Diary

The Dragons started life as Johnny Everett’s Red Dragons. Sadly, Johnny left us to join the Great Jazz Band in the Sky over a year ago. Babs, his widow, has kept the band going with her enthusiasm for the band and jazz in general. She is to be seen all over the jazz circuit.

There are four original members: JOHN BODENHAM, clarinet and soprano sax, who started his jazz career 60 years ago with the Side Stream Jazzband; he took a long break and then was in at the start of Graham Smith’s Allsorts which developed into the Red Dragons.  On drums is RON SMITH, who has comprehensive drumming experience, he came to jazz late, after playing Country & Western and Rock’n’Roll; he’s played Jazz Salon Rouge and The Allsorts).  Permanently at his side in the band is MARK JOHNSON, on bass & sousaphone; he played with The Allsorts in the early 90's, later joining the Red Dragon Jazzmen. He’s played with Jazz Salon Rouge, Eureka Jazz and Sheila Fawkes; he’s an all-rounder, playing also in folk, brass & dance bands & theatre pit orchestras).  Other regulars are our versatile trombonist, DAVE DEAKIN, who started his musical career in silver bands; he joined the Dragons in 2012. Also playing sousa and bass, he can be seen in many bands on the jazz circuit, including The Sopranos, The Eagle, Apex jazz & Swing). The two ‘new boys’ are the enthusiastic PETER ROBERTS, who’s played banjo and sung in folk and jazz groups since the '60's with many bands, including Jazz Salon Rouge & Dene River Jazzmen where he met trumpeter, JON STONE who joined the Dragons after supporting Johnny through his illness. Ex- Denise Lawrence’s Storeyville Tickle, he’s been a muso on trumpet and bass for 67 years; you’d think he’d be better by now!
The style of the band is best described as Dixieland. There are items from the ‘Trad’ repertoire but their developing repertoire also features some more unusual items from the Golden Era of jazz.

The formation of Slide By Slide was the brainchild of Kevin Grenfell (trombone and trumpet) who has enrolled the musical talents of fellow trombonist Richard Leach to accompany him to form the legend known as Slide by Slide.  In the rhythm section a dazzling array of musicianship with Graham Smith (drums), Simon Smith (double bass) and Simon Hughes (piano).

Kevin is more than pleased to have their services as they are all busy musicians with various bands (no names, no pack drill), and their individual CVs would fill a page by itself.  Always a club favorite with lots of great music and many laughs along the way.

Scarlette's Serenaders are named after Mike Owen's daughter, their repertoire includes jazz standards, old popular songs, and pretty much any songs they happen to like on the day itself!
A lively and driving band from the Midlands in the New Orleans style of playing dance hall music which is great for dancing to, as well as listening to.

Enrico Tomasso started playing trumpet at the tender age of six years old, and almost immediately started to learn Louis Armstrong phrases after his tutor turned up with a book of Louis Armstrong hot breaks.  His tutor also taught Enrico embouchure and technique, which has stood him in great stead to become the award winning player he is today. From an outstandingly talented family in the performing arts and music, Enrico’s father would often transcribe pieces for him to play and many a time football and games was the last in line after trumpet practice. 

Fret and Fiddle have come a long way since forming in 2001 as a duo making their mark as a tribute to Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Since those early days playing at small folk and blues clubs and experimenting with their repertoire, they have enjoyed over a decade of success as a trio, winning awards such as Stafford Jazz Society's “Band of the Year” and producing over four albums of material.

The co-founders of the group, professional violinist Sally Minchin and guitarist Andy Bole, embarked on their project “Grappelli Swing” in 2014 to wide critical acclaim playing as a five-piece line up on their'' UK tour.  Now they have added an exciting new dimension to the band and are joined by the phenominally talented        Steve Street on drums, Rich Hughes on piano and Simon Smith on double bass.

Prepare to be dazzled by Fret and Fiddle's show which takes you through the swing music of the 1920's, the blues, americana, folk, gypsy and some foot-tapping fiddle tunes. Come and hear songs from the shows such as “Anything Goes by Cole Porter,” sing along to old hits like “I Can't Give you Anything but Love” and prepare to be dazzled by Andy's greek bouzouki playing! This versatile and entertaining group even throw in a few refreshingly individual songs by the likes of Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen, making certain that there is something in every show to delight everyone in every audience. Fret and Fiddle have just released their new album “J'Attendrai” which has been making waves locally and nationally and their track “Pennies from Heaven” has already been played as part of BBC Introducing on local BBC radio.

