Diary

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.

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.

We offer a choice of band size to suit any occasion. 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.

ROBIN MASON – clarinet & saxes
JON STONE – trumpet & vocals
RON HILLS – trombone
PETER ROBINSON – banjo & guitar
BOB BOUCHER – bass
JIM HARNEY – drums

This Midlands based band formed over 20 years ago with some members from the Hazel Slade Big Band are sure to give pleasurable entertainment. Their repertoire is vast and varied and they present in a light-hearted fashion with some banter between Jon & Robin. They really are a little big band!

Bev Pegg and his Railroad Skiffle Group. The likely line-up is Bev Pegg - vocal / guitar, Pete Hartley - violin, John O'Connor - double bass and Ken Wright - drums.

Pete Hartley: - Bromsgrove - A wonderful violinist who in between his many gigs is famous for his busking attributes all around the Midlands. He previously played with Jon Hiseman and Barbara Thompson. He won the New Faces TV Show in 1987. He has performed for famous people such as Bill Clinton, Bertie Ahern, Princess Anne, and Joanna Lumley. He also used to play whilst riding a Unicycle, but sticks to two wheels these days.

The formation of Slide By Slide is the brainchild of Kevin Grenfell who has enrolled the musical talents of fellow trombonist Richard Leach, and in the rhythm section a dazzling array of musicianship with Graham Smith on drums, John Fellows on bass and Rod Kelly on piano. The texture and timbre of Kevin and Richard’s individual playing styles give their repertoire a depth and tone that’s sure to please, with titles ranging from the traditional songbook through to the contemporary. Whether dancing, listening or singing along, Slide By Slide has something for everyone.

The Midlands based Millennium Eagle Jazz Band emerged as a direct result of the demise of the very popular Eagle Jazz band in 2005. The Millennium Eagle Jazz Band sports a healthy combination of youth and experience; Pete Brown (trumpet and valve trombone) and Brian Lawrence (bass) were both long serving members of the 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. Young Drummer Jack Cotterill has added youthful vigor to the engine room to allow the band to fire on all cylinders when required, along with Chris Etherington (banjo) and Andy Holdorf (trombone).The collective experience amassed by the current line-up includes top UK theme parks, cruise liners, major UK and European Jazz Festivals and Radio and Television broadcasts.

People are surprised when I tell them I play completely by ear!

Coming from a family of strong musicians, I first started playing the piano when I was six years old. I 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, I switched to a teacher that gave me more direction on improvisation, jazz and pop. By the age of eighteen, I'd mastered the art of playing boogie woogie piano - relying on a strong left hand and a quick technique.

Since 2007, I have become one of the resident pianist at Jools Holland's live music venue 'The Jam House' in Birmingham. I'm also very privileged to have performed at some of the countries top music festivals and theatres. I've played at countless weddings and private parties - and even done a few for some celebrities!

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!