site for all to see. It was really great to be back to almost the ''old'' normal, apart from a few face masks. In terms of numbers, we were up to 88 registrations yesterday but had several cancellations at the last minute due to self-isolations, illness, heat and general nervousness about going into confined public places. Nevertheless, we still had around 74 people attend, which isn't bad! Most of them were members and the rest were John Hallam fans, a few of whom were interested in joining our club. It's very gratifying knowing that so many people had a good time, listening to great music and catching up with old and new friends in the club! Long may we continue to provide this service to our members!".
 

19/07/21 - To celebrate the Sefton Park Palm House’s 125th Anniversary, the Savoy Jazzmen are appearing there between 1 - 3 p.m on Tuesday 27th July
 

18/07/21 - Photo taken last Sunday at All Saints’ Parish Church Childwall. Never had so many 2nd liners before. A wonderful turnout. - Peter Swensson. Savoy Jazzmen.
 

17/07/21- Many Happy returns this week to Chris Pendlebury on Monday, Bob Pickersgill and Mike Carnie on Tuesday, Isabel Toner on Friday (23rd, not 13th as previously shown), and Brian Singleton on Saturday

17/07/21 - Quintessential Jazz, a new four piece busking band, are out on the road again, this time they will be playing outside Scoota Mart on Victoria Road in Cleveleys. The band first played on Booths Car Park in Garstang on 7th July.

17/07/21 - I've just been going through my list of 21 jazz clubs. Fifteen of them have yet to show any sign of advertising future gigs, which is somewhat depressing.

17/02/21 - Scottish Jazz Archive Board Member Graham Blamire has put a considerable amount of ink to paper in producing an excellent outline of traditional jazz and mainstream in and around Edinburgh. If you thought this site was a great collection of traditional jazz material, you ain't seen nothing yet!  Click HERE to read

17/07/21 - Saturday is new album day from now on. John Westwood suggested we should feature a NW Band, and recommended the album - " Vintage Merseysippi Jazz Band Vol.2.",  as he had just been listening to it. Nothing wrong with Volume 1, so Vol.2 can wait until next week. Click here to enjoy
 

16/07/21 - I've just received notification of the 37th Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival 2021. It's from Friday 16th July, every day until Sunday 1st August when this region will once again become the centre of jazz and blues interest with 136 performances, 129 of them free admission, featuring 203 musicians in 52 bands appearing in 63 venues throughout Birmingham, Sandwell, Sutton Coldfield and Solihull as well as shows in Dudley and Redditch. It features Dixieland, Bebop, Modern Jazz, Swing, Rhythm & Blues – and there’s more - Jitterbug and Charleston dance lessons, Ukulele and Harmonica Workshops, and you can join the Festival Sketch Crawl or  get involved in the photography – and that’s all free as well. Looks like there's something for everyone, so check out the programme here

16/07/21 - A few days ago I was sent a very interesting article, written by the late Geoff Walker in Feb 1991, and printed in Jazz World. It was called, "In Defence of the Banjo", and I've taken the liberty of reproducing it on the site. Musicians in particular should find it very interesting.

14/07/21 - Eagley Jazz Club, 19th July, 8pm: John Hallam and the Tom Kincaid Trio, Ann Lord says, "If you'd like to go, please would you register your name, contact phone and email by emailing eagleyjazzclub@gmail.com or by phoning Ann on 07938171684. At the moment, Eagley Jazz Club have decided to ask for registrations for just the 19th July as it is something of an unknown quantity, also it's John Hallam who has a massive following". The application form has also been updated for those who would like to become members, so why not  save yourself £2 for this event and join now.
 

13/07/21 - I am hosting a real and in person live concert at a brand new and beautiful venue in Stoke on Trent, Etruria Methodist chapel. It shall be featuring Jamie Brownfield, Andrzej Baranek, Ed Harrison and yours truly. The date is Saturday the 31st July. It would be great to have the support of some of wonderful jazz fans in the northwest, if we get enough support it could continue as a regular venue promoting guests from around the country! For more details and tickets head to my website - .Jack Cotterill

13/07/21 - My granddaughter Ellie and I, are the last of very few who had accommodation booked at Fest Jazz, to have to cancel. Ellie, having secured a new job, cannot get time off. Trevor tells me that the lack of 200 from UK (who usually attend booking weekend passes), means this loss will put a large dent in the festival's finances. But the festival is definitely going ahead - I'm really miffed missing it. - Norman Gibson

12/07/21 - Anybody out there got an Amazon Echo?  Did you know Alexa sings the blues?  Have a listen

12/07/21 - Normally on Monday I update the Recommended Albums page (there is just one in the pipeline), but I forgot to send out News Updates via email on Wednesday, and that meant it was only yesterday that some people were notified of the latest album. In future I will update the album page on Saturdays, so enjoy ,"Kid Ory meets Red Allen 1959" a little longer.
 

11/07/21 - Now You Has Jazz, Jazz, Jazz - Special Louis Armstrong 50th Anniversary Show - Monday 12th July @7pm. Tune in on Monday (12th July) night at 7pm (UK BST, 18:00 utc/gmt) repeated at 1-2pm UK BST Wednesdays and 1am (00:00 utc/gmt) Thursday. Don’t miss the hottest sounds of classic jazz on sound of Spitfire. Tune in on Monday at 7 here : Keep Swinging, - John Petters

11/07/21 - Many Happy Returns today to Ian Royle. I recently uploaded some videos of Ian taken over the years and well worth a watch. Also Many Happy Returns to Cyril Wroe, who has retired from playing, but ran the Festival Jazzmen for several years.

09/07/21 - My condolences on the sad loss of Gerry Owen, and love and best wishes to you two , Derek and Trish. Hope we can meet again one day. Love - Sheila Collier

09/07/21 - Wednesday 7th July, in case you missed it, was the European Cup semi final day, with England winning 2-1 against Denmark. Not a night to hold a jazz club event you might think, especially as Covid restrictions don't end until the 19th. Well Joan Lester, who runs the Fleetwood Hesketh jazz club in Southport, deserves a medal for pressing on with it, as do the ten people who came to listen. I'm surprised there were so many!  I wonder if Rae Owens realised the significance of that date when he accepted the booking and recruited 3 fellow musicians to join him?  He did tell me though that when England beat Germany in the 1966 world cup, he was playing in Germany!

09/07/21 - Jonny Spall recommended I contact you about a new fortnightly residency for my traditional jazz band, starting Tuesday 13th July at 8pm at the Penrhyn Arms, Pendre Road, Penrhynside, Llandudno, LL30 3BY. Free entry, but we ask for donations in the pot in the interval please, preferably paper money!  The band is Liam Byrne, reeds, Andy MacKenzie, banjo/guitar, Neil Yates, trumpet, Andrew MacKenzie, trombone. i have attached a digital poster.  Great pages, by the way, keep up the good work!  - Neil Yates
 

08/07/21 - Graham Martindale's personal tribute to Gerry Owen begins with the well-remembered voice of Geoff Coates, banjo-player with the New Orleans Express before retiring from his deputy headship and moving to Spain. Graham also shows his photo, briefly, before switching back to Gerry for the beginning of Hushabye. His quick, deadpan humour is evident in his introduction of Gerry ('He was a fractious child. He broke both his legs') as 'Geraldo Owen' with his 'Cuban rhythm section' and of Hushabye itself as 'a lullaby sung to Gerry by his mother round about 1904'. Touring with him was a laugh a minute. //  Sadly, Geoff died in Spain nearly ten years ago, but not before publishing Going Home: The Story of the New Orleans Express in 2010. I'm sure both these events were reported in these pages when they happened, but Graham's tribute to Gerry has also stirred memories of Geoff that I felt moved to share.  //  Yesterday I found a nice YouTube clip of him playing Bourbon Street Parade with his 'Dixie Swing Band' in Nerja, Spain in October 2011 when, as we now know, he had only a few weeks to live. For anyone interested, click here
 

08/07/21 - Our first jazz session (what is one of those?!) will be on July 25th at The Royal, Delaware Avenue, Albrighton, Shropshire. WV7 3BW. The Club opens for customers at 12.00. Session from 1.00-3.00 and Admission is £7.00. Marie’s world famous rolls will no longer be available but rolls are sold from the bar as are tea and coffee along with the usual pub drinks. You can get more information, bands etc., by going to http://www.jazzclub90.co.uk/  - John and Marie Howell

08/07/21 - The funeral of GERRY OWEN will take place on Tuesday 27th July at Christ Church Thorley Lane Timperley Cheshire WA15 7AN. The service starts at 10 am and Gerry will be buried in the Church graveyard. - Derek and Trish Galloway
 

06/07/21 -  I was coming home just now and heard this great programme on the Car Radio, "King Louis the First of Britain" it is about Louis Armstrong’s many visits to Britain between 1932 and 1968. He died 50 years ago today ! He won over many admirers in the UK. Well worth listening to - Mike Feltham

06/07/21 - Very pleased to announce the return of jazz to the Royal British Legion, Pensby Road , Heswall on the 1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesdays, starting Tuesday 20th July. The Peninsula Jazzmen are looking forward to playing for old friends and new faces, in fact for anyone who wants a relaxed evening of jazz. Music starts at 8 o'clock and we finish at 10.30. See you there!! - Dave Dixson
 

05/07/221 - More tributes have been added to Gerry Owen's page

05/07/21 - This week's shared album - Jon Critchley says, "Kid Ory meets Red Allen 1959" : my introduction to Red Allen years ago. Superb. Do you have an album you'd like others to hear?  Let me know
 

04/07/21 - Many Happy Returns to three trombonists. Today to Eddie Taylor, and on Tuesday to Lindsay Taylor and Tony Dunleavy.
 

02/07/21 - Busking has returned tomorrow, with the Quintessential Swing Quartet playing on Booths Car Park in Garstang

01/07/21 - John Westwood sent me a message - need cheering up? If so, try https://youtu.be/PNtcvgudg2Q, Well it certainly cheered me up, thanks John

JUNE 2021
 

30/06/21 - The latest Just Jazz magazine has arrived, and with it, my name on the front page. Wow!  It's a tribute to all at Just Jazz that they have managed to keep the magazine going through the pandemic.

30/06/21 - Graham Martindale has posted his own personal tribute to Gerry Owen on YouTube.

30/06/21 - Leeds Jazz Club have postponed their reopening until Tuesday 20th July due to the current situation with the Covid restrictions. The first night will be Frank Brookers Happy Chappies. - Mark Croasdale
 

29/06/21 - Tribute Messages have continued to come in throughout the day for Gerry Owen. Please feel free to send me any memories you have of Gerry and I'll add them to the page.
 

28/06/21 - We are sad to announce the death of our dear friend Gerry Owen. Gerry died peacefully in hospital on Sunday 27th June, he had been ill for some time. Gerry played sax and clarinet with many bands including River City Jazz band, New Orleans Express, Tuxedo and Canal Street Stompers.  Funeral arrangements will be announced later. We send our condolences to Kay and the family.- Derek and Trish Galloway.  There is a tribute page set up for Gerry which you can view here

28/06/21 - Need a smile, check out this cartoon sent to me by Ian Royle (link corrected)

28/06/21 - "The music of Jelly Roll Morton" is the suggestion of Keith Garner for this week's recommended album which you can listen to here
 

27/06/21 - "It is with great sadness that the Committee of Eagley Jazz club has made the difficult decision to cancel our event with the Tame Valley Stompers on 5th July. Our main concerns are the safety and enjoyment of our members, guests, musicians and staff of Dunscar Conservative Club. The continuing restrictions and high levels of Covid19 in the area have influenced this difficult decision. All being well, we will go ahead on 19th July with John Hallam and the Tom Kincaid Trio. Members will soon receive a mail shot from us with full details of our programme and our club's development. For further information about our club and its activities, please email us at eagleyjazzclub@gmail.com" - Ann Lord

27/06/21 - Many Happy Returns this week to Tony Smith & Grant Hogan-Taylor. They both share birthdays on Wednesday.

