Old News Items

29/06/09 - "Fred - thanks for the Dickie Hawdon piece. I knew Hawdon well in the days when he played with Don Rendell - post trad days! They had a residency at the London Jazz Centre - London's first 7-days a week venue. He was a super guy and loved all branches of "our" music. A fine musician. Best wishes". - Brian Harvey

28/06/09 - I've been told this weekend that trumpeter Dickie Hawdon has died. Born in 1927 in Leeds, Dickie Hawdon played trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor horn, string bass and cello. He started as a traditionalist in the late 1940s when he formed the Yorkshire Jazz Band, and then he went to London in 1951 and played with Chris Barber and the Christie Brothers Stompers. It was with the Terry Lightfoot band that I first came across Dickie Hawdon. On a CD called "British Traditional Jazz Collection Volume 1" there is a 12 bar blues track called "Dave's Departure", written by Dickie, and a number which made the hairs stand up on my back with the beautiful harmonising of trumpet and clarinet by Hawdon & Lightfoot. I've reproduced it on the Home page as a tribute to Dickie. In the late 90's I was lucky to make email contact with Dickie Hawdon and we had some good chats. John Westwood tells me from Spain, "The 'Dave' referred to in the 'Departure' was indeed our Dave Stevens, and it marks his departure for Oz - where he's lived ever since, but does a 'World tour' each year. He's here again in Sept. and gig-organising goes on apace as you can imagine. He'll be spending a couple of weeks in the UK early Oct. - you might perhaps make this fact known to the News-readers, some of whom may remember Dave from when he, in the '50s, played with Dickie Hawdon's Band, then Mick Mulligan, Sandy Brown and most famously, Alexis Korner right into when he set up his 'Blues Incorporated'. I'm sure a get-together would be popular all round!

27/06/09 - John Hallam will be joining The Wirrorleans at the Freshfields Hotel, Freshfields, Formby, on Friday 31st July. It's a ticket only venue, and tickets at £5 are available from the Freshfields hotel or phone 01704 874871

27/06/09 - I've just added an article from the June edition of Just Jazz Magazine about Jazzy Joan Lawton, which was written by Derek Winters. Derek, currently living in Cornwall, lived for many years in the North of England and in fact he still think of it as "home" and that's from someone born in London! Derek says, "My six or so years with the Donohoe Band, and earlier a similar time with The Heritage Hall Stompers, are looked back with great affection. Living here, about eight miles from Lands End, may seem a little off the scene by here we have a Jazz Club every Sunday so please tell anyone coming down here on holiday they will be made most welcome, just email me and let me know. This week-end I have put together a band with Ian Wheeler and Gabriel Gadd (coming down for London) so it should be good. I play mostly in Sweden and Denmark, a long way from Cornwall but that's another story".

27/06/09 - Apparently, Jamie, who runs the Robert Gillow in Lancaster has reluctantly taken the decision to cancel all other Monday night music bookings APART from Sue Parish's regular last Monday of the month slot... as long she continues to pull an audience. Sue will be joined by the astonishing talents of Andrzej Baranek (piano) and Frank Grime (bass), for another night of jazz exploration this Monday, so in view of the current situation, I'm sure Sue would be extra pleased to see everybody, and all support would be appreciated. I'm told that The Gillow has also got a great drinks promotion running on Mondays... So you may even get some free beer!

26/06/09 - Following on from their successful night on the 5th of this month, Annie's Saints and Sinners have another booking at the Egerton Arms, Chelford on Friday 17th July starting at 8.30pm. Annie tells me that "We had an appreciative audience and the landlord was delighted! Long might it last!".

26/06/09 - The New Riverside Jazz Band residency at The Park Hotel has come to an end. The good news is that their residency at the Britannia Hotel has been extended. They will now play there on all the odd Thursdays in the month, i.e. the 1st and 3rd, and they will also play on the 5th Thursday whenever there is one.

25/06/09 - This coming Sunday sees a great treat for Merseysiders. Isabel Toner & Malcolm Hogarth are both "special guests" at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton for the Tony Davis Band's monthly bash. It's a 12.30pm start and I think you need to get there early for a good seat. Billy Edwards, Dave Lee, Andrew MacKenzie and John Blackman complete the instrumental line-up and Tony Davis will, as usual, be singing and compering the Show. Refreshments are available I'm told..

