Diary

The Jazzaholics continue a tradition that has been decades in the making. In the days before The Beatles became famous, Trad Jazz was in the charts and it fuelled a youth movement that danced, enjoyed and learned about the American music of the 1920's-40s. They branded it Traditional Jazz. The bands of Acker Bilk (Stranger On The Shore), Kenny Ball (Midnight In Moscow) and The Temperance Seven (You're Driving Me Crazy) sold millions and set the scene for the bands that followed. The Beatles started out as a young band that played the interval set for Acker Bilk at The Cavern Club (which was a jazz club back then) in Liverpool before they hit the big time in 1964. Heady days indeed.

The Jazzaholics have a lineage to that musical tradition.  Formed by banjoist Jim McIntosh in 2007, he was a former member of the popular UK jazz band Phil Mason's New Orleans All-Stars.  ​The Jazzaholics gets the audience's attention from the word go! With a lively repertoire of music from jazz giants King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Kid Ory, George Lewis, Gospel/Spiritual numbers and New Orleans brass band parade tunes also included in our repertoire. The Jazzaholics are full of vitality and musicality - they guarantee a fantastic traditional jazz experience for all.

The Jazzaholics maintain a traditional format of six musicians. Finley Milne (Trumpet), George Simmonds (Trombone *not pictured), Karl Hird (Sax/Clarinet), Baby Jools (Drums), Sean Moyses (Banjo) and   Jim Swinnerton (Double Bass).

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 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 Tim Jones has 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. Whatever we play, the major priority is to entertain the audience but to always maintain a high standard of musicianship and presentation.

Led by Jeremy Huggett on Piano & Vocals the Jazz & Boogie Band does exactly what it says on the tin by playing all your Jazz & Boogie favourites.

The current line-up features some of the UK’s top musicians:-
Jeremy Huggett – piano & vocals
Alex Clarke – saxophones
Kevin Grenfell – trombone, trumpet & vocals
Simon Smith – double bass
Alex Goodyear – drums

This lively and swinging band is great for both listening and dancing, and is guaranteed to give us a foot tapping session of Jazz & Boogie.

As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards, and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021, Alex is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile young reeds players emerging on the British jazz scene. Praised for her extensive repertoire list and intelligent ear for harmony, she brings a youthful, intuitive approach which sounds authentic in a variety of musical settings from New Orleans through to bebop. Alex's sound is steeped in the tradition of jazz; her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in a melodic approach reminiscent of Scott Hamilton and Lester Young. For this afternoon’s session, she will be joined by highly popular Midlands musicians Jez Cook (guitar), Paul Jefferies (bass) and Nick Millward (drums). Expect an afternoon of high-energy swing, featuring a broad programme of mainstream standards through to New Orleans spirituals & British Trad.

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.  As the band name suggests, this band don’t ‘alf swing!  One of the clubs' favourites.

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), Al Swainger (bass), Richard Exall (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.

NB This session will be 12:00 - 13:00 & 13:30 - 14:30 (due to venue availability)

The Dragons started life as Johnny Everett’s Red Dragons.  Since the very sad passing of John, Barbara, his late wife has kept his memory alive in the music he played and loved.

There are four original members of the Dragon Band; John Bodenham (clarinet & soprano sax) who started his jazz career 60 years ago with the Side Stream Jazzband.  Ron Smith (drums) who has comprehensive drumming experience, he came to jazz late, after playing Country & Western and Rock’n’Roll.   He has played alongside Jazz Salon Rouge and The Allsorts in the past.  Permanently at his side in the band is Mark Johnson (double bass & sousaphone).  Other regulars are Dave Deakin (trombone) who started his musical career in silver bands; he joined the Dragons in 2012.  The two ‘new boys’ are the enthusiastic Peter Roberts (banjo), who has played banjo and sung in folk and jazz groups since the '60's with many bands, including Jazz Salon Rouge & Dene River Jazzmen.  John Stone (trumpet) 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.

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.

Jazz Sans Frontières had its origins in a trio, playing mainly for high-budget weddings. Its popularity led to the expansion into the six-piece you hear today. Led by ex-Harlem Bob Caldwell on reeds, with trumpet ace Dave Leithead, we have Avo Avison on trombone. Banjo & guitar are played by John Irwin, bass by Chris Newnham ( both from the “core” trio) and drums by Keith Chaplin. The music is broad-spectrum traditional jazz with many excursions into the mainstream field.

Coming from a family of strong musicians, Carl first started playing the piano when he was 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!