26/06/21 - Just received my copy of Jazz Guide, noticeable by the lack of venues and as a result, a thinner than usual copy, but cheers for Terry Cheney for keeping it going, it must have been difficult.

24/06/21 - Unfortunately the Favourite Album page was not updated this week, so I'll leave you with Humph for another week.

24/06/21 - Jazz Guide Magazine is back!  The relaunch magazine July/August 2021 has hit the mailing house, so should be with all advertisers/subscribers by the end of the week.
 

22/06/21 - As restrictions remain in place, The Canal Street Stompers have postponed restarting jazz for a month. We will welcome you all back to the Railway in Sale on Wednesday 28th July. - Derek & Trish Galloway
 

21/06/21 - The Lockdown Pictures had come to an end, even though the lockdown hasn't, so here's some souvenir photos sent in by Keith Wadeson.

21/06/21 - The gig at the Boathouse in Ellesmere for 8th July has been cancelled due to you know what. It has now been re scheduled for 5th August. - Mike Carnie.

21/06/21 - The Savoy Jazzmen are leading the worship at All Saints' Parish Church, Childwall Abbey Road, Childwall, Liverpool. L16 5EY. at 3.45 p.m. on Sunday 11th July. The service starts with a Mardi Gras Parade from the church hall car park to the church. Everyone welcome. Bring your brolly/parasol and join in the parade numbers. There will be a special parade for the children.

21/06/21 - Joan Lester has rung and confirmed that despite freedom day not arriving today, it's still all systems go for the Fleetwood Hesketh on the 7th July when the Rae Owen Quartet are set to play.
 

20/06/21 - The nephew of Bangor-born Harry Parry, the famous clarinettist and jazz band leader, is asking the people of Bangor for their memories of Harry or his siblings.Mike Taylor is writing a very personal biography of his uncle and has asked the people of Bangor to help with any memories they might have or stories of Harry & the Parry family who lived at No. 60 Caellepa which have been passed down by grandparents or parents. More on the story here. You can also see a video of the band

20/06/21 - Many Happy Returns today to Tom Kincaid. Tomorrow, Roa Island Jazz Promoter Malcolm Cookson will celebrate his, along with clarinet player Wally Fawkes who by my reckoning will have reached the grand old age of 94. Tuesday sees another clarinet player,  Barrie Marshall,  having a birthday celebration, and on Friday it will be the turn of pianist Pete Major.  Finally, on Saturday, bass player Pete Fielding will have his birthday. Many Happy Returns to you all and I hope you have a great week.
 

19/06/21 - Ann Lord writes, "Just to let you know that despite the current restrictions, Eagley Jazz Club will continue with the first 2 events on 5th and 19th July. Our venue has allowed us to have 60 people in the audience with similar rules to restaurants. We will contact all members by email and post this coming week to inform them that we will be taking registrations for both events. All being well, the 19th will go ahead as normal, with John Hallam and the Tom Kincaid Trio, and we should know by 12th July. Anyone wishing to be added to our mailing list and requiring further information, please email eagleyjazzclub@gmail.com ".

19/06/21 -  An article on Louis Armstrong (50 years on, and still on song) has appeared in Jazzwise Magazine
 

17/06/21 - Jazz at The Fleetwood Hesketh in Southport in the future will start at 8pm instead of 8-30pm
 

16/06/21 - David Leithead writes, "Banjo & Guitar sale - David Straker, a mate I've known for 73 years, is having a clear-out of some of his instruments so I've offered to notify all my contacts who may be interested in acquiring any of them. The collection is being taken to Auction next week so give David a ring a. s. a. p. if you are interested in making a purchase. They are located at Nottingham".  Contact me for more details - Fred

16/06/21 - Sorry to say that the much awaited return of The Original Panama Jazz Band to The Irby Club will now be 4th August, delayed due to you-know-what. - Jon Critchley
 

14/06/21 - Ed Lloyd-Hughes is now down to 3 double basses having sold the one that was advertised on this site a month ago.

14/06/21 - John Howell has chosen Humphrey Lytttelton to feature on the Album of The Week
 

13/06/21 - Many Happy Returns today to Keith Hockin who made several trip to the NW when he was leading the Antique Six, and Barbara & I have called to see him on a couple of occasions at his antique shop in Stow on The Wold. Tomorrow it's Many Happy Returns to Richard Leach, and Dave Wright on Tuesday.
 

12/06/21 - I started a project some time ago when Ian Royle sent me copies of copied video tapes that had been transferred to DVD, but as you can imagine the video quality was somewhat lacking, but it was worth it for the the audio content which had suffered much less.  I selected a couple of video examples taken from videos of the different bands Ian had played with and created a playlist called Focus on Ian Royle which you can now see on YouTube, and well worth a listen.

12/06/21 - I've just added a link to Keramos Jazz Echoes. Keith Garner writes, ", I recently set up a YouTube channel called Keramos Jazz Echoes with the idea of putting up some of the audio recordings I've made down the years. Virtually all the recordings were made while I was part of the band so getting anything usable was largely a matter of luck, but my main purpose in doing the channel  is historic rather than sonic. A good example of what I mean is "Fidgety Feet" which was recorded in 1971 when the Mardi Gras Society Band used to play at The Midland Hotel in West Didsbury. It's definitely not hi-fi, but it does capture something of the enthusiasm that was always a feature.".

12/06/21 - The mystery of the singing bird is solved says Jon Critchley. "Well, I’ve been chatting to Maurice Baker; he has numerous Youtube entries and is an expert:  He has analysed it and done a spectrograph of it to determine that the bird is......................  A Great Tit.  Geoff, your suspicions are confirmed.  The Great Tit has over 70 songs in its vocabulary.  This particular one doesn’t feature on his YouTube pages.

11/06/21 - Ian Royle writes, "John Brown assures me that the bass player was Ken Ingarfield who played with Sid Lawrence's orchestra. I should have remembered that because I did regular 'deps' for Sid. I have a terrific video taken at 'Battle of Flowers' week in 1984 (Orwell eat your heart out-we had FUN) and I played with Andy Smith's 'band within a band' (Ken was a member), otherwise known as the 'Hundred Proof Jazz Band' within Sid's unit and down at the James Brindley pub in Birmingham".

11/06/21 - "Those contemplating going down to Fest Jazz Brittany may find this Guardian article helpful", writes Norman Gibson. Mind you here in Lancashire we are currently advised not to leave the County, and the way the Covid rate is currently rising, no other country will want any of us anyway! 

11/06/21 - The unknown bass player with John Brown's Bodies on Music While You Work is not Dickie Hawdon, sadly I never worked with him (though I met him at the College). I'll e-mail John Brown !! - Ian Royle
 

09/06/21 - Many Happy Returns today to Brian Turnock, bass player who spent time in the NW but now resides in Belgium and plays with the New Orleans Z'hulus

09/06/21 - Hi Fred, I think that the “unknown” bass player on Ian’s broadcast would have been Dickie Hawdon.  I did a one-off broadcast with the band in late 1979, and Dickie was the bass player then, having moved up to Leeds after playing trumpet with John Dankworth’s Big Band. Like Ian himself and Dave Browning, Dickie was one of the few great jazzers who were also great lead trumpeters. - Frank Slater
 

08/06/21 - Jazz at The Lakes with John Hallam & Friends has been added to the Jazz Weekends and Festivals page
 

07/06/21 - I've spared you all Jon Critchley's version of his mystery bird played on his descant recorder, because he's just tweeted me the real thing. Now someone out there should be able to put his mind at rest, my money's on a traditional blackbird. No modern ones allowed on this site. Shelley Perry writes, "Having now heard the real thing, I’m convinced it’s a blackbird!".

07/06/21 - In reply to Paul Medina yesterday, Personnel were John Brown (leader clarinet. alto sax,) Colin Hulme (clt/alto) Mick Burney (tenor,hughes

 clarinet), Bob Wilson (tbn), Ian Royle,(tpt), Bryan Layton (pno), Jim Birkett (gtr), ? (bass) and John Gibson (drums).

07/06/21 -  The Parade Jazzband is returning to the Black Horse Lower Heswall starting tomorrow night Tuesday, the 8th of June.

07/06/21 - A new week and a new favourite album, once again, through lack of suggestions, you'll have to put up with mine. It's an LP I bought and which to me at the time after endless plays of Bobby Shaftoe, Merrydown Rag and Ice Cream, was refreshingly new and different, Chris Barber like I'd never heard the band before -  Elite Syncopations.
 

06/06/21 - I thoroughly enjoyed Ian Royle's links to John Brown's Bodies on Music While You Work. I would be interested to know if Ian can recall any of the personnel on the recording. - Paul Medina 

06/06/21 - Bert Allen has now been added to the tribute page

06/06/21 - Many Happy Returns on Monday to someone who I have been communicating with for years first in Spain, now back in the UK, and who has sent me endless CDs over the years  - John Westwood. On Friday, Happy Birthday to an ex Mancunian musician, now in his home country, Ireland - Des Hopkins. Truly an international flavour this week.

04/06/21 - It would appear we have no twitchers in our readership as nobody came up with the solution to Jon Critchley's query "I keep hearing this bird, but never see it. Can anyone tell me which one sings this, over and over? Well it struck me that if we had, they may not be readers of music, so here's Jon's version of it for those who aren't sight readers. Can't say I've ever heard a bird sounding like this though.

04/06/21 - I was interested in your view with regards the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group Jazz Survey. You are correct in saying; “if we ignore it, we don't exist, so do your bit and have a go at it”.  I did the survey three times (I’ll shall never recover that 45 minutes in my life again) as a Promoter – Musician – Audience. As you say there are glaring omissions, which makes it very difficult for Traditional/Mainstream/Dixieland partakers to complete the survey with honesty. Just Jazz is mentioned – only once – but only if you do the survey as a musician. Jazz Guide is not mentioned at all, neither your own excellent website Jazz NorthWest. As a musician or promoter there is no mention of African/American or American White or Australian White or Black or various ethnicity ... WHY??  I can’t see how this survey is going to be a saviour for our music or return us to normality after we rid ourselves of Covid. To me this survey is to collect data about ‘political correctness’ about diversity and equality – it has really nothing to do with getting back to business and performing properly again or being able to promote events to capacity audiences. It is data collection!! - Pete Lay

04/06/21 - "Happy to inform you that we now have a complete programme for the year! The missing date of 1st Nov has been filled by the very excellent Harlem Hot Stompers!  - Ann Lord for Eagley Jazz Club

03/06/21 - It is a sad task for me to report the death of my very close friend and jazz vocalist, Bertram (Bert) Allen, yesterday morning..2 JUNE 2021 after an illness of a few months. In his last weeks, Bert was in the tender care of his friend Christine who assures me that he slipped away peacefully in the company of his two sons and his friend, the vicar of his church. In view of current restrictions, the funeral, not yet dated, is likely to be a small, family event but the two sons have asked me to invite a few musicians who frequently gigged with BERT. Should restrictions suddenly change, normal customs will apply. Bert sang with all the names in Manchester, notably the Saints, Smoky City, Harlem Hot Stompers, Pete Haslam's Collegians. Between us he and I ran The Taverners and the Howard Allen Band..or was it the Allen Howard band, based in Blackley. Bert also 'depped' when bands needed a vocalist. Missed and remembered on Manchester's Jazz circuit. - Howard Murray

03/06/21 - Dave Lethead's cartoon (30/05/21), is no joke it is true. I can think of two clubs where we have had two change seats where they have all been showing their holiday snaps and generally talking over the musicians.