24/06/09 - "We've just returned from a holiday at Abersoch. We went for the Jazz festival & decided to stay on. The festival was superb and we are sure that we have witnessed the brilliant trumpet playing of a future Jazz genius. We saw Jamie Brownfield-still just 17years old-performing at five different venues culminating in a guest appearance with the Oriental jazz band from Holland. There was a wonderful reception to his solo playing followed by a spontaneous rousing cheer when he returned to his seat in the audience. We were so impressed we have decided to go to see him at the Wigan International Jazz festival in July, Where he will be playing two gigs with his own band. At the same digs as us ,someone staying commented on the amazing progress he has made in 12 months. Well done Jamie. We have already booked our digs for 2010". - Ken & Jean Taylor

24/06/09 - "I'm too busy these days to keep up the flow of information, like what I used to send in. However, I had to pause long enough to respond to the item below (21/06/09). I didn't see Amy and Co at the gig Sue refers to, but I did catch the full Amy Roberts Band at the Claire House Hospice do at Heswall British Legion a couple of weeks ago. To say the whole band was magnificent would be the understatement of the year. Amy's band are at Upton On Severn this weekend, I believe (wish I was), and Amy's new Orleans Men (different line up) will be at Dove Holes next weekend. But wherever you can catch them make sure you catch them. Cheers,". - Fred McCormick. (Thinks, can I go now).

24/06/09 - This week's Juke Box features Paul Harrison from Denmark. Paul is coming to play in the UK in September (see News Item below)

24/06/09 - Paul Harrison, clarinet player from Denmark, and his wife Betina are visiting the UK from 7th to 17th September 2009. John Meehan tells me he is playing with the Savannah Jazz Band at Leeds Jazz Club on the 8th September, and seeing that he was born in Halifax, Yorkshire in 1959, he should feel well at home there. John tells me that he is available for work if any other band would like to invite him. His website is www.harrisonmusic.dk and I can pass on any messages. If you've never heard Paul play, then now's your chance because I've put a stack of his recordings on this week's Juke Box for you to listen to.

24/06/09 - The Roy Potts' Five and a Penny coach to the Upton Jazz Festival is sold out. Roy says, "Sorry to disappoint anyone. Maybe next year".

23/06/09 - There's many a joke about banjos and banjo players, but clicking on this link - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/crime/news/article.cfm?c_id=30&objectid=10580036&ref=rss sent to me by Eric Holroyd, brings a whole new serious perspective to this instrument and its uses.

22/06/09 - "Hi. Fred, We have just had an enjoyable 5 day holiday in North Yorkshire - at Newton-le-Willows (near Leyburn) ! We had a great evening on Tuesday listening to the Wensleydale Stompers at the Bolton Arms, Leyburn. They play there every Tuesday in an upstairs room, 8.30 pm kick-off, admission £1.50. They are a 5-piece band - clarinet, tenor sax / clarinet, keyboard, banjo and string bass, and occasionally have guest musicians. The Black Sheep bitter is very good too. If any jazz fans are taking a holiday in the Leyburn area, we can fully recommend an evening with the Wensleydale Stompers. Best regards.". - Terry Birkinhead. (No they haven't moved Newton Le Willows, there are two of them - Fred)

22/06/09 - Many happy Returns of the day to ex Morris Dancer, photographer, clarinettist, Band Leader and Smart Car driver - Barrie Marshall,

21/06/09 - Whilst swapping emails with Eric Holroyd in Australia, he commented, "I put together a CD of the Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines track of 'Weatherbird' - which is just wonderful. I inputted the ` part at very slow speed, but when played at the correct speed it's phenomenal, and when I play the trumpet part along with it, it's most gratifying. I've actually done that at a couple of festiivals - as a Solo piece in the middle of a band set - and the audience is amazed when I tell that that 'that's me doing the piano part'. Naturally, I don't enlighten them... If you - or any of your readers - want that accompaniment CD just let me know".

21/06/09 - Amy Roberts writes, "Wow... what a lovely review from Sue! It really was a very enjoyable evening, and we're hoping it'll be possible to do more as a trio in the future. Watch this space!".