UK born and bred Wendy Kirkland is a world class jazz pianist and vocalist.  Her debut album 'Piano Divas' made such an impact when it was released in March 2017 that it was immediately snapped up for distribution by Discovery Records.  It also made the Album of the Week slot twice in one year on The Jazz UK radio, shortly followed by overwhelming critical acclaim from the national mainstream and jazz press. More airplay of the album followed on Clare Teal's Radio 2 show, Alyn Shipton's Jazz Record Requests on Radio 3, Helen Mayhew's shows on JazzFM and latterly BBC Radio Scotland by Clare Teal's Scottish counterpart Seonaid Aitken.  All have noted her swinging style, equally as adept with the Great American Songbook as with Brazilian bossa nova and her own original songs.  Described as "the unsung heroine of British Jazz" by esteemed jazz critic Ian Mann and "mellow and stylish" by Clive Davis of the Sunday Times, Wendy will be performing songs from her album which contains fresh arrangements of songs made famous by jazzwomen who started out as pianists then learned to serenade the audience too, as Wendy has done. These include Diana Krall, Eliane Elias, Shirley Horn, Nina Simone and Blossom Dearie. Wendy tells the story of these women and how they inspired her to strive to become the UK's leading exponent of jazz piano and voice, with equal merit in both.  Wendy is joined by a band who have performed with the UK's top jazz players as well as US stars such as Darius Brubeck.  Pat Sprakes (guitar), Paul Jefferies (double bass) and Steve Wyndham (drums).

This highly popular and talented band is comprised of leading musicians in their field each of whom have a long standing history of playing traditional and popular jazz.  With a high standard of musicianship and a touch of humour the band will provide first class entertainment.  Their music is drawn mainly from popular composers and date from a period of between 1900 and 1950 in a Traditional style along with numbers from the swing era including Sinatra type compositions.  The band is West Midlands / Shropshire based and covers adjacent counties that include Worcestershire, Staffordshire Herefordshire and Warwickshire with occasional excursions further afield.

A seven piece band playing the old style New Orleans jazz.  Recreating the music of the crescent city, be it a stomp, blues, hymn, spiritual or pop song of the day.  In the style of the late great, Bunk Johnson, George Lewis and Kid Thomas bands.  Our motto is "helping to keep the real jazz alive".  We travel extensively over the UK & Europe playing jazz clubs, theatres, hotels, jazz festivals, church concerts and private engagements.

The regular seven piece line up is - Richard Church (cornet/trumpet), Dave Vickers (trombone), John Scantlebury or Roger Bird (clarinet/sax), Barry Grummett (piano), Colin Bushell (drums), Harry Slater (bass) and Alan Birkinhead (banjo).

The repertoire covering the music of such names as Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers, The New Orleans Wanderers, Johnny Dodd’s Blackbottom Stompers, Papa Celestin’s Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra, Clarence Williams and King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band. Over the years the Frogs have appeared regularly at Jazz Clubs and venues throughout the United Kingdom and have also performed on numerous occasions in Holland, Belgium, France, Germany and USA. In April 1980, the band travelled to New Orleans and was the only British band to appear at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Returning in 1982, the Mayor of New Orleans conferred the title of ’International Honorary Citizens’ upon the band for its services to the music of the city. The band returned again in 1986 and 1988 receiving a warm and enthusiastic reception.

 The Pedigree Jazz Band are a real tribute to Trad Jazz.  Chris Walker (reeds), Tony Mann (Trombone), Andy Chislett (Trumpet), John Noddings (Banjo & Guitar), Ken Ames or Mike Bennett (double bass) and Colin Larn (drums).

Following an unusual late cancellation from one of our bands, last year we were left with a gaping hole in our diary.  Fortunately, this doesn’t happen very often, so who to ask to “Stand-in?”  The answer was simple………..  How about the Nottingham contingents in Jazz? Unfortunately, due to illness, the four has become a three but we are in for a delight nevertheless, these accomplished and talented musicians from Nottingham shire will grace us with their presence.  These are all familiar faces to Jazzamatazz.  Richard Smith (Guitar),  Steve Peters (Double Bass) and Matt Palmer (Reeds).  It was a great session, so we are doing it again!  Be there or be square!!

Remi Harris is an exciting guitarist from the UK who's unique style draws inspiration from artists such as Django Reinhardt, Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery, Peter Green and Led Zeppelin. He has performed at Buckingham Palace, Montreal Jazz Festival, BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with Jamie Cullum, on BBC 4 Television and live on BBC Radio 2 & 3.