03/06/21 - This has just appeared on a local community web site here in Preston, but don't get excited, I doubt it will live up to our expectations, but with no program listing to go off, who knows? - "Preston's Jazzin' the Park is being held online this year, rather than its native home Winckley Square. We have global line up of artist this year who've provided exclusive videos of their performances which have been lovingly stitched together by the Jazzin' the Park Productions Dj crew, with vinyl only sets. Tune in at our website www.jazzinthepark.uk".

03/06/21 - I was a little taken aback this morning when I read this headline in the Scottish Herald - "Festival preview: Pop, Jazz & Trad".  Fear not, Trad Jazz has not been sidelined, it's the abbreviated name for "In The Tradition", a series of Edinburgh International Festival concerts, co-promoted with Celtic Connections and Edinburgh’s Soundhouse organisation.
 

02/06/21 - John Westwood says, "If you've not listened to Walter Love's Jazz Club from Northern Ireland this week, you'll have missed hearing lots of old friends (including Chris) in action. You can hear it by clicking here

02/06/21 - Re previous item, Jon says, "How stupid. Select from the following:  A: Not worth the time and effort, B: Nobody could glean anything worthwhile from it, and C: All of the above.
 

01/06/21 - Jon Critchley has alerted me to the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group Jazz Survey. Haven't we had one of those somewhere before? There's a separate questionnaire for promoters, musicians, audience, festivals and Organisations. It's difficult to imagine how anyone could conduct a survey that covers every area of jazz, so you'll soon begin to see that some questions just don't apply to our style of jazz and our clubs. Having said that, if we ignore it, we don't exist, so do your bit and have a go at it. I did and soon discovered I could say in answer to question 1) that I listened to jazz daily, and in the next question, I could answer that I listened "Occasionally - I do not listen every day".  Q16 gives a list of magazines, blogs etc., and asks which ones I read.  I couldn't see any (what happened to Just Jazz?), so answered 'None of these', only to be told I must choose 3, so I chose "Sandy Brown Jazz", "Other", and "None of these"!  Andrew Liddle would have a hard job analysing this one!

MAY 2021
 

31/05/21 - Howard Murray says, "Did I ever send you this? Well yes you did Howard, in September last year, but it's worth another look. A live streaming webcam in colour on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, and it's starting to wake up again.

31/05/21 - Time for a new 'favourite album', and this week John Westwood recommends "Here is Chris Barber.", John says, "I know you're seriously thinking of ditching it, and I know it's a month since a serious birthday went by almost in silence but this one album that contains a dozen classics: One of the tracks has had almost a million Spotify plays, but I wonder just how many readers have heard the others?".

30/05/21 - Leeds Jazz Club will be starting up again on Tuesday 6th July, 8pm and then every Tuesday after that. Due to the closure of the Armley Conservative Club it will now be held at The Main Line Club, Pudsey Road, Leeds, LS13 4LS. The club has a large concert room with a stage and plenty of car parking.  Band details will follow shortly. - Mark Croasdale

30/05/21 - Many Happy returns on Tuesday to jazz promoter Graham Brook, and on Friday to musician Jeff Milner

30/05/21 - The June issue of Just Jazz Magazine is now out and about. My thanks to the editor, Pete Lay, for giving a plug and link to the post covid jazz survey I carried out with the help of Andrew Liddle. In the same issue there's a letter from Tony Sheldon (Jazz on a Sunday) wondering what the future holds for musicians and fans alike and asks some very pertinent questions. Well worth a read

30/05/21 - Dave Lethead sent me this cartoon, which quite amused me.

30/05/21 - Ian Royle writes, "Hello Fred, Thought you'd enjoy this. The Beeb had a 'nostalgia week' which among other things had five days of 'Music While You Work' featuring, among others, Edmund O'Ross (the Irish Latin American specialist), Ray Ellington and errr, us !! This is John Browns Bodies a bit antiseptic but it was a Beeb session".

30/05/21 - More details of the jazz weekend at North West Castle in Stranraer have come in, including details of bands and pricee

30/05/21 - On 13/05, Susan Enefer asked for help locating a newspaper article which her father wrote. She now writes, "I’ve found several articles about Louis’ 1956 UK visit in the Louis Armstrong House Museum’s digital collection (thanks to Steve Andrews for his suggestion). I was able to view them online and the one I’m looking for was published under my father’s Dave Duke byline in the ‘Manchester Evening Chronicle’ not the ‘Empire News’, as I thought. I’ve submitted a request for an official copy, as there are copyright issues, and am waiting for their reply. Again, many thanks to you and your readers for helping me in my search".
 

29/05/21 - Like the Phoenix rising from the Covid ashes,  the Worth Valley Hot Stompers has been reborn as the Worth Valley Hot 7  led once again by Mark Croasdale and is now listed on the Band Spotlight page. The new band starts with a Jazz Evening in the grounds of Kiplin Hall on Friday July 9th
 

28/05/21 - "Recently, I came across a magazine produced in Crail, Scotland, in 1957, when I was doing National Service and It brought to mind my time there when, among other things, I remembered playing jazz with Gordon Stafford in the camp hall, where we were both serving; he was a far better musician than I could ever be". So starts an interesting reminiscence  by Peter Cottee which I've added to the end of Gordon Stafford's tribute page

26/05/21 - Hello Fred. Anything Goes swing trio...... In March we lost our brilliant guitarist and friend David Allsop to cancer. We have now re-grouped with David Bateman on guitar and banjo and Gerry Clayton on Bass. We have had a couple of little outside gigs so far this year as part of our practice. This weekend we are playing outside at Rubys cafe. On the prom in Morecambe, (next block to the Clarendon hote)l. Starting at 12 noon. Anyone wishing to come please bring picnic chairs as seating is a bit limited. There are teas and snacks but no booze.

26/05/21 - Two jazz clubs have been in contact to say they are back in business - Eagley Jazz Club with gigs for the rest of the year, where Ann Lord tells me, "I've been hanging back to see what happens with the Covid variant in Bolton but these variants could go on for ever - at some point, we just have to get on with life!  Fingers crossed we don't have to cancel anything". And The Fleetwood Hesketh in Southport where Joan is taking a tentative step to see what the reaction is, although the fans are telling her they are looking forward to returning.

24/05/32 - I never met Mick Potts but played with one or two guys from Preston and the North who had done. This anecdote is probably the only one I dare ask Fred to print, and came from a Blackburn and Darwin Piano and Clrt. player. Potts had been booked at "stately " type home near Preston, for a very formal dinner dance..tails & black tie an' all that, eh?  The 4tet arrived in very good time and as the guests went in to dine, Pottsy, as my friend called him, realised that there was fine collection of paintings, scattered around the reception area and on walls up a very impressive, noble stairway.Apparently, Mick had an appreciation of such art and waiting to be called in to play, he was half way up this staircase studying at the paintings. Suddenly, the front doors burst open and an everso, terribly terribly, young couple burst in , he in formal garb and a white scarf and she wearing a skirt which wouldn't reach her knees without a rope ladder and almost wearing a blouse which would be low topped if it indeed had a top. She saw Mick in dinner jacket and mistaking him for a waiter, said in an awfully, cut glass accent."I say! I say !"  (Who likes being addressed as "I say!"?), "We're dreadfully late! Where are the guests?"  Pottsy is recorded as saying, with maximum, Maitre De pomposity.  "Modom. The guests have gone IN to dine. Should I announce that the Strippagram has arrived?"

24/05/21 - The Wednesday Quiz might have ended, but Jon Critchley has come up with an unusual quiz for musicians and bird lovers. He says, "I keep hearing this bird, but never see it. Can anyone tell me which one sings this, over and over? Remember to play it with feeling, up a tree. It's almost the middle 8 of "Over the Rainbow", as whistled by Richard Briars in "The Good Life"! ".
 

23/05/21 - Re Gateway Jazz Band, Thanks for putting this on, Great band: Great vocals also. Mick Potts was A1. - Jon Critchley

23/05/21 - Many Happy Returns this week to Malcolm Hogarth on Wednesday, and Bruce Carnaffin and Dave Dixson on Thursday.
 

21/05/21 - Some time ago, I raised the memories of V.O.A Jazz hour and the presenter Willis Conover. (What a distinctive voice!). It has just passed the 100th anniversary of his birth. Recently I got this from a Ham friend in Florida, asking if it was of any interest to me. Not Trad but good viewing. Enjoy, - Howard Murray

21/05/21 - Great news ! Jazz at The Railway in Sale is back. The Canal Street Stompers resume their residency on Wednesday 30th June at 8.30 and then every last Wednesday in the month.  We hope to see all you Covid survivors there soon. - Derek and Trish Galloway

21/05/21 - Terry Birkinhead has a collection of 50 L.P. records (and 1 EP) of Traditional Jazz bands from 14 different countries – excluding the U.K and the U.S.A. – that are for sale, all in good condition, from the 1970’s and 1980’s. The proceeds would be donated to the North West Air Ambulance Service. Further details are on the Sales Page
 

19/05/21 - A suitable home has now been found for the cornet case from Steve Duckles.

19/05/21 - Steve Duckles (son of Alan and Gerry), writes, "I am currently engaged with the sad task of clearing my parents' home of possessions, so that the house can be sold. I have a soft case for a cornet which is filled with various accessories - several mutes and stands etc. I would love to find a good home for these items if possible - I'm giving them away free of charge if someone can collect them from me in Lancaster. Could you possibly spread the word for me please?".  If interested, please contact me and I'll pass any enquiries on, and that way I can announce when they have gone. - Fred

19/05/21 - On 06/05, Don Armstrong recalled depping for one of two brothers from Carlisle, when they played at a King's College Newcastle Arts Ball at the Oxford- alleries. He couldn't recall the name of the band and thus started a string of memories of the band - The Gateway Jazz Band, and its members, one of whom was bass player Colin Smith who played with Mart Rodger's band. Linda Smith, wrote to me and sent me a photograph, and a copy of the LP they had made.  I've added this to the list of lost recordings, and it can be heard by going to this page

18/05/21 - End of lockdown and end of the lockdown quiz. I'm sure all those of you have enjoyed the 60 sets of quizzes provided by Bert Thomson, will join me in thanking Bert for keeping the brain ticking over, all these past weeks. Today's final quiz is the fourth in the Hidden Instruments series

17/05/21 - Graham Martindale ends the series of lockdown pictures, with a couple of photographs in lockdown pictures 8

17/05/21 - I first played with John Barnes at Hyde CC. jazz, It was the day I had bought my Baritone Sax.. John spotted it (never met him before) and instantly wanted to buy it. It is a Pan American, badge-cloned Cohn. He had an identical one with him and said that head been searching for a second one for years. I didn't take him on but he repeated the offer at the end of the gig. When he was playing he had this mock disdain for musical quoting.. ie slipping in a phrase from something else well known. (Often did it himself) He would pull a disapproving face or frown. At Southport, with the Smoky City Jazz he gave a couple of frowns and eventually put his hand in his top pocket and flashed me a red card. The crowd howled with laughter. Alway VERY entertaining to crowds and musicians. His playing must now be enjoyed on YouTube. - Howard Murray

17/05/21 - My show this week on www.mykindamusic24.com (20 May - 9PM) is my first instalment of "Ellingtonia". All pieces by Ellington and Strayhorn with some performed and arranged by other bands .Expect to hear the likes of Joe Temperley, Loren Schoenberg, Echoes of Ellington, Don Sebesky, Mark Masters, James Chirillo and Joe Henderson. Diggable sounds abound... - Frank Griffiths

17/05/21 -  "Humph and Buck Clayton in perfect accord and I think mutual appreciation and respect for each other", says Jon Critchley as he selects this weeks Spotify Album

17/05/21 - Welcome to the start of Covid freedom, and with it comes the ability to visit your favourite jazz venues once again, but be aware there are still distancing procedures in place and seating will be restricted. What's On has been completed cleared out and now only shows the events have been recently confirmed.