21/06/09 - "Hello Fred, Thanks for sending this video out, and thanks to John Westwood for circulating it too. I LOVE Manouche, and this young man is GREAT! Unlike too many young players, he doesn't get applause because of his age but because he can really do it! I noted that he started one of his solo choruses with a little quote from 'Entry Of The Gladiators', which prompted me to tell you a little story. There's a very good clarinet player here in Australia who has a great technique and a good jazz feel, but he often puts in too many quotes in his solos - with HIS favourite quote being the very same 'Entry Of The Gladiators'. Several years ago, there was the usual 'mass jam' at a jazz festival and we knew in advance that the last tune would be Tiger Rag. So, we all agreed that when the first break came around we would ALL play 'Entry Of The Gladiators' - but all in different keys! Naturally, this clarinet player had NO idea what was coming, and the look on his face was priceless! The audience all caught on, as they knew of his propensity for 'quoting'. Didn't stop him though, and he's still doing it. Kind regards". - Eric Holroyd

20/06/09 - I'm grateful to John Westwood for passing on this web link from Richard Crook which is a video I'm sure you'll enjoy. It's an eleven year old boy playing gypsy jazz. or "jazz manouche". Makes me wish I'd kept on with my Bert Weedon "Play In A Day" book! Don't forget to stop the piano music before you view it.

20/06/09 - The Hyde Cricket & Squash Club, Werneth Low, jazz gig list has been updated.

20/06/09 - "On Fri evening 26th June, a new venue at the Pack Horse Inn, Elbut Lane, Birtle, off the B6222 on the borders of Bury/Rochdale. Barry Aldous, John Gordon and 2 others will be playing jazz (free) commencing at 9pm.after the serving of meals has ended. Meals are served from 12 noon until 9pm. bookings recommended. Pack Horse Inn 0161 764 3620" - Pam Whoosey

20/06/09 - David Evans past on my latest news email to Eamon Friel who does "The Late Show" on BBC Radio Ulster, with the message - "Here's some North West Jazz News for you to read with a 'My Jukebox' feature compiled by the mercurial Fred Burnett - of 'Four String Eddie' and his band". To which Eamon replied, "Four String Eddie indeed!!!... we did an outside broadcast for my Saturday Radio Foyle show when our Jazz festival was on and I was talking to Linley Hamilton who does a modern jazz show on Radio Ulster... you should have seen his face when I told him that I didn't like unmelodic jazz..."In fact," says I, "I don't like any jazz except TRAD... I'm prepared to tolerate SWING but I think it's Decadent!!!..."You're completely mad", he said... We had a good laugh and it was good radio". David says, "Eamon's short Louis Armstrong feature is 1 hour 10 minutes into his two hour programme". At last, someone in the BBC who actually likes OKOM.

20/06/09 - There's a tribute to the late Mike Turner on The Old Fashioned Love Band web site and you can access it via my Remembering Page via Jazz Extras

20/06/09 - "Hi Fred, I read the piece on the book 'Benny King of Swing ' being available on e-bay but I got there too late. However I have just bought it on Amazon for the amazing price of £2.80 ! I cannot recommend Amazon highly enough for Jazz books and C. D. s. E. G. double C. D. of the New Orleans Rhythm Kings £ 7.99 delivered within 7 days. If anyone is interested there are still copies of the above book available. Get with Amazon. Moe Green. P. S. I promise I am not being paid by Amazon !". - Moe Green

20/06/09 - I have been listening to a CD over and over in the car this last couple of weeks, it's delightful, and lovely acoustics because it was recorded in Bolton Abbey, 7 miles from Skipton in Yorkshire. It was a private recording of the Peter Franks Dixieland Allstars by Dave Morrell, and passed on to me by Ian Royle. I loved Ian's renditions of, "Here, There, and Everywhere", and "The Nearness of You", on a very smooth sounding Flugel Horn. Another interesting number was 'I'm Gonna find another place to hide', a Dave Morrell original. It was a pleasant change to hear something other than standard jazz numbers. It's a pity there isn't more of this in the jazz clubs, but no doubt many would complain I guess. What do you think? Ian told me, "When I write a programme for the band, I always try to put something a bit different in. You can hear 'Bourbon Street' and 'Doctor Jazz' from plenty of bands and no doubt their versions will be 'definitive' so why keep playing them?