In his live shows Remi plays an eclectic mix of jazz standards, improvisations, original compositions and new arrangements of his favourite tunes. He plays a variety of acoustic and electric guitars and the shows are interspersed with his commentary about the history of the music and instruments he’s playing.

"extraordinary musician"

Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2

"astonishing stuff"

Cerys Matthews, BBC Radio 6 Music

"Brilliant"

Martin Taylor MBE

"tremendously gifted”

John Etheridge

"Terrific”

The Telegraph

"extraordinary"

R2 Rock'n'Reel Magazine

Tickets for concerts in advance, either enquire at the desk or send a S.A.E. and cheque made payable to Jazzamatazz to Emma Pearse, 1 Long Close Avenue, Allesley Village, Coventry, CV5 9GH.   Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door.

Last year’s session of Sweet and Hot went down a storm, so it was a no-brainer when Jeff & Anne approached the club for a re-booking in this year’s programme.  We are always pleased to give Jeff & Anne Barnhart a warm welcome to our club and we look forward to an eclectic mixture of fantastic jazz, a huge dose of humour and an inexhaustible supply of historical chat and anecdotes.

The band as before will feature Jeff Barnhart on piano, Anne Barnhart on flute and vocals, Graham Smith on the vintage drum kit and Tom ‘Spats’ Langham on banjo and guitar.

Lady be Good is an all-female, saxophone-filled jazz band that brings a touch of class to your event. Think classic swing and jazz from the likes of the Rat Pack, Julie London, Nina Simon and Peggy Lee, plus more modern numbers with our unique twist.  With lush vocals from Kate O'Malley, plus a guest male singer for duets if the occasion calls for it. and a very funky upright bass you've probably never seen or heard anything like Lady Be Good before.  Perfect music to get you up on the dancefloor and keep you there, without overpowering those who just want to sit and tap their feet at the back.

Formed in 2012 Washington Whirligig has quickly gained an enviable reputation for its versatility and professionalism. Catering for all occasions from birthdays and anniversaries to formal dances and corporate entertainment, they have also taken the jazz club scene by storm, earning praise and gaining great reviews wherever they perform. Playing early New Orleans through to driving mainstream jazz, swing and blues, they have a programme for every occasion. All band members are experienced musicians, respected within the industry, ensuring your event will be a memorable day.

“Whirligig by name and by nature, this recently formed band is a joy to both listen to and play with. Their enthusiasm, endeavour and the excitement they create on the bandstand will, in my opinion as an occasional guest member of the band, take them a long way toward their drive to success. As with many other bands, the Alex Welsh Band are among their influences and inspirations, but with one difference, they play with the fire and drive of their idols, missing in so many other “tribute” bands. I will be happy to play with this band as often as they ask me to"

Jim Douglas, guitar and banjo, Alex Welsh Band, 1963 to 1981.

Dave Hepworth (clarinet & tenor sax), Andy Bramall (guitar, banjo & vocal), Rob Cotterell (Drums), Liz Hepworth (bass & vocal) & Wil Robinson (trumpet, flugel horn & vocal).

Established nearly twenty years ago, The Martinique Jazz Band fast became one of the top jazz bands on the local scene in the Midlands.  They have played at many of the premier venues both in the UK and on the continent, and played with many of the top stars in jazz.  Their annual German tour has always gone down well with both the musicians and the audiences.  The Band has also played in Fritzels on Bourbon Street in New Orleans during the Jazz and Heritage Festivals.  After being invited to play at one of the Mayors charity presentations, the whole band were declared "Honorary Citizens of New Orleans!".  The Band refuses to be labelled as a "Dixieland" band and they take pride in playing many different styles of jazz, from King Oliver to King of the Swingers, from Beiderbeck to Brubeck, from Louis Armstrong to Louis Prima through to Louis Jordan.  Their musical repertoire is as broad as it is long.  Many of their numbers will be recognised by even non-jazzers but they also continue to play lesser-heard obscurities because of their unique musical value. The play-list includes, Old Classic Jazz, Blues, Show Tunes, Sinatra and some good old swingers but the main aim is to send people home very happy.

