The Mercia Jazz Five began life in 1984. It was started by a group of jazzmen who had previously played mainly traditional jazz, but who had always enjoyed, appreciated and wanted to play music from the swing era.
The band in the past had usually consisted of trumpet, saxes & clarinet, guitar, double bass and drums but has at times also included trombone or piano.
The numbers that the band play have been taken from mainly the repertoires of bands such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman and the small groups drawn from these bands, featuring players such as Lester Young, Johnny Hodges, Buck Clayton, Cootie Williams, Harry Edison, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster & Gene Krupa.
This quintet has been fortunate enough to play as a resident band every second Tuesday of every month at the Bournville Social Club and every third Wednesday of the month at the Trumpet, High St. Bilston. Next week they adorn our stage; we look forward to welcoming them.