20/06/09 - "Hi Fred. Judging by the Les Bull session in the Byres on Thursday (June 18) High Bentham could become a jazz hotspot (fingers crossed). There was an enthusiastic crowd, encouragingly based on the locals, so as the holiday season improves things should get better. Apart from the music there was an excellent shepherds pie supper and plenty of interval gossip. Next session is I think third Thursday in July. I'll try and confirm that. Hope Barbara and yourself are in fine fettle". - Don Bridgewood.

19/06/09 - "Hi Fred, I had the joy of being in the audience at the Amy Roberts/Tom Kincaid/ Jim Swinnerton gig at the Stonewell Tavern in Lancaster last night, (having also been privileged to have sung with them earlier at an afternoon wedding gig). Their evening trio performance was one of the most inspirational and joyful evenings of music making I have heard in a long time. All three played with a skill, energy and enthusiasm that beggared belief, and the audience were understandably captivated. If you could bottle the way being at a gig like that makes you feel you couldn't begin to put a price on it, and we were very lucky indeed to be listening. It still makes me smile every time I think about it. If your readers have seen these marvellous musicians they'll know what I mean, and if they haven't, they should!". - Sue Parish

18/06/09 - A CD popped through the door the other day which had come all the way from Australia. That's the nicest thing about this site, I've made friends all over the world yet hardly met any of them. Bringing together ex pats with some of the musicians that they played with when they were living and playing in the UK is quite rewarding, it's just a pity it sometimes gets left too late, as happened only this week. A group of ex pats that have been in touch with me are Tony West (bjo) who played with the Dallas Jazzband and was a founder member of the Smoky City Six, Gordon Coulson tbn) (from Doncaster, who played with the Confederates and the Sims-Wheeler Band, and Derek Dalton (cnt/tpt/tbn) from Newcastle (Tyneside) who played in the Phoenix Jazz Band in Newcastle and later in the Ken Mackintosh Orchestra. They have joined up down under with another ex pat - Ron Bash (clt + alto) from the Chingford (Essex) area. (he was with the Original East Side Stompers), and together with other musicians they were part of the Kanga Bentley's Hot Foot Seven in Adelaide, Australia. Kanga had to retire through ill health, and the band is now called Gail Kingston's Hot Foot Jazz. It was Gail that sent me the CD CALLED "Can You Tame Wild Women"? and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. Gail has a powerful voice, reminding me in many ways of Otillie Patterson. It made me realise that female jazz singers with that sort of power seem to be few and far between in the North West these days, unless you know different?

17/06/09 - This just in from Jim Lowe, "I have just read a copy of the 'Benny Goodman Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Concert' book by Jon Hancock and can now 'get euphoric about it'. I would place his research alongside that found in the books of John Chilton and Ken Vail and the presentation of the material and photographs is superb. Jon certainly has 'gone a bit' (yes, and rather a lot!) and I would say that he has indeed equalled the standards of the other two works you mentioned, (I have both of them). The mind boggles to think how much time has been put into gathering all the information. Hope you get to read a copy soon".

17/06/09 - This week it's good news for Eddie Condon Fans. The band is featured on My Jukebox which you can access from the Main Menu. This weeks there's 35 records waiting to go on the turntable. Enjoy!

17/06/09 - Before getting too euphoric about Jon Hancock's new book about Benny and the '38 Carnegie Hall event, (15 & 16 inst.) it's worth remembering that back in the late '70s Thames and Hudson Ltd published "Benny - King of Swing" which was "a pictorial biography based on 88 Benny Goodman's own archives" with an introduction (58 pages of it) by Stanley Baron. This contained over 200 illustrations, many in A4 (full-plate) and even A5 format, and a lot of the material, ephemera, etc. covered the '38 concert. And before that there was "B G, On The Record", which was written by Russ Connor and Warren W Hicks back in '69. Mr Hancock is going to have to go a bit (or rather a lot!) to equal the standard of these two definitive works, but his effort must be welcomed - along with all other attempts to ensure that our music doesn't succumb to the BBC and others' efforts to wipe it off the map completely. The photo, I think, says it all............. There's a first edition copy of the T & H going - literally for a song! - on eBay. See Item number: 290303106262. It's a very rare book and this has gotta be a steal!