One of our club favourite acts, Carl Sinclair (piano) will make a return visit to us alongside Howard Smith on Drums.

Amended times for this gig 12:00 - 13:00 & 13:15 - 14:15 (apologies for this change but out of our control)

The Jake Leg Jug Band bring you the authentic sounds of 1920's and 30's America - Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Ragtime - and put their own twist on it. Songs of murder, betrayal, gambling, liquor and redemption.
Signing to one of the UK's most prestigious Jazz labels ‘Lake Records’ they recorded albums as part of the 'Vintage Recording Project' essentially recording all live around ribbon microphones, as it would have been back in the 1930’s. Four albums released in five years; ‘Cotton Mouth’, ‘Next Stop!’ ‘Everythin's Jake’ and ‘Break a Leg’ all met with rave reviews;​
"A masterpiece of nostalgic music. The band display real virtuosity and create a wonderful sound that will be hard for any other band to repeat"  Folk North West
"Expert musicianship and great arrangements....highly recommended"  Just Jazz
"Instrumental virtuosity. Very enjoyable, very listenable"  Blues & Rhythm
"A wonderful album. Expert musicianship and superb arrangements"  Fatea
"Good time music from a good-time group"  The Jazz Rag​
January 2020 saw the release of album number 6, 'Goodbye Booze' which commemorates 100 years since the start of the American prohibition, again released on the Green Bullet label. ​
The line up is:
Duncan Wilcox (Vocals & Double Bass)
Neil Hulse (Vocals & Guitar)
Liam Ward (Vocals, Harmonica, Jug & Stomp Box)
Bryony-Rose (Vocals & Washboard)

The Jazzaholics continue a tradition that has been decades in the making. In the days before The Beatles became famous, Trad Jazz was in the charts and it fuelled a youth movement that danced, enjoyed and learned about the American music of the 1920's-40s. They branded it Traditional Jazz. The bands of Acker Bilk (Stranger On The Shore), Kenny Ball (Midnight In Moscow) and The Temperance Seven (You're Driving Me Crazy) sold millions and set the scene for the bands that followed. The Beatles started out as a young band that played the interval set for Acker Bilk at The Cavern Club (which was a jazz club back then) in Liverpool before they hit the big time in 1964. Heady days indeed.

The Jazzaholics have a lineage to that musical tradition.  Formed by banjoist Jim McIntosh in 2007, he was a former member of the popular UK jazz band Phil Mason's New Orleans All-Stars.  ​The Jazzaholics gets the audience's attention from the word go! With a lively repertoire of music from jazz giants King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Kid Ory, George Lewis, Gospel/Spiritual numbers and New Orleans brass band parade tunes also included in our repertoire. The Jazzaholics are full of vitality and musicality - they guarantee a fantastic traditional jazz experience for all.

The Jazzaholics maintain a traditional format of six musicians. Finley Milne (Trumpet), George Simmonds (Trombone *not pictured), Karl Hird (Sax/Clarinet), Baby Jools (Drums), Sean Moyses (Banjo) and   Jim Swinnerton (Double Bass).

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.

Sarah relocated back to the UK in January of 2017 and has been continuing to lead her ‘Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band’ on both sides of the Atlantic, in Europe and in the USA.  She has also joined the long-established, Bob Dwyer’s Bix and Pieces band and is the other member of the front line of Mike Owen’s exciting and wonderful Scarlette’s Serenaders, which also performs internationally.  In addition to these, she is guesting with many other bands all across the UK and Europe.

Sarah Spencer's Transatlantic Band performs powerful New Orleans jazz in the tradition of the great Revival.  Drawing influence from bands of that era, as well as taking influence from more modern New Orleans music, blues, rhythm and blues and the greats of all eras of Jazz and Blues; like Henry 'Red' Allen, Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, Jelly Roll Morton, Big Bill Broonzy, Lonnie Johnson, Louis Jordan, Louis Prima and countless others.

Personnel of the Transatlantic Band are Sarah Spencer (reeds and vocals), Chez Chesterman (trumpet and vocals), Mike Owen (trombone and vocals), Brian Mellor (banjo, guitar and vocals), Tony Sharpe (string bass) and Jools Aldridge (drums).

The Ben Holder Trio is a stellar line-up of incredible musicians, blending an energetic mix of traditional jazz and swing with Ben's own infectious originals, which hark back to the fun and swing of the 1920s and 1930s. The group is one of the most exciting trios to emerge in recent years. Led by the fiery enthusiasm of 26-year-old Ben Holder, who not only wows on violin but also on the keys, the trio is strengthened by the phenomenal Jez Cook on guitar, and the suave talent of Paul Jefferies on double bass.