16/05/21 - Many Happy Returns this week to Phil Lucas (today), John Higham (Tues), Paul Medina (Wed), Peter Fryer (Thu), and Dave Donohoe (Sat).

16/05/21 -  Susan Enefer writes, "Many thanks to you and Peter Eddowes for your help and suggestions (13/05/21). I had already tried the British Newspaper Archive but didn’t find the article but will try the John Rylands archives. I’ve also contacted the Louis Armstrong House Museum in NYC and am waiting to hear back. The Google results you found all concern my father. Besides being a newspaperman he wrote detective fiction novels, many of which were translated into foreign languages. He also wrote two books about jazz - Daily Dispatch Jazz Book and Jazz in Black and White - plus a few TV scripts and a play. He had a jazz column in various Manchester and other newspapers under his own name and also used the byline Dave Duke. Friday/Saturday nights he DJ’d at the Bodega Club.  A few years ago while visiting my brother, who lived in Sale, I came across the original of the Louis Armstrong article among a pile of faded newspaper clippings - my father had kept all his ‘Empire News’ show biz articles. Unfortunately, all these clippings went missing after my brother passed away in 2017.  Thanks, again, for posting and your help. I’ll let you know if I’m successful."
 

15/05/21 - My thanks to Alan Bond who spotted I had John Barnes' age incorrect. He was actually born in 1932, making him 89 today.  Back in 2017. I announced his 90th, and last year I announced he was 93. Both those inaccuracies went by unnoticed, so where were my proof readers when I needed them?
 

14/05/21 -  At a committee meeting at Wilmslow Conservative Club last night, the decision was made to allow me to recommence my weekly jazz shows with a grand opening date of August 3rd. As soon as I have August and September booked, I (or, in reality, Neil Clarke) will update my website accordingly.- Graham (Brook)

14/05/21 - Re: The Gateway Jazz Band, I have a recording of a broadcast in Holland, October 1982.- Gerard Bielderman

14/05/21 - The Chicago Teddybears are ready to accept bookings. "Our regular venues which will be restarting are - Grappenhall Ex-service club Every fourth Thursday starting July 22nd and Eastham Golf club every second Friday starting July 9th. For more details, contact me on 0151 525 6900" - Rae Owens
 

13/05/21 - Just a thought, but perhaps this lady might try the Louis Armstrong Museum in New York. They have large collections of Armstrong related stuff including lots on his European tours. The director, Ricky Riccardi, is an authority on all things Armstrong, too, so this might be a good place to start. - Steve Andrews

13/05/21 -  Hearing everybody Talking about the Carlisle jazz scene and Mick Potts, I used to play at the Carlisle Jazz Club on trumpet with Gordon Solomon’s “ Phoenix Jazzmen” from Newcastle in the 1960s before I got into the Big-Band scene at the “Oxford Galleries in Newcastle with Jack Hawkins “ Sound of the Seventies” showband, Great times, lots of fun. Derek Dalton

13/05/21 - My father, Douglas Enefer, was the Northern show columnist for the Empire News in the 1950s-1960s and interviewed Louis Armstrong when he performed in Manchester in 1956. I have been trying to find a copy of the published interview, so far without success, and wonder if by chance any of your readers might have a copy among their memorabilia. - Susan Enefer, Sidney, BC, Canada

13/05/21 - There was a duplicated question in Wednesday's quiz, this has now been sorted.
 

12/05/21 - Curly Jones has retired from running the RiverCity Jazzmen. He's sent me a pictorial history of the band's memorable gigs, and says that, "It would be lovely if we had some feedback from musicians with memories of playing with the band when they see the photos!".  Let me have your memories and I'll add them to the page.

12/05/21 - Hi Fred,  Picked up on this band from your Jazz Site . Bria Skonberg is a the leader on trumpet / vocals . https://youtu.be/qcxXEAF1MOo. Hope you enjoy this. - Peter  Darwin

12/05/21 - I'm emailing you on behalf of the Alsager Golf & Country Club Jazz Society to say that we are starting up again on 20th May, weekly on Thursdays as before but with all the necessary social distancing rules for indoor music & drinks that you would expect. We kick off with Gair Carson on sax/flute with Richard Wetherall & the house bass & drums for rhythm section. Then we have Darren Lloyd on 27th May, followed by Alex Clarke on 3rd June. Details can be found on our website, linked via yours. A big welcome is assured to all our old gang & hopefully some new faces too. - Kind regards Sarah

12/05/21 - I know that we're not North West but in case any of your readers take boating holidays here goes. Our little band J for Jazz plays traditional jazz every Friday lunchtime at the Foxton Locks Inn, Foxton, nr Market Harborough, Leicestershire. The area is very beautiful, and visitors come from all over the world to see the series of ten locks, and the inclined plane which was used to drag canal traffic up the hill. The pub serves food in a large conservatory overlooking the canal, and there are usually several real ales on the go. J for Jazz is the longest running jazz band in Leicestershire. It is led by cornetist 'Rev' John Timms, renowned for his gospel and blues singing. On trombone is Avo Avison, still blowing strong in his 80s, famous for playing with Acker, and then for years with the Bob Wallis band. Musicians are always welcome to have a blow, so we hope that sometime some Northern folks can join us. - John Irwin (Well at least I know there's one person from that area that reads my emails, thanks John - Fred)

12/05/21 - I've emailed all musicians on my mailing list to inform them that all unconfirmed residencies and gigs currently appearing as 'cancelled', will not appear in What's On after 16th May,  unless told otherwise. Responses are now coming in.

12/05/21 - Mike Feltham sent me an interesting article from The Telegraph which suggested that listening to jazz can influence you in making better dietary choices.  Researchers found that a slow high pitched jazz melody  played on the piano, nudged people towards a healthy meal!  Well that's where I've been going wrong then, I've been listening to fast foot tapping stuff in the belief that the  exercise would help my weight problem! Unfortunately if you click the link you might find you can't read the article unless you are a Telegraph subscriber.

12/05/21 - John and Marie Howell who run Jazz Club 90 in Albrighton, writes, "I told you that we were planning to start on May 30th then we had some bad news yesterday!  After all the planning and working out the "safe" capacity of our new venue would be 65-70 we were told that it is reduced to only 50, this means our already booked audience of 67 would have to be whittled down.  The problems this would create in deciding who couldn't come for the gigs in June meant the only fair way to do it was to cancel them all.  This then meant the lovely job of cancelling the bands and notifying the audience....who'd be a promoter?!!  Fortunately we have had no complaints and everyone is happy to wait until July.   I will let you know how we get on as several of the musicians in your area play for us"

12/05/21 - It's Wednesday, and time for the penultimate quiz No. 59 from Bert Thompson. This week it's about  jazz bands who are non-U.S. and non-U.K. Name the country from which each hails/hailed.
 

11/05/21 -  Lovely to catch up on dear old Horst's travels from John Muskett but how many of us realize that Horst had a big part to play in our everyday safety? Read more from Jeff Roberts at the end of the updated page.

11/05/21 - With reference to Don Armstrong asking about a Carlisle band in the 50's it sounds as though it was the Gateway, the leader being Mick Potts whose brother played clarinet. Mick played trumpet & piano and vocals . My late husband Colin Smith ( who had the nickname Sycamore) played washboard originally ( as in this photo ) he then taught himself tuba and later double bass. The tuba player in the photo is Peter Myers ( who I am still in touch with). Al Potts is on clarinet. I'm not sure who the banjo player and trombonist are on the photo but can find out. I can give more history if Don would like to know more. Colin later went on to play with Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz.-  Linda Smith (Click picture for full size - Fred)

11/05/21 - Re the Peter Bledge info. re the above. The Gateway played at the Garret Club, Devonshire St., Carlisle during the 50/60s. I shared the trumpet chair with Mick Potts when my army duties allowed from 1955 until 1957. When I was available Mick took over the piano stool his first love. The line up was Al Potts clar, Mick. Norman Healy Creed tmb., Albert Holliday dms,. Colin Sycamore Smith tuba, the banjo was shared between Buddy & Cooky. Sorry I can't remember their full names, it's an age thing. - Bill Robinson.

11/05/21 - In order to clarify what's happening in the North West regarding jazz clubs and jazz gigs, as from 17th May, I've removed all residencies andt gigs that were previously marked as cancelled during the pandemic,  All bands will need to notify me of any residencies that have resumed, and any new bookings so that they can be added to What On

11/05/21 - I'm pleased to say that The Original Panama Jazz Band will resume its first and third Wednesday  night residency at The Irby Club on 7th July, 8.00 start, free admission as usual.  The Club has gone to great effort to ensure a safe environment for all the staff and customers. It has had successful visits from Covid compliance officers;  also the Club has been "fogged": meaning that all surfaces have been disinfected prior to the re-opening and is as safe as it can be.  It will be great to see all the regulars again. Hope the band isn't "foggy" as well! - Jon Critchley
 

10/05/21 - Monday and time for another record on the jukebox of recommended albums from yourselves. This week is a departure in that I recently discovered that one band name that appeared on the site over the years and I hadn't heard on record, was the Zenith Six. Now I've found it on Spotify and can well understand why it was so popular. 17 tracks of sheer joy!  Unfortunately this will be the last album in the series unless I get another recommendation, it doesn't appear to be a popular addition to the site.