17/06/09 - There's a special last minute event in Lancaster tomorrow night that should be well worth a visit. Jim Swinnerton, Amy Roberts and Tom Kincaid are getting together at the Stonewell Tavern in Lancaster. They are playing at a wedding in the afternoon and this was an opportunity to make the most of the day by organising an evening gig. The Tavern doesn't tend to put on music before 9-30pm, a bit too late for us to get to, so perhaps you can tell me what I missed if you go.

16/06/09 - A Yamaha Trumpet - Yamaha 8310Z, Bobby Shew Model, has just gone on the Sales Page which you can access via Jazz Extras

16/06/09 - "Hi Fred, I just received the Jon Hancock Benny Goodman Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert book (see 15/06/09), I have had a quick glance through it, 218 pages and bigger than I expected (7.5 x 10) an amazing accomplishment, so much information about one concert and related Goodman information, its full of photographs that I have never seen before and lots and lots of images, this is not just a text exercise, I am not a reviewer this is just my impression before I get down to reading it, all I can say is if you are into Benny Goodman, into swing, into big bands or just a good old jazz book collector this should be on your book shelves as soon as possible, a finely researched and produced book". - Barrie Marshall

16/06/09 - Hi Fred, Isabel and I have also just got back from the Abersoch Jazz Festival. The music was great with so many talented, young musicians. But a fly in the ointment was that Baby Jules' drum kit (all but his bass drum) was stolen from the Golf Club marquee on Saturday night. The till that was taken was, I suspect, the main reason for the break-in and I guess the drum kit was an afterthought. The items taken were an Olympic snare drum and floor tom-tom, and a Stagg tom-tom as well as all his cymbals, stands and drum stool. They were of sentimental value as well as being the tools of his trade, and their condition was 'well worn', so they may well turn up in a 'junk shop' or as second-hand kit in a music store, or even be advertised in the local newspaper somewhere in North Wales, or the North West. I ask everyone to keep an eye open for any of this kit, because it would be great if we could get it back for him, and a double whammy if the low-life that took it got done for the theft. I have more contact details if they are needed". - Malcolm Hogarth (Malcolm has also given me Jules's Mobile No. - FB)

15/06/09 - "Hi Fred, Just got back from Abersoch and you are right about The Savannah!! Saw most of two sessions - most enjoyable! The great thing this year, however, were the young talents guesting with bands here there and everywhere. Jamie Brownfield (cornet), Kate Browning (clarinet) Jack Cotterill (drums) and, the one who got standing ovations, Amy Roberts on reeds and flute. This young lass is a treasure and her session with Jonny Boston was superb". - Norman Gibson

15/06/09 - The postman has just arrived with a fascinating book of jazz cartoons. It's called "It's All About Jazz", and it's been produced by Trevor Hodgson, ex Lancastrian living in Canada and retired Professor of Art and honorary citizen of New Orleans. Trevor, brother-in-law of Sun Street Stompers clarinetist, Barrie Marshall, taught Fine Art at Blackpool Art College, and amongst his students were jazz musicians Dave Lee and Derek Johnson. It contains over 60 cartoons and a little writing of interest to traditional jazz fans and musicians. More details via Jazz Extras or by clicking here.

15/06/09 - I quite like the new Search Engine which has recently arrived on the scene. www.bing.com produces some good results on videos and graphics as well as the normal search facilities.

15/06/09 - "Some good snippets of classic jazz on Walter Love's Radio Ulster Jazz Club of Sunday 14.06.09." - David Evans. You can visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00l5zl3/Jazz_Club_14_06_2009/ to "Listen Again".

15/06/09 - Just had an email from Mike Meddings who produces an amazing site devoted to Jelly Roll Morton at http://www.doctorjazz.co.uk and he tells me that a new book, titled "Benny Goodman : The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert" by Jon Hancock is now available. Full details are at : http://www.bg1938.com/index.html and http://www.bg1938.com/page13.html. He says, " Jon, who lives in Shropshire, has written an excellent book, and the photographs are stunning. Benny Goodman's daughter has praised the book by writing a foreword to the book".