The Ben Holder Trio masterfully mix old jazz favourites with some more recent material and leave audiences up and down the country shouting for more.

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).

Graham Smith’s JAZZ ALLSORTS - Allsorts of Jazz, played by Allsorts musicians, for Allsorts of tastes. This popular band, led (from the rear) by drummer Graham Smith,  features the trumpet playing of Midland jazz scene stalwart Tony Pipkin, trombonist Dave Deakin, renowned reeds man and ex-member of the Big Chris Barber Band Zoltan Sagi, Simon Smith on bass, Dave Browning on piano keyboard is noted for performing  Classic, New Orleans, Traditional, Swing and Mainstream styles of jazz music that showcase the talents of these experienced musicians too set your feet tapping or taking to the dance floor.

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!  An excellent band hailing from the Midlands in the New Orleans style of playing dance hall music which is great for dancing to, as well as listening to.  Fantastic line up….. Mike Owen (trombone), Sarah Spencer (sax, clarinet), Spats Langham (banjo, guitar), Malcolm Sked (double bass, tuba) & Graham Smith (drums). CANT WAIT!!!

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.

Coming from a family of strong musicians, Carl first started playing the piano when he was 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!

One of our club favourite acts, Carl Sinclair (piano) will make a return visit to us alongside Howard Smith on Drums.

Are you looking for the best jazz and swing from the last century? The girls of Lady be Good have it covered.  From Ella Fitzgerald through to Caro Emerald, and Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble, we just love to play your favourite songs. Featuring the unforgettable vocal talents of Lynne Dawes and Joe Greaves, don't forget your dancing shoes!

The Dart Valley Stompers was formed by Jeremy in July 2005 with the aim of playing lively, exciting music in the Traditional and New Orleans styles of jazz.  Since its formation the band has proved to be hugely successful with a strong following throughout the UK.  The Dart Valley Stompers is one of the most popular and busiest bands in the country regularly performing to capacity audiences at Jazz Clubs and Festivals both in the UK and abroad.  The front line features Jeremy Huggett on tenor sax, soprano sax, clarinet & vocals, Graham Trevarton on trumpet & vocals, and Kevin Grenfell on trombone & vocals. The hard-driving rhythm section includes Howard Williams on banjo & guitar, Keith Tolley on double bass and Chris Stockings on drums. The band’s repertoire is firmly rooted in traditional & New Orleans jazz and is guaranteed to get your feet tapping and stomping – definitely a band not to be missed!

The Jazzaholics continue a tradition that has been decades in the making. In the days before The Beatles became famous, Trad Jazz was in the charts and it fuelled a youth movement that danced, enjoyed and learned about the American music of the 1920's-40s. They branded it Traditional Jazz. The bands of Acker Bilk (Stranger On The Shore), Kenny Ball (Midnight In Moscow) and The Temperance Seven (You're Driving Me Crazy) sold millions and set the scene for the bands that followed. The Beatles started out as a young band that played the interval set for Acker Bilk at The Cavern Club (which was a jazz club back then) in Liverpool before they hit the big time in 1964. Heady days indeed.

The Jazzaholics have a lineage to that musical tradition.  Formed by banjoist Jim McIntosh in 2007, he was a former member of the popular UK jazz band Phil Mason's New Orleans All-Stars.  ​The Jazzaholics gets the audience's attention from the word go! With a lively repertoire of music from jazz giants King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Kid Ory, George Lewis, Gospel/Spiritual numbers and New Orleans brass band parade tunes also included in our repertoire. The Jazzaholics are full of vitality and musicality - they guarantee a fantastic traditional jazz experience for all.

The Jazzaholics maintain a traditional format of five musicians. Kevin Grenfell  (Trombone), Karl Hird (Sax/Clarinet), Baby Jools (Drums), Warren James (Banjo) and   Jim Swinnerton (Double Bass).

Cadillac Xpress is the newest band to drive into town playing a mixture of Jazz, Jump Jive & Swing and some Rock & Roll favourites.

Led by Jeremy Huggett on saxes, keyboards & vocals the band features Kevin Grenfell (trombone, trumpet & vocals), Luke Adams (guitar), Simon Smith (bass) and Alex Goodyear (drums).

The exciting, lively sound and the versatility of the band appeals to audiences of all ages making Cadillac Xpress one of the most popular bands in the UK and ideal for both listening & dancing.

They brought the house down at the last Bude Jazz Festival so make sure you come along and hitch a ride with Cadillac Xpress.