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.
Archives: Events
Martinique
Established nearly thirty 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.
Washington Whirligig
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) & Andy Henderson (trumpet & vocal).
Hot Banana
Hot Banana performs all your personal favourites across the musical divides. Particularly, music of the 50s and 60s, Jump Jive, Boogie Woogie and Swing. Hot Banana creates echoes of the great Louis Prima and Louis Jordan whilst embracing the energy ever present in Rhythm ‘n’ Blues. Hot Banana’s performances are bound to please, with an exuberant and visual stage presence, infectious feel-good humour and dazzling musicianship for all to enjoy.
All of these qualities have helped Hot Banana to establish in a very short time, the glowing reputation it enjoys whenever they perform. Hot Banana’s sole ambition is to provide high quality entertainment. The band’s ensemble is made up of extremely qualified and experienced musicians and soloists, who pride themselves in the knowledge that a full entertainment package is theirs to deliver, and yours to enjoy.
Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band
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. Sarah worked for a while for 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.
Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band
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. Sarah worked for a while for 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.
Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants with Paul Harrison (Denmark)
Kevin Grenfell is back with his Jazz Giants! All of Kevin’s fine musicians have appeared at our jazz club over the years in different bands and under several names, this time they come together and appear with his Jazz Friends, of whom they are! No name, no pack drill applies! The Jazz Friends play a mixture of Traditional & Mainstream Jazz with a hint of Blues so there’s going to be something for everyone – this is definitely a session not to be missed!
Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants
Kevin Grenfell is back with his Jazz Giants! All of Kevin’s fine musicians have appeared at our jazz club over the years in different bands and under several names, this time they come together and appear with his Jazz Friends, of whom they are! No name, no pack drill applies! The Jazz Friends play a mixture of Traditional & Mainstream Jazz with a hint of Blues so there’s going to be something for everyone – this is definitely a session not to be missed!
Hot Tamales
A long awaited comeback to the jazz scene, Richard Bennett will front this Hot Tamales Band with Baby Jools, Warren James and Simon Smith.
A session not to be missed, history in the making!
Carl Sinclair Duo
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.