The Amy Roberts/Richard Exall Quintet features two of the most exciting and versatile musicians on the jazz scene today.  Both multi-instrumentalists, they perform an eclectic range of high octane music on a range of clarinets, saxophones and flute.  With inspiration drawn from the all-time heroes of reed players, Amy Roberts and Richard Exall perform well crafted arrangements that pay homage to Johnny Hodges, Lester Young, Earl Bostic, Benny Goodman, Eddie 'Lockjaw" Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker and many more.

Together, Richard Exall and Amy Roberts have produced a product that successfully crosses the traditional divides of the jazz world, performing melodic and intricate arrangements that wow audiences and appeal to listeners of all styles of music.  The Quintet were voted "Band of the Year" at the end of 2014 by Rochdale Jazz Society, and have continued to go from strength to strength! One particular highlight was their tour to Sweden which included performances at the Hallevik Jazz Festival to sell-out crowds.

Amy and Richard have recorded 2 albums together, "Why Not", and most recently, "Hodge-Stic".  The current line-up features Amy Roberts (flute, clarinet & alto sax), Richard Exall (clarinet, tenor & alto saxes, vocals, arranger), Bill Coleman (double bass), David Ferris (piano) and Nick Millward (drums).

The band has established itself as one of the most respected and entertaining outfits on the British jazz scene, with their adventurous and eclectic repertoire gaining plaudits wherever they perform. Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends have recently headlined at Upton On Severn Jazz Festival, Pershore Jazz Festival, Teignmouth Jazz Festival, Birmingham Jazz Festival, Bromyard Music Festival, Jazz On a Summer’s Day in Blisworth, Wellingborough Jazz Festival, Wantage Jazz Club, Olney Jazz Club, Carlton Music Festival and at The Spice of Life Jazz Club, one of London’s top jazz venues.  The band comprise of Tad Newton (trombone/vocal), Alan Haughton (piano), Ronnie Fenn (drums), Tomas Pedersen (bass), Mike Wills (reeds) and one of London's top young jazz players as a special guest Lester Brown (trumpet/flugelhorn).  This poses to be a fantastic session, one that will be remembered for many weeks to come.

This Midlands based band was formed over 20 years ago with some members from the Hazel Slade Big Band.  They always promise to please the audience with some fabulous numbers from a varied repertoire.  Presented in a light hearted fashion with some banter between Jon & Robin. They really are a little big band!  Tunes from W C Handy, The Ellington Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie, Django Reinhardt to name just a few.  A s the band name suggests, this band don’t ‘alf swing!  One of the clubs favourites.

The Eagle Jazz Band founded in 1951 delighted audiences worldwide for an amazing fifty-four years, one of the oldest formed bands in the UK.  The band sports a healthy combination of youth and experience, Pete Brown (trumpet cornet and valve trombone) and Brian Lawrence (Bass and Sousaphone) were both long serving members of the original Eagle Jazz Band after initially forging their musical partnership in the Potteries based Mardi Gras Society Band during the 1970s.  Matt Palmer (clarinet & saxes) joined in 2004, having worked extensively with Pete at Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire. Drummer   Julyan “Baby Jools” Aldridge (drums) has returned to the fold and added vigour to the engine room to allow the band to fire on all cylinders when required.  Along with            Brian Mellor (banjo and guitar) and Terry Williams (trombone, drums & vibes).  The collective experience amassed by the current line-up includes top UK theme parks, river cruises cruise liners, major UK and European Jazz Festivals and Radio and Television broadcasts. The wide repertoire is drawn from popular songs from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s; Classic Jazz compositions by King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton Sydney Bechet and Duke Ellington plus New Orleans Marches, Rags, Stomps, Blues, Swing and instrumental features.  All band members are multi-instrumentalists, enabling us to play a variety of different sounds and styles each played in a happy, entertaining manner, many featuring vocals.

Kevin Grenfell (Trombone) is a first-class trombonist with a great sense of humour.  He has put together a fine all-star band, including guest stars, touring in the area.  Joining Kevin for this date is our club favourite Paul Harrison, who has graced our stage and dazzled us with his musicality on many occasions.  Whomever joins Kevin and Paul on this gig is sure to deliver an entertaining, high octane, harmonious and enjoyable afternoon.

Inspired by the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Most Gypsy Jazz bands today consist entirely of stringed instruments.  Django, however, also later recorded with accordionist Gus Viseur and various clarinettists, including Hubert Rostaing.  Our quartet follows this lead with a line-up of accordion, clarinet, guitar and double bass, playing well-known HCF numbers as well as more contemporary Gypsy Jazz numbers.

A return visit by popular demand of this great band lead by Ron Hills who is considered by jazz fans as one the UK's finest trombonists.