10/05/21 - The mention of the Gateway Jazz Band re Don Armstrong’s enquiry brings back many happy memories of Mick Potts. Mick left us in 1993 at the age of 57 after his 3rd heart attack, a true legend in his own lifetime. His older brother was Al Potts who Mick taught to play clarinet and they formed the Gateway in1953. Mick was a classical trained pianist who after getting the jazz bug taught himself to play the trumpet.   Mick was a close friend of Wild Bill Davison and they played together in Carlisle with Mick on piano although I recollect Jim Willis Gateway’s pianist taking Mick's place when Mick suffered one of his heart attacks. Think the venue was near the cattle market.   Mick brought many big names to Carlisle . Oscar Peterson,George Chisholm, Alex Welsh, Britains Greatest Jazz Band, Sammy Rimington, WASO and even Jimmy Deuchar which showed that whilst he was a traditionalist in the mould of Armstrong he could enjoy Modern.   Yes my highlight of any week was travelling the 33 miles from Dumfries down to Carlisle every Sunday Sing Something Simple on the car radio at 7, 0 clock and then entering the real world of Micks Club at 7.45 before returning home suitably refreshed with English Bitter {our wives took it in turn to drive} and JAZZ HOUR on the radio at midnight. Shame I had to go to work on the Monday. - Peter Bledge

10/05/21 - Thanks to John Muskett for his feedback. I’m doing ok here near Paris, i have a steady jazz music teaching job, and hopefully the gigs will pick up soon. On the bass front, no, I have no intention of tuning in fifths! Trading fours between myself (arco to pizzicato) was the idea of session producer French saxophonist Francois Jeanneau. I just practiced soloing pizz with the bow in my hand, so i could switch back fast. I was fortunate to see Red a couple of times in Paris in the 1990’s. For me one of his best recordings is live in Paris salle Pleyel with Mulligan and Brookmeyer in 1954, check it out!  - Gary Brunton

10/05/21 - Long time site visitors  will no doubt cringe when they hear the name Horst Kitzinfangel. Well he's back, and John Muskett has been digging into Horst's early years. For those who were not lucky enough to catch him first time round, you have a lot of catching up to do, simply click here. The rest of you will have to scroll to the bottom of the page to reveal the latest. Jeff Roberts reckoned the trianglist was born in Bermuda, I wonder how he got to Austria, in one of these perhaps?
 

09/05/21 - Many Happy returns on Monday to Norman Gibson (right), who is celebrating by having his hair cut!  On Tuesday it's Happy Birthday to Darren Lloyd, and on Wednesday to Martin Bennett. John Barnes, will be having his 94th birthday on Saturday still residing in a care home  as far as I am aware.

08/05/21 - I enjoyed listening to Gary Brunton’s tribute to Red Mitchell. A number of us tuning in to Fred’s site probably like jazz in a variety of styles, though I struggle with some of the developments after the post-bop era. Gary gets a lovely springy plucked sound from his bass, and it was good to hear some bowing. On more than one occasion when switching between pizzicato and arco I’ve managed to drop the bow – I’m not sure what the musical term is for the thud as the bow hits the deck (I know what my expression is).  Red was a superb, if idiosyncratic, bassist. Has Gary tried his tuning in fifths? A favourite CD of mine is Jive at Five by the Clark Terry/Red Mitchell Duo. I hope that Gary has managed to find enough playing and teaching work to sustain him over the last twelve months. I’m beginning to wonder whether I’ll get any gigs (paid or unpaid) ever again. - Best wishes to you Fred and Barbara, to all your readers, et bonne chance à Gary. - Harmoniously, John Muskett

07/05/21 - Following on from the 'shed building' comments, Ian Royle submitted this which came from Lee Slater-sax player from Stone. "The longest drum solo was 10 hours and 26 minutes-and was performed by the child sitting behind me on Delta flight 963 from LA to Tokyo".

07/05/21 - Terry Birkinhead has sent in another interesting photograph taken in May 1995 of the Wirrorleans Jazz Band doing their bit to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of VE Day.

07/05/21 - On 26/04/21, Mart Rodger's widow, Janet, mentioned George Buck and the Zenith Six.  Janet kindly told me a little more about Mart's acquaintance with George Buck, and I've added that to the bottom of George Buck tribute page. It was in response to me wondering about the Zenith Six's other recordings.

07/05/21 - After trawling my site, Don Armstrong now seems to feel the name of the band was the Gateway Band from Carlisle, and the leader was Mick Potts. If anyone can add further information, please let me know and I'll pass it on - Fred

06/05/21 - I played Clarinet in the Panama Jazzmen on Tyneside in the 1950's and had a great blow on one occasion, depping for one of the brothers from Carlisle, at a King's College Newcastle Arts Ball at the Oxford Galleries. The other brother led the band and played fine trumpet and I think the name of the band was the Castle Jazz Band??   Do you have any information re their musical careers etc. If not no probs but I often tell people about the great night I had without being able to name names. I now live in Adelaide and play quite often with Derek Dalton and in 2019 I was in UK and played a couple of sessions with Bob Wade and Gordon Solomon in the River City Jazz Band at Ashington Jazz Club. - Don Armstrong

06/05/21 - John Brunton's son Gary, has emailed to say, "I know you guys are mainly concentrated on New Orleans jazz but please take look at this video put together by my record label on a tune i wrote and recorded as a tribute to the great Red Mitchell. My album « Second Trip » will be reviewed in Jazzwise July edition. All the best from France.

05/05/21 - I enjoyed Andrew Liddle’s excellent interview in May’s edition of “Just Jazz” with vocalist Tatiana Eva Marie. She is of French/Swiss nationality and is usually based in New York. Partly as a result of the Covid crisis, she has been staying and performing in France these last few months and we had provisionally booked her for Fest Jazz in July along with a great young New Orleans style band led by Joë Santoni. I was on the point of sending you some videos for your site as I’m not sure many UK jazz fans had heard of her. Sadly for the festival, and happily for everyone else, the health situation has improved and she is returning to Switzerland and the States. No reason however for your readers not to see some of the videos which have millions of followers: https://youtu.be/a5Za8pKGT2E  and https://youtu.be/N4zOi8h-Uds. There are dozens of others on You Tube. I am sure many of your readers will appreciate her. Hopefully, so will we at Fest Jazz 2022…. - Trevor Stent

05/05/21 - Time for the Wednesday Quiz from Bert Thompson, and this week you have to Name the town or city alluded to in each song.

03/05/21 - Hi Fred, Re: Savannah Jazz Band, I met Bob Wade when I was visiting the northeast, he is a great player and a nice guy, I used to sit in with the band at Culler-coats on the coast, - Derek Dalton

03/05/21 - Keith also comments, "Re shed building - Tony Hobson of the Eagle Jazz Band invariably used to follow a Barry Norman drum feature with "You'd have to go a very long way - slight pause - not to hear that".

03/05/21 - Monday is album time and this week Keith Garner suggests we have a listen to Dutch Swing '55! and I have to agree it's exciting, well let's just say I can't stop my leg jumping up and down as I type! It also starts with one of my favourite numbers, Riverside Blues. There's no more albums in the pipeline, so get your thinking caps on and let me have your suggestions for next week!

02/05/21 - Many Happy Returns today to Trevor Stent, the only NW musician (or ex NW musician) with a birthday this week, unless you know different?

APRIL 2021

29/04/21 - This item of news from the Savannah Jazz Band web site - "The Savannah Jazz Band is pleased to welcome Bob Wade to the line up. He will lead the front line on trumpet, cornet and flugelhorn.  For further information on Bob click here then click on his picture. Following the long lay off due to Covid 19 The band has been invited to play at a number of venues during 2021".

29/04/21 - Please don't take the album page down - I enjoyed Jon's selection very much. I actually have the original 10" LP somewhere, but have lost sight of it since I went electronic. I've never got round to digitising most of my LPs and so hadn't listened to it recently - or over the last twenty five years probably. I agree with him about Ken Simms but I do seem to remember Tony Davis playing a version of one of the marches which had Bob Wallis on trumpet, so the arrangements were presumably developed over a period rather than being done for the record.- Keith  Garner

29/04/21 - Hopefully THE  version of the Ken Colyer cymbal story- The late Dave Evans ,with whom I had the pleasure of playing alongside for many years, told me what happened to him.  Ken liked Dave’s drumming as did many including Al Casey in particular.   Ken with his aversion to sizzle and similar cymbals rounded on Dave to stop playing that cymbal. Dave replied “It is not set up and in fact still in the case.  "Yes “   said Ken “But it’s there !!” - Ken Ames
 

28/04/21 - Lowther Gardens in Lytham has a small theatre which has come up with an innovative idea during lockdown. It has created an online Silver Screen with those self isolating or living in a care home. This week is Jazz Week and Cafe Society can be seen on the screen.  You can view the screen by clicking here

28/04/21 - Voting is now open for the 2021 Parliamentary Jazz Awards, which this year will take place online. Entries are open to anyone, with the final deadline set for midnight on Tuesday 14 May 20201. The Parliamentary Awards celebrate and recognise the vibrancy, diversity, talent and breadth of the jazz scene throughout the United Kingdom. To vote please go  here

28/04/21 - I've now got the latest article in the Jazz Promoter series, and this one is about a jazz promoter some might describe as a 'bit of a character'. Those who have been to Rochdale's Jazz on a Sunday will know what I mean. I asked chairman Tony Sheldon to write about his experiences of promoting jazz, but he initially left out an important part of the story, the bit about himself and the things he gets up to, so after a little delay, Here it is.

28/04/21 - The latest issue of Just Jazz has arrived. I was very sorry to read in it, that Tony Davis who led the Zenith Hot Stompers on their many visits to the North West in the past, had died on 13th March, aged 83. The ZHS opened our very first jazz event at Ingol Golf Club in Preston IN 1999, and in a review which Keith Allcock wrote for me at the time, He said, "New Orleans came to Preston via Birmingham last Thursday when local traditional jazz buff Fred Burnett and his wife Barbara presented The Zenith Hot Stompers at Ingol Golf Club. This popular Midlands band was doing a week's tour of the North-West and had a blank date until Fred stepped in to fill it. It was his first attempt at promoting jazz, but the success of the gig is proof that Preston has a healthy audience for traditional jazz. The large clubhouse was nicely full as the band launched into the opening bars of its first number, On Treasure Island". The ZHS subsequently returned in Feb 2000 to what became our regular jazz club at Fulwood & Broughton Cricket Club.

28/04/21 - Wednesday, and time for the Lockdown Quiz. This week see if you know the first names of some of the listed musicians in Quiz No. 57
 

27/04/21 - A new recording for you to listen to, is one by Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band recommended by Jon Critchley. There are no more in the pipeline, so come on and tell me which album you think other people might like to listen to otherwise they will all be my favourites. The alternative is to close the page down. Click here to listen

27/04/21 - Terry Birkinhead has sent in two more photographs for the lockdown series. These are of the Delta Jazz Band of Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the 1st Keswick Jazz Festival in May1992, and the Royal Flush Jazz Band from Kobe, Japan at the Whitley Bay Jazz Festival in July 2000. You can see them on Lockdown Pictures No. 8

26/04/21 - There was a Zenith Six gig when Mart was about 24. Ken Colyer's band was top of the bill and he seemed to have approved of the Zenith Six and their playing. However, we went to hear him in, I think, the Wilmslow area not long after and I was with Mart when he went over to speak to Ken Colyer. When he mentioned the band, Colyer was unpleasant and told him that the Zenith Six was a b****y awful band. He was really rude and turned away leaving us both speechless. The Zenith Six was certainly good enough to record for George Buck for his company GHB Records when George moved his business from Decatur to New Orleans. - Janet Rodger

26/04/21 - Another Ken Colyer legend, He had a young drummer as a recommended dep. Not heard but assured by someone that kid was well up to it. He was indeed, but too modern for Ken, who had driven him to the gig. On the way back, Ken's face was like thunder so he asked Ken what was the problem. "That bloody ride cymbal... If you want to do the 2nd of the two gigs, don't bring that cymbal."   OK... If you had said something, I would have used less or even stopped." On the way back from the following gig, Colyer had another cob on.  The young drummer asked again. "That damned cymbal. It's b****y awful!".   "But like you asked... I didn't bring it!"   Colyer scowled. "I know.. It's just the thought of it!" .  If that's not true it ought to be! - Howard Murray

26/04/21 - The Ken Colyer story from Brian Legan seems to have done the rounds for years, and was believed to be true, but it seems some facts stand in its way. The story has been embellished over the years. I can’t explain as I would have to name names, and that’s not fair on the individuals. Let’s just say it wasn’t quite like that. But let’s not destroy the myth!  Clubs ‘down south’ who are kick starting in late June, early July – Colchester Jazz Club, Sidcup Jazz Club, Reigate Manor Jazz Club, The Concorde Club, Hadlow Manor Jazz Club, Amersham Jazz Club. The Bay Jazz Club (Botany Bay, Enfield) are starting outdoor, lunch-time sessions in May (!2.30pm-3.00pm), Bring a seat and a picnic, but use the club’s bar for drinks!! - Pete Lay
 

25/04/21 - My shed building experience was in helping a friend erect and garden shed and his comment was “Be careful - wood like that doesn’t grow on trees you know!” - Chris Walker.