15/06/09 - Peter Fryer tells me that the Merseysippi Jazz Band won't be at Liverpool Cricket Club on 22nd June (Monday), There's a 20-20 cricket match on. Thankfully they will be there again the following week.

15/06/09 - On 14/05/09 - I put an item on the News about George T Moore ex drummer with the "Martello Jazz Band from Belfast who now lives in Spain and has a Sunday Jazz program on local EXITE Radio www.exitefm.com. If you missed it, John Westwood kindly recorded it and you can download the first of the two broadcasts at https://download.yousendit.com/UmNKcHBHcWZvQnZIRGc9PQ. The first one features recordings by Spain's regular visitor from the North West, Ian Royle, with the Peter Frank Dixieland All Stars, recorded at Boston Spa, and also Cheshire's own Salt City Jazzmen. The download will only be available for the next 6 days.

15/06/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to Phil Yates, clarinet player with the Yarrow River Jazz Band and The Rioters Jazz Band.

15/06/09 - "Hi Fred. Readers might like to know about a Radio 4 programme coming up this Saturday 20thJune. It's at 8pm on the Archive on 4 slot entitled "When Courtney met Chris" in which Courtney Pine talks to Chris Barber about his life in jazz. It includes a recently discovered interview with Ottillie Paterson and looks at the role Chris played in bringing over the great American blues singers such as Muddy Waters and Champion Jack Dupree back in the 50's" - Ian Boyes

14/06/09 - The Canal Street Stompers fortnightly residency at Heaton Moor Sports Centre, has come to an end.

14/06/09 - The 'Bargain of the year' - Llandudno Jazz Weekend for just £80, on 16th -18th October 2009, has been added to the list of Jazz Festivals.

12/06/09 - We took Freda Barker, (ex Blakey's Jazz Club promoter), to hear her favourite band at Didsbury Cricket Club last night. It's not difficult to see why The Savannah Jazz Band has become one of the country's favourite bands. Their energy, drive, and ability to take the audience back to their youth through their music, is second to none. Last night saw Johnny Rogers from Norfolk depping with the band, and what a debut he made. His version of 'St Philips St Breakdown', accompanied by Brian (Sam) Ellis on piano was enthusiastically received. Abersoch Jazz Festival is certainly in for a treat this week.

10/06/09 - Unfortunately, what with a holiday backlog and the gardening, I didn't get chance to put a new stack of records on My Jukebox last week. I've now got round to it, and all fans of Kenny Ball will be able to hear a selection of his recordings on My Jukebox page, like Dinah, Georgia Swing, Finger Buster etc., You can access the Jukebox Page from the Main Menu.

10/06/09 - Roger Browne, pianist with Mart Rodger M/cr Jazz, has written, "I am performing this Saturday at Poynton Methodist Church in aid of two charities - one of which is my own chosen cause SENSE. SENSE provide voluntary support to people who are both deaf and blind - can you imagine that ? - No no-one can - by taking adults and children disabled in this way on trips such as horse riding - scented gardens etc and buying tactile books which they learn to read. I am keen to get as many people there as possible - all the takings and raffle prize money will go equally to SENSE and Aid to Ethiopia. More details by clicking here, but anyone can all me on 0161 449 5048 as an alternative.

10/06/09 - There's been very little items of news coming through recently, partly I guess to the burst of sunshine we've been having, it's certainly had me in the garden planting out. However, it hasn't stopped us going out and seeing some great jazz events, including seeing the Guinness band at Tarleton organised by a jazz fan which made over £4,000 towards the church restoration fund, Southport Jazz Festival, for which the main local park & ride facility was withdrawn! (I'm still waiting for a reply from Southport on that one), and The Crofters, where local jazz band New Riverside Jazz Band put paid to the theory that people won't pay to see a band that you can see play locally for free. I heard some excellent comments afterwards.

