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.
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.
The band originally started as an offshoot of Steve’s school orchestra, and from these early beginnings as a youth band, the passage of time has, after almost fifty years turned the Steve King Big Band into one of the Midlands leading exponents of big band music. The current line-up is an eclectic mix of seasoned pros and semi-pros including some of the brightest sparks in the jazz scene today which helps keep the band at the forefront of the burgeoning big band movement. Since winning a talent competition with a major brewery in the early days, it has gone from strength to strength, appearing at every major venue in the West Midlands playing for concert and dance engagements including several sell out appearances at Ronnie Scott’s. It was amongst the prize winners at the annual Musicians’ Union Big Band Contest an unprecedented nine times, winning outright on two occasions. It has released six bestselling albums including its latest CD, “60 NOT OUT”.
A typical concert will encompass anything from Goodman to Goodwin. With a woodwind section that doubles twenty-six instruments between them and a tuba player and tuned percussionist as part of the regular line-up, this band tackles many charts other bands cannot reach! The demanding concert programme features the best big band music of the last 60 years. Vocals are in the very capable hands of Lynn Dawes who hails from the USA. Lynn has appeared on four of the band’s albums and has proved a big hit with audiences throughout the UK.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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!