25/04/21 - More good news as bands are confirming to me that they are raring to go and play again. The Chicago Teds, Old Green River, Cafe Society, High Society, Harmony Hounds, North Euston Orpheans, are just a few of them.

25/04/21 - Good news! Eagley Jazz Club will be back in action, starting on Monday 5th July, 8pm, with the wonderful Tame Valley Stompers! This will be followed on 19th July by John Hallam and the Tom Kincaid Trio. Further bookings have been made and will be revealed later! - Ann Lord. That's good news Ann, because when I checked the TVS web site (and indirectly their page on my site), it came up page not found. I'm not suggesting this is the reason, but I do know some bands decided not to pay the web hosting costs when they were no allowed to play. - Fred

25/04/21 - Lots of musicians celebrating birthdays this week. Many Happy returns to Eric Brierley today who shares his birthday with Digby Fairweather, and to Anthony Mason, Laurie Cooper and Martyn Sharp who all have birthdays tomorrow. Jon Critchley will celebrate his birthday tomorrow Wilf Jenkinson will share his birthday with Sammy Rimington on Thursday. Finally it's happy birthdays to Dave Pogson, Norman Pennington and Sue Parish on Friday.
 

24/04/21 - The River City Jazz Band based in North Wales is now defunct, so Ian Royle tells me. Some of the members apparently have health problems, which seems to be the case with many unfortunately.
 

23/04/21 - Eagley Jazz Club is raring to go - starting Monday 5th July, first and third Mondays of the Month! Bookings are now being made and if anyone would like to be added to our mailing list for details of our gigs programme, please email me on eagleyjazzclub@gmail.com. - Ann Lord

23/04/21 - I can't help with your shed building query but it reminded me of two stories I have heard over the years. The first was when Ken Colyer's drummer's bass drum pedal packed up on the last number of the evening. At the end of the number Ken turned to the bass player and asked "Do you always play like that? The bassist, anticipating praise said that he did and Ken snarled "You're fired". The second was when Wild Bill was touring over here. He turned to a fellow musician and asked "Are these guys paid by the note?". Brian Legan.

21/04/21 - Following on from Ann's email, could any musicians who have been told that the band they played with pre Covid has now disbanded, please let me know, and don't rely on the band leader to tell me. This web site is an advert for bands, which is embarrassing if they are no longer playing, as it also lowers the credibility of the site . - Fred

21/04/21 - An interesting question from Ann Lord, - Would you happen to have a list of bands who are continuing to play after Covid? Well I should say that as far as I've been made aware, they are all still playing, but Ann says, "Good news about Eagley Jazz Club - we're now planning our up-coming schedule for our hopeful ''release from Jail'' card after 21st June. Our Ted Watton is now busy booking bands. Sadly we've lost a couple of well known bands, who have decided to call it a day. Very sad as they were some of my favourites!  It would be great to have all of the stalwarts appear at our club again"

21/04/21 - I know just three on this latest quiz, 3,8 and 10, as I've been in them all in New Orleans  The Palm Court Jazz Cafe on Decatur is, or was, run by George Buck's wife Nina, ex of Sammy Rimington.  One of the most memorable performances there was by Lloyd Washington in 2003. Lloyd, 82 then, delighted in telling the audience that he was the last surviving member of the Ink Spots group. I believe he was with the group for about 20 years from 1945. It amazed my wife and I that the performance was just so like it must have been at a live show of the original Ink Spots. Sadly he passed away the following year. - Norman Gibson

21/04/21 - Well here we are already, Wednesday, and normally it would be time for a new quiz, but seeing as the last one didn't go on until Monday, I'll leave it until next week. We are fast approaching the last Quiz which will be No. 60,  That should appear in the same week we can eat inside pubs and restaurants and perhaps an apt time to end the Lockdown Quizzes which started in April last year..

19/04/21 - Something went wrong with the Wednesday Quiz. I prepared it, but never uploaded it, so somewhat belatedly it's on now and is quiz number 56 and you have to name the city in which the listed  jazz venue is/was located. Soon be time for the next one.

19/04/21 - My next show (22 April at 9PM UK time on www.mykindamusic24.com), will feature the music of British saxophonist/clarinettist and composer, Sir John Dankworth. A compendium of his work, including a few tracks with Cleo Laine from 1953 to 2007, when he made his final recording. - Frank Griffiths

19/04/21 - Time for another Spotify Album, and this week it's my turn. Someone said to me, "Can’t think how anyone can have just one favourite album unless they lead a very blinkered life, I’ve got loads".  I suppose I have too, but there's a special place in your heart for the first one you ever bought, but I'll bypass Beethoven and Rimsky-Korsakov, as they were my first LP albums., But before albums there were EPs, and the first I bought were of Lonnie Donegan's skiffle group. I love them today as much as the day I bought them and as they are now on an CD I want to share them with you. Click here to listen

18/04/21 - Re shed building, I recall at some time in the past reading about a band leader who turned to the drummer and asked him with a snarl if he was building a shed back there, but I can't recall who said it or when.  I keep thinking Eddie Condon or Wild Bill Davidson, but I just can't be sure if it was one of them or someone else.  If I come across it again, I'll let you know. - Bert Thompson.  Anybody out there know the origins of the term?

18/04/21 - Last Monday we had our first blow as a full band for over twelve months (see picture). It was great to see everyone again and have a catch up. We’ve booked a two hour slot in a studio every Monday until life gets back to normal. Due to social distancing we could only have five musicians in the room at any one time. It was all very strange but great fun. We have bookings at the Palm House every Tuesday until the end of the year but can’t see us playing there until July at the earliest. Looks as though we're trying to remember how to tune and put our instruments together again. -  Peter Swensson & The Savoy Jazzmen.

18/04/21 - Many Happy Returns today to musician Jack Wilson, on Thursday to Chris Mitchell, and on Friday to Derek Vaux.

18/04/21 - A new 'Lost Recording' has been discovered by John Westwood. Did you know that Alistaire Cook of 'Letters from America' fame was born in the North West. He also recorded some jam sessions for the BBC with some well known musicians. John had them on tape. Check it ot

17/04/21 - Hi Fred,  Its ages since I heard the expression "Shed Builder" describing some drumming styles.  I have use it a few times over the years and I think it originated years ago In the 1950s.  I came across it just after onset of "Rock" when it came over around 1956,  and most drummers then were playing Big Band swing and volume was a totally different dynamic.  I have played many styles over the years ...so I can't be too critical !  How times have changed! - Peter Eddowes.

17/04/21 - One question which pops up from time to time is - "How do I post something on your website, there doesn't seem to be any way of doing it?".  Unfortunately there is no direct input other than by me. So you need to send me an email and I'll post it for you. It might mean a delay in posting, but you can be assured that nothing gets on the site which I consider to be unacceptable, and no links to dodgy sites get on either, a small price to pay.  .

17/04/21 -  Pete Darwin opines for a ' jazz-loving crowd ' being required in making a good jazz club. True.  It wasn't a jazz club but years ago the MJB were playing a social club heavily populated with a young ( sic) audience. While playing their usual music the audience showed little interest. Quiet and the empty dance floor bore testament to that.  The band were also fed up , For a lark and some mischievous micky-taking ( they were good at that ) they embarked on a bizarre version of March of the Mods, deliberately playing all the wrong notes in all the wrong places. Within minutes the floor was full of dervish-dancers . The more crazy the band played the wilder the dancing.....and a good time was had by all. Another great Mersey's night.  Yes you do need a jazz-loving audience, but........   - Bob Lamb

17/04/21 - Andrew Liddle deserves our thanks for analysing and writing up the findings of the Covid Lockdown Customer Survey so thoroughly, coherently and beautifully. Well done, Andrew! - Pops Coffee

17/04/21 -  The tone of Matthew Wright's excellent little book Jazz and Cricket : An unlikely combination, which you mention, is set from the beginning when the author describes leaving .a pub with a group, en route to scattering the remains of Jim Godbolt, for many years a member of the Ravers cricket team.  Noticing Wally Fawkes with an earpiece plugged into a radio the author enquired as to what he was listening.." Cricket " Fawkes replied, " The Ashes *  Totally sums up this book which informs, entertains and gives cause for many smiles. It's said that nostalgia ain't what it used to be Not true, it's alive, kicking and very enjoyable throughout this book - Bob Lamb

17/04/21 - No updates yesterday because I was busy 'shed building'. No I haven't taken up playing the drums, I was helping my sun construct a shed, although I think it might have been easier learning to play the drums though, as the instructions were less than useful.
 

15/04/21 - The tone of Matthew Wright's excellent little book Jazz and Cricket : An unlikely combination, which you mention, is set from the beginning when the author describes leaving .a pub with a group, en route to scattering the remains of Jim Godbolt, for many years a member of the Ravers cricket team.  Noticing Wally Fawkes with an earpiece plugged into a radio the author enquired as to what he was listening.." Cricket " Fawkes replied, " The Ashes *  Totally sums up this book which informs, entertains and gives cause for many smiles.  It's said that nostalgia ain't what it used to be Not true, it's alive , kicking and very enjoyable throughout this book - Bob Lamb

15/04/21 - Re Jazz & Cricket, a friend’s wife was expecting, and he rang the maternity ward to see how she was getting on: He rang the cricket club by mistake.  “How’s it going?” he said. Man said “Very well:  We’ve got three out so far, hope to have them all out by teatime.  The last one was a duck”. - Jon Critchley

15/04/21 - Jazz survey - Great work Fred.  Re the question "What qualities do you look for in a jazz club?" and Andrew's composite answer - "Something like ‘a variety of good, professional and entertaining bands with good rapport with the audience, in a comfortable venue with good acoustics, a dance floor and a lively jazz-loving crowd.’  - Wonder how many Clubs fit this criteria and meet all of these qualities? - Pete Darwin

15/04/21 -  Your plug for 'Jazz and cricket', reminds me of one of the best cricket stories I ever heard, and it involves jazz. - At one of the early Hayfield Jazz Festivals, a charity match was held between Hayfield C C and the musicians, and my old pal Tony Iddon, of Red River Jazzmen fame was one of the musos who played. Now Tony had played some cricket in his time, his father played for England and Lancs and Tony had played for Lancs 2nd's and for Stockport in the Central Lancs league for many years. The match was on Sunday afternoon, immediately after the morning session, and, as we only lived 5 miles away, Carole and I went home for a bite of lunch. When we returned the match was over and I asked Tony how it had gone. Now I can't remember the result, but I can remember what he said afterwards. He told me that he had played a lot of cricket, but he had seen something that afternoon which he had never seen before on a cricket field. He said that the bowler had appealed for leg before wicket and the umpire gave a wide!! Priceless. - Bernard Selby

15/04/21 - Whatever happened to Bill Brunskill?  That's the question asked by Walter Love on his latest Jazz Club programme on BBC Radio Ulster. Well worth a listen.
 