This swinging, six-piece unit includes some of the Midlands most respected jazz musicians led by the wonderful Ron Hills (trombone), alongside Tony Pipkin (trumpet & flugel horn), Terry Roberts (saxophones).

In the rhythm section, are club favourites Roy Dutton (drums), Roger Heath (double bass) and Rod Kelly (piano).  Who all pay a respectful tribute to some of greatest icons of 1930's and 40's jazz and popular music, when swing really was king!

Baby Jools is part of the new youth movement in old school New Orleans jazz. The Gloucester musician has spent much of his time as the drummer with Jim McIntosh and Max Collie, but the Jazzaholics have now been together for several years, thereby strengthening his own leadership duties.  Baby Jools started playing drums at the age of six, rumbling around to the accompaniment of his father’s record collection. By the age of 17, he’d already joined our locally-based Millennium Eagle Jazz Band.  He favours the authentically clunky sound of the 1920s and 30s, emphasising his collection of woodblocks and rolling out a particularly resonant snare and bass drum clatter. The Jazzaholics repertoire differs from most such outfits as they’re very likely to throw in a large shot of rock’n’roll. This club session should certainly guarantee a strutting and spinning Sunday afternoon.  Baby Jools (drums), Mike Owen (trombone), Denny Illet (trumpet), Jim Swinnerton (double bass), Karl Hird (reeds) and Brian Mellor (banjo and guitars).

One of our club favourite acts, Carl Sinclair (piano) will make a return visit to us alongside Howard Smith on Drums to help us kick the Christmas spirit into a swinging time.

Carl comes from a family of strong musicians he first started playing the piano when he was only six years old.  He had classical lessons to the age of twelve (just listening and learning to copy the sounds) and went on to win 'Young Musician of the Year'.  A few years later, he switched to a teacher that gave more direction on improvisation, jazz and pop.  By the age of eighteen, he'd mastered the art of playing boogie-woogie piano - relying on a strong left hand and a quick technique.  Since 2007, he has become one of the resident pianist at Jools Holland's live music venue 'The Jam House' in Birmingham.  But he’s also very privileged to have performed at some of the country’s top music festivals and theatres and at countless weddings/private parties - and even done a few for some celebrities!

Hot Fingers welcomes you to an eclectic mix of vintage acoustic music.  As well as the red hot jazz of 1920’s New York, there will be sophisticated 1930’s Swing. The band re-create the ‘French Coffee House’ sound of the king of gypsy swing Django Reinhardt, the blues guitars of Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson, and the syncopated Latin rhythms of Argentinean Oscar Aleman, this is mixed with vocals from the song-writing greats, crooners such as Bing Crosby and Al Bowlly, and hokem from the likes of Cliff ‘Ukulele Ike’ Edwards.  From Jump-Jive to swing, from the Charleston to Bossa-Nova, Hot Finger’s wide range of styles and rhythms makes them popular with both sit-down audiences and dancers alike.  The band comprises Spats Langham (banjo, guitar, ukulele), Danny Blyth (bass clarinet, guitar) and Malcolm Sked (sousaphone, double bass).  They will be joined by the superb vocalist Emily Campbell who adds a touch of class with her plaintive vocals, drawing inspiration from the likes of Peggy Lee and Ella Fitzgerald.

This highly popular and talented band is comprised of leading musicians in their field each of whom have a long standing history of playing traditional and popular jazz.  With a high standard of musicianship and a touch of humour the band will provide first class entertainment.  Their music is drawn mainly from popular composers and date from a period of between 1900 and 1950 in a Traditional style along with numbers from the swing era including Sinatra type compositions.  The band is West Midlands / Shropshire based and covers adjacent counties that include Worcestershire, Staffordshire Herefordshire and Warwickshire with occasional excursions further afield.

Christmas Party Fun.  Mince pies, crackers, surprise present raffle, Christmas Hamper Raffle draw, and lots of fun.

Tickets for concerts in advance, either enquire at the desk or send a S.A.E. and cheque made payable to Jazzamatazz to Emma Pearse, 1 Long Close Avenue, Allesley Village, Coventry, CV5 9GH.   Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door.

Kevin Grenfell (Trombone) is a first-class trombonist with a great sense of humour.  He has put together a fine all-star band, including guest stars, touring in the area.  Whomever joins Kevin and Jeremy on this gig is sure to deliver an entertaining, high octane, harmonious and enjoyable afternoon.