14/04/21 - Frank Griffith writes, "My show on www.mykindamusic24.com on Thursday 15 April "Anglo Saxony #1"  will showcase British sax players of note".

14/04/21 - Time for the Wednesday Quiz and this week you have to match tune titles with their alternative names. It's Quiz number 55
 

13/04/21 - Your readers might be interested in "Jazz & Cricket – An Unlikely Combination", by Matthew Wright. It tells of the links between the two, through historical information and anecdotes, and features many names you will be familiar with : Mick Mulligan, Bruce Turner, Wally Fawkes, Max Jones, Frank Parr, Jim Godbolt, Vic Lewis, Spike Hughes, Campbell Burnap, and many more, in the traditional area of jazz through to modern players.  It has only recently been published, but already has had favourable reviews: - Matthew Wright. See  flyer for details

13/04/21 - THE RESULTS ARE IN.  Many thanks to all who completed the recent survey of jazz fans and their thoughts about resuming club activity. We can now announce the results. Andrew Liddle has analysed them for those who like to look beyond the graphs. Click here to view
 

12/04/21 - John Howell has recommended George Lewis at The Free Trade Hall in 1957.for the latest "favourite album on Spotify". What's yours? I've only had this one suggested so far, and I don't want them all to be mine.  Click here to listen & enjoy
 

11/04/21 - Five more photographs for you to look at on the lockdown pictures series. These are on Lockdown Pictures 8 and feature many musicians from the NW who sadly are no longer with us.

11/04/21 - Many Happy Returns tomorrow to Andy Henderson, and sadly I can't wish Chris Barber a happy birthday this year, he would have been 91 next Saturday.

11/04/21 - My thanks to Barrie Marshall for the latest in The Lost Recordings series. It's the Newwhall Jazzmen who were based in the Lake District. It's a lost LP rather than a tape.
 

09/04/21 - Sad news I’m afraid; John Beaumont trumpet player with the Lune Valley Jazz Band died yesterday. Apart from Brian Gordon he was the last surviving founder member of the band. His cornet playing was straightforward melody with beautiful tone, it anchored the band. His deteriorating health saw him leave the band four years ago. He would have been eighty this year, if I remember correctly!  - Steve Lister. His tribute page is currently under construction - FB
 

08/04/21 - The Definitive History of Jazz in Britain, Jazz FM Sunday Night from 10 o`clock for an hour. The first programme started on Sunday 4th.April with the early years up to and including the 1920s. It is still available on “listen again” online and is absolutely fascinating. It goes into great detail about the first touring Americans, their influence on British musicians and the part played in the development of jazz by dance halls and radio. I am looking forward eagerly to the rest of the series. - Jim Heap

08/04/21 - What a lovely surprise for me to read your mail from Rene Van Westen in The Netherlands. Here are photos of the covers of the Smoky City albums he has in his possession . The first album was recorded at The Royal Northern College of music in autumn 1977, and was supported by John Hallam's Dad, the lovely Harry Hallam. It has great sleeve notes by Ray Colman of the Melody Maker, and by the singer and author George Melly . The Band Members - Sheila Collier vocals & band leader, Bill Smith Trumpet & Flugel Horn John Hallam Clarinet, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax & Flute, Terry Brunt, Trombone & Euphonium, Roger Godfrey, Piano,  Roy Tweedie, Banjo & Guitar, Brian Morrison, Bass, & Bob Jones, Drums.  The second album was recorded 'live' at The Harbour Jazz Club Rotterdam, in October 1979. The Banjo player at this time was Charlie Bentley from Sheps Banjo Boys.  This great Jazz Club no longer exists, it was situated right by Central Station in Rotterdam . The Club proprietor was Albert. The photo of the Band for The Harbour Jazz Club Album was taken in Manchester- with appropriate ' Smoking Towers '! - and me in a white boiler suit ! - Sheila Collier

07/04/21 - Another lockdown photograph from Terry Birkinhead, taken in the lovely surroundings of Keswick. This is in Lockdown Pictures No. 8

07/04/21 - I just received a couple of links this morning from John Westwood, which are more big band than traditional jazz, but with names like Duke Ellington, Guy Lombardo, Louis Armstrong, Tom Dorsey and more, albeit impressions, I thought you might enjoy these Jack Hylton recordings - Ellingtonia and  Dinah to start your day.

07/04/21 - The jazz survey will close on Friday this week, so whoever you are, wherever you are, if you like live jazz, please click here to complete it  if you haven't already done so. The more entries we get, the more accurate the picture. Although it mentions clubs, please include live jazz venues which you have visited regularly, such as pubs, tea rooms, garden centres, pavilions etc.

07/04/21 - It's Wednesday and time for Bert Thompson's Quiz No. 55
 

06/04/21 - My name is Rene van Westen and I come from The Netherlands. I did a search for Sheila Collier.  I have 2 records and all with signatures on the Smoky city jazz band album (vinyl sleeve) and on the harbour jazz club live albums (on the back). Fantastic music and musicians.
 

04/04/21 - Many thanks to the 50 people who have so far completed the anonymous survey which it is hoped will give an incite into your thoughts about live jazz after the pandemic. Whether it's an organised jazz club, or regular visits to the pub to listen to a band, we'd like your thoughts. If you haven't already filled it in, please do it, it won't take long, just click here.

04/04/21 - Many Happy Returns this week to Jim Lucas on Tuesday, and to Mike Hayler & Matt Palmer on Thursday.

MARCH 2021
 

31/03/21 - I wish to point out that although there is a slowly dwindling subscription to Just Jazz, the main reason for increased subscription rates was because of the four postal increases in the past 12 months, specifically quite huge increases for overseas subscribers, and of course, over twelve months of lack of advertising content ... the decision to raise the cost was based on those reasons alone. We did discuss putting the magazine online so as to cut out the postal problems and future increases, but the response from our readers was it was not to their preference, rather having the intrinsic feel of the magazine, and more importantly not having to struggle reading it online (not everyone has a 32” monitor). Reading it on a iPad or Smart phone would cause difficulties. - Pete  Lay

31/03/21 - Another Wednesday, another quiz, and Bert Thompson, reliable as ever, has sent me Quiz No. 54 which this week is entitled Myths and Legends. Good luck
 

30/03/21 - I and many others subscribe to this great magazine (Just Jazz): Unfortunately, it’s had to raise its subscription rate to cope with dwindling customers: It’s an age thing I suppose, some subscribers are passing on. This unique publication is really the only one to promote the music and it would be a great shame if it was to fold, so let’s get behind it. If you like the music, want it to carry on and you don’t already get it, then make the effort and subscribe. To subscribe, merely redirect the vast sums of money you’ve accumulated from not going on holidays or to Jazz weekends in the past year and you’ll be doing a great service to the music! - Jon Critchley (you can use this form - Fred)

30/03/21 - Responses to the survey are already coming in, and grateful thanks to those who have now completed the survey form.

29/03/21 - With just little over a month to go before jazz clubs re-open, I've asked Andrew Liddle (following on from the first survey),  to produce a second survey. This time it's not for musicians, although there is no reason why they can't complete it, it's for jazz fans out there, wherever you may be in the UK, and particularly those fans who have visited jazz clubs and venues pre Covid. Nobody knows what will happen come May 17th, but it could be very helpful if you could spend less than a minute to please complete this form. It will hopefully give an idea of how the jazz scene might look in the future.

29/03/21 - The latest edition of Just Jazz Magazine is now available. Details here

29/03/21 - Peter Kings (P. E. K. Sound) writes in Just Jazz Magazine - "With much regret and after a lot of soul searching I've decided to hang up my head-phones and exit the recording scene. l will not be making any more new recordings or releasing any more new CDs. For the foreseeable future I will continue to supply copies of existing CDs as and when required.  This has been a difficult decision, because the past 25 or so years have been some of the happiest and most satisfying of my life. So many wonderful memories! Being a part of the UK Traditional jazz scene and getting to know and work with musicians has been an absolute joy; for which you have my eternal thanks".

29/03/21 - There's a whole selection of jazz music out there on Spotify, and I'm looking for suggestions for albums that I can share on a weekly basis. Check out this page and enjoy, and don't forget to let me have your choice to share with fellow jazzers.

29/03/21 - Looking ahead in What's On, there is only one jazz event taking place this year -  Deco Delight at Cockerham Village Hall on 11th September. All being well, venues will be allowed to reopen from 17th May, so until bands and promoters let me know, all existing venues and residencies will remain cancelled in What's On.

29/03/21 - Richard Lysons has written a book that may be of interest. It's called "Popular Music at Manchester's Free Trade Hall  1951-1996".  There were some well known jazz and blues musicians appearing there during this period as well as rock 'n' roll, folk and punk bands. If you are interested you can read more by clicking here

29/03/21 - Sorry to hear about Colin Kingwell's passing.  Happens to all of us eventually, but I'm glad he had a good crack at the whip.  He also made some very good jazz!  I only met him once when he and the band came over to play at the San Diego Festival many moons ago. - Bert Thompson (USA).

28/03/21 - Spotify is worth every penny of my subscription and it’s where I go for any item of music to play along to. I’ve had Spotify for at least five years and non of my CD collection has been played in that time. In fact, since my CD player expired I haven’t yet replaced it.  The Chris Barber album you put on today’s News Update can be received loud and clear on my iPad, but then I did change my original to a new one with lots of storage just a couple of weeks ago, which probably helps. Like many people, I suppose, I tend to procrastinate when it comes to upgrading technology, though I tend to do it eventually. It’s a family joke that I only switch on an electric light so I can see to light the gas lamps!  - Ian Cockerill.

28/03/21 - I don't like being the purveyor of sad news, but just had a call from bassist Peter Brooks to tell me that the bandleader/trombonist Colin Kingwell has passed away today (Sunday, March 28) with heart related problems (NOT Covid). He is one of our last connections with the start of the British Traditional Jazz Revival. Colin was still performing, although approaching his 90th year, prior to the lock-downs. He will be sadly missed R.I.P. Colin. - Pete Lay

28/03/21 - Many Happy Returns today to Ed Lloyd-Hughes and John Penn. Also Birthday wishes to Stan Williams on Tuesday and Ged Hone on Thursday
 

27/03/21 - I have just discovered an option to share a Spotify Album on my web site.  What I'm not sure about is whether everyone can see it and hear it,  If you don't have a Spotify account, unfortunately you will only just get a 20 second sampler of the album, I've had one report that it won't play the sound, so if anyone else has that problem, please let me know before I make it a feature.

25/03/21 - Terry Birkinhead has kicked off Lockdown Pictures No. 8 with a photograph of the Famous Reds & Blues Marching Jazz Band and the Wirral Marching Jazz Band taken in October 1996

24/03/21 - Hi Fred. As indicated by Peter Cowden I contribute a regular program to Swingtime radio. I particularly like airing jazz recordings made privately (with the artists approval) and if any of your readers would like any of their recordings to be considered please send them to me at my email address peterbanjo@hotmail.co.uk. Stay safe - Pete Sumner

24/03/21 - Time for the Wednesday Quiz, and this week it's the second in the Conveyances set. Quiz 53 by Bert Thompson. Quiz No. 53
 

22/03/21 - In the latest update to Jazz Promoters in or from the NW,  I've now added Peter Cowden who promotes it on the radio. Makes for interesting reading.

21/03/21 - Many Happy Returns today to John Dunlop and Malcolm Cookson. On Friday we wish Richard Vernon a Happy Birthday and on Saturday Bert Schroeder

20/03/21 - I've just added a link to Peter Cowden's site Swingtime Radio in Australia. Peter has been very active broadcasting Traditional Jazz in Australia for a number of years, and I've got copies of 210 podcasts that he produced of bands from Acker Bilk to Zenith Six. I'm hoping to include a page on Peter before long, he was born in Gatley and then moved to Thornton-Cleveleys, so definitely earns a place on this site.
 

19/03/21 - More lockdown pictures coming in, the latest ones are on lockdown set 7

19/03/21 -  This catchy little tune Pumpkin Rag  got my attention. I can't recall ever hearing it before or knowing of the band Hot Strings Quintet from Berlin. I wonder  if any musicians out there know the piece? - Norman Gibson
 

17/03/21 - Regarding identities on MJB album West Coast Shout cover . - Pete Darwin is quite correct, there are 8 musicians on the album and only 7 shown the horse. I guessed the odd man out may be guitarist Nigel Sinclair who was in fact Nigel Scrimshire. Which makes me wonder if Diz Disley was the cartoonist as Neville Scrimshire was/is also a graphics designer. The artist isn't identified on the cover I'm sure that bassist Dick Goodwin is hanging onto the horse's tail....as he did to many of those he backed.....and lost  (actually he's sat on the horse's tail and hanging on to a coat tail - Fred).

17/03/21 -  It's Wednesday and time for Quiz 52. If you thought the previous ones were challenging, you ain't seen nothing yet.  Bert Thompson says, "Time for the weekly quiz again. This week the quiz taker is asked to name the branch of the armed forces (U.S.) in which the musician served. The COVID news seems to continue to be encouraging, but let's hope people do not go overboard as Easter approaches".
 

16/03/21 - Hot on the heels of Mick Welstead, comes North East promoter, Alec Crow, who writes, "After withdrawal symptoms incurred after 16 months without live music, I decided to treat our members with 8 x top shows for 2021 opening up again with one of our favourite N W Bands (Dominic Halpin and the Honey Bees) on Fri July 9th which sold out in 10 days - monthly visits from other top bands are planned for the rest of the year - the venue is currently being refurbished so Boris permitting we'll be ready to go in July!  Feel free to visit our website at Northallerton Jazz and Swing Cabaret Club. to see what we have to offer - always happy to welcome new people from all parts of the country".

16/03/21 - Terry Birkinhead has sent in another photograph for the lockdown pictures series, and the latest is lockdown pictures No. 7

16/03/21 - I've just added several links to other obituaries and tributes for Chris Barber, to this site's tribute page

16/03/21 - Some good vibes coming from down South, Mick Welstead who promotes jazz at the Old Barn in Bookham, says in his newsletter - "Currently I am chasing up Bands that have been booked to visit us from as far back as a year ago. At the moment there has been only one cancellation. I am ploughing through the Bands that have been pencilled in so that we will be absolutely ready for the opening with a full calendar of events".   Anybody booking bands up here yet?

13/03/21 - Some good news just coming through and kindly passed on from Bob Hunt via Des Hopkins - The Big Chris Barber Band: Change Of Management . This is just to let all interested parties know that, following Chris Barber's passing and in accordance with his wishes, the Big Chris Barber Band will be continuing to perform and is under new management with effect from January 12th 2021. The change of management is at the express wish of Chris and the Barber family and the new management have the exclusive right to use Chris Barber's name for the purposes of performance. Any enquiries regarding the band should be addressed to Rebecca Evans +44 (0)777 396 0168 email becky@resolutionsinmusic.co.uk - Rebecca Evans. Nick White. BCBB Management

13/03/21 - Sadly I have to report another death by Covid-10 of Dick Hamer on the 10 March 2021. Dick led the 'Tommy Lowe Orchestra' for many years which was a big band in the Glenn Miller mould. Dick was a very good tenor sax player and arranger, and for ages had a music shop in Southport that will be known to many of your readers. The band had a number a good jazzers in it's midst who also played with a lot of the trad bands in the North West. He also had a brother Rod Hamer who was a jazz trumpeter in the London area and who played with many of the visiting American jazz musicians in the 60s and 70s. - Dave Moore

13/02/21 - I'm indebted to John Westwood who found his own lost tape and sent me a copy. It's actually a tape of a couple of LPs, and It's a band I know many of you have heard of and been to see many times  in the upstairs room at the Clarendon, but it was before I returned to the jazz fold in the 90's. It's a fabulous recording of the Zenith 6 and one I have never heard before - "Zenith 6 Play Jelly Roll Morton". Keep your eye on the News Page  I'll let you know when you can listen to it. How many of you already have or had a copy of it?

10/03.21 -  "This week's teaser -- to name the country a jazz band comes from"., writes Bert Thompson who has sent me the latest quiz question No. 51 "None of the bands is from the U.S. or the U.K.   Once again there seems to be some improvement in the COVID situation here. Vaccine supply seems to be increasing as does administration, but precautions like masks and social distancing remain necessary. Let's hope the light at the end of the tunnel is a glow that illuminates rather than a glare that blinds".
 

09/03/21 - How's your German? Niklaus Zust writes from Switzerland re: Chris Barber, "Hello Fred, this is a very good broadcast"

09/03/21 - Another lockdown photo. Very early Rioters Dixieland Jazz Band. 1988/89. - John Dorgan

09/03/21 - "How 'bout this for a jazz band?", says Graham Martindale, "Not only sounds good but looks good too".

09/03/21 - Walter Love's BBC Radio Ulster Jazz Club of next Sunday 14th March at 9.00pm will feature the late great Chris Barber and the musical directions he has taken over a successful career spanning 70 years as a bandleader in British Jazz. Surely a 'must listen to programme' either live or subsequently via the Sounds Radio Player facility. My daughter Susan attended the last concert that Chris' big band gave in December 2018 at Goring Village Hall where he held the position of President. Unfortunately, Chris suffered a fall soon afterwards. Consequently, he was not able to complete his planned tour including a scheduled February 2019 date at the Floral Pavilion New Brighton which I had contemplated attending.- David Evans, Rhuddlan

09/03/21  - As numbers are strictly limited at Gerry Duckles' funeral due to Covid rules, and because many people who may have wished to, will be unable to attend in person, her sons have decided to provide the option of viewing the event online. If anyone would like details, please contact me.
 

08/03/21 - Walter Love's BBC Radio Ulster Jazz Club of next Sunday 14th March at 9.00pm will feature the late great Chris Barber and the musical directions he has taken over a successful career spanning 70 years as a bandleader in British Jazz. Surely a 'must listen to programme' either live or subsequently via the Sounds Radio Player facility.  My daughter Susan attended the last concert that Chris' big band gave in December 2018 at Goring Village Hall where he held the position of President. Unfortunately, Chris suffered a fall soon afterwards. Consequently, he was not able to complete his planned tour including a scheduled February 2019 date at the Floral Pavilion New Brighton which I had contemplated attending.  - David Evans

08/03/21 - Gerry Duckles' funeral will take place on Friday at Lancaster Crematorium at 2-30pm
 

06/03/21 -  About to file an obit of Chris Barber in my Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Jazz ( 1986 ) I was amazed to find that he wasn't included, not even in the Appendix. One wonders what criteria is used by compilers to make their selection. In the 1980's Chris Barber was well established, Echoes of Ellington with Wild Bill Davis, a collaboration with John Lewis and even into classical music with Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra and so much more. Not worthy of inclusion ? Well I guess they had to make space for Back Door.....who?   - Bob Lamb

06/03/21 - After a struggle, I've now broken up the lockdown pictures page to a series of smaller pages as my editor couldn't handle one page with more than 60 photographs on it. I've now divided it up into separate pages of approximately 10 photographs each

04/03/21 - Jazz Extravaganza At North West Castle Hotel Stranraer.  New Date: Monday 11th-Wednesday 13th OCT.
 

04/03/21 - I'm sure you know of Nicholas Ball and his great drumming and also historical studies of jazz drummers through the ages. These are recordings by Bill Russell available for the first time! Thought you might be interested. - Geoff Bartholomew
 

03/03/21 - Deco-Delight-Band has now secured its first gig for some time at the Cockerham Village Hall.. 8pm on Saturday 11th September next. Things are getting better! - Peter Eddowes

03/03/21 - Hi Fred,  Have you heard this yet. Some good photos of various jazzers as well as great music. Humphrey Lyttelton - South (Live and never before released). Peter Darwin

03/03/21 - It's Wednesday, and Bert Thomson, our quizmaster, writes, " This week finds quiz No. 50, the second of the band/leader quizzes where the band has to be matched with its leader. I'm glad to see that a third COVID vaccine has been approved in the U.S.--the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine. Since it also requires only regular refrigeration, it should be a boon to many and to many countries. Roll out some more! (I'm a little surprised that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has not received DFA approval here--in fact, we never hear anything about it. What gives?)

03/03/21 - The somewhat dismal grey look to the page for the last 24 hours, was my attempt to reflect the sombre news about Chris Barber. It's back to normal now.

02/03/21 - Having a bit of a clear-up in the garage the other day and I came across a cassette tape that for the life of me I can't think why it should have been there. It was a tape from the Harlem Hot Stompers entitled "Harlem Strut", and what a great find it was, the H,H,S, was always one of my favourite NW Bands.   Jon Critchley wonders if it now entitled to be classed as 'garage music', whatever that it, says Jon. It's now available for you to listen to and I hope you enjoy it as much as I am. Check out No. 19. on The Lost Recordings  If you see a message about virus scanning, don't worry it's just that Google is saying the files is too large to scan but I can assure you it is clean.

02/03/21 -  Chris Barber has died today at the age of 90. I don't think we can say it's sad news because he had a great life doing what he wanted and playing the music he loved. What was sad was that he finished up in a care home with dementia and presumably nobody able to visit him due to Covid restrictions. Nevertheless it is the end of an era, and I was just one of many who grew up listening to and loving the recordings he made, starting with Rock Island Line when he played bass, up to his jazz and blues and big band days. It is fair to say that without Chris Barbar and Ken Colyer, this site would never have happened. I will of course be putting up a tribute page, and maybe you could think about how he influenced you and send me your story. I recall going to see him at The Free Trade Hall to a packed house, and to a somewhat smaller house at the Marine Hall in Fleetwood many years later. He still went down a storm. See also Jazz Journal and The Guardian
 

01/03/21 - It was sad news to read about Gerry Duckles, I did a few deputising jobs for Alan in both Tom Culbert's, Quayside Hot Stompers and Barrie Marshall's, Sun Street Stompers when Alan had an operation on his arm/hand what must now be well over 10 years ago. I've also visited and sat in with the band on a Sunday on a few occasions after that. Gerry was always fun to work with and made you feel welcome. Another good one sadly gone. RIP Gerry. - Mark Croasdale