05/06/09 - Hi Fred, Thank you all for the response to my request for the words to Thanks a Million. I am very grateful. Regards Charles Wilson

04/06/09 - Rod Bleackley has a web site at http://fab4southport.com which is about ANYONE in the music industry at the time that came to Southport in the 60s (and possibly late 50s) around the time the Beatles came there. He's written to ask if anyone has news clippings, photos, adverts, flyer, posters, etc on ANYONE that appeared at Club Django around that time, or for that matter any of the other major Southport venues: Odeon, Floral Hall, Cambridge Hall, High Park Labour Club, The Kilk Klik club, Kingsway, Marine Club, Palace Hotel, in fact the list is probably endless. He writes, "The idea of the website in it's entirety, is to include as much information, photos, adverts, flyers, posters, tickets, etc., etc., as possible". He asks, "If you DO have bits and pieces of the subject and/or you have stories to go with them, would you consider lending them to me to scan, or, you could scan for me, so that I could use them on my website??? It's a non-profit making site designed purely for people's enjoyment AND to fill a few gaps in the incredible story that WAS 'the 60s' ". You can contact Rod via his web site.

04/06/09 - "Fred, Just a note to advise that for this month only, we have swapped with Rae Owen who will be doing our usual spot at the de la Salle in Salford on the second Tuesday, which is the 9th June. We (as in Terry's Dead Good Tame Valley Stompers) will be there on the fourth Tuesday, namely 23rd June". - Noel Broadgate

04/06/09 - There's a Fund Raising Event at St Alkeda's Church, Giggleswick coming up. It features the Black Horse Jazzmen in concert at St Akelda's Church and it takes place on Sunday 7th June 2009 at 8pm. Admission is £7 (U16's £2) and includes a glass of wine/soft drink. Tickets are available from Sweet Corner Market Place Settle, Roy Puckey (01729 825588) or on the night.

04/06/09 - "I often check into your website even though I live in the Midlands. I wish there was something like it down here. However, a lot of the northwest bands do play down here, and it's great to hear about them. Keep up the good work. It's good to hear about the real jazz. George W Bush neglected New Orleans and where is he now? Take note, BBC". - David Bell. There is one for West Midlands - Fred

03/06/09 - Not someone to let the grass grow under his feet, and straight from his successful jazz weekend at Fleetwood's North Euston Hotel, Mike Lovell has now organised a weekend of Jazz at The Island, St Annes on Sea featuring two big names. On Friday 13th November, Enrico Tomasso joins Mike Lovell;s 6 in a bar for a night of Dixieland jazz, and on the following night, Alan Barnes joins Mike lovell's All Stars for a night of jazz of a more mainstream variety. Full details via the Jazz Festivals and Weekends page

03/06/09 - Charles Wilson asks, "Does anyone have the words for the tune "THANKS A MILLION", music by Arthur Johnson ,Gus Kahn 1935.Many thanks".

03/06/09 - Your 'What's On' is showing The Spirit of New Orleans Jazz Band at Delph this Friday 5th June when it is the one Friday in the year that there is no jazz on there. This Friday the village of Delph hosts a brass band marching event and entertains brass bands from near and far. Those people disappointed that the S. O. N. O. J. B are not there can see them at Boston Spa on Saturday 6th June'" - Stan Ward. Thanks Stan I've amended it.

01/06/09 - This web site started in 1994 and it's stayed simple and straightforward ever since. Unfortunately web standards haven't and I realised today that it no longer conforms to the standards required for modern web pages. The latest version of Windows (Windows 8) will require this standard. I'm going to try and update all 361 pages over the next few weeks, but as you can imagine it's going to be quite a job. If anything significant changes for the worse as a result, I'd be grateful if you let me know and I can see if it's possible to sort it.

01/06/09 - An unusual request, and one I admit I don't fully understand, although I know what a midi sequencer is, but here it is - "I wonder if there are any IT-savvy banjo players/banjo builders out there who have come across a credible tenor banjo sound as a free, downloadable stand-alone virtual musical instrument (i. e one that can be "played" without a sequencer)? I'd very much like to hear about it; I have been trawling the internet for a couple of weeks now and I'm not getting anywhere" - Peter De Bont.

01/06/09 - The Save the Children concert at the Duke's place on Wednesday 27th May, was very successful and a sell out. The band has now raised some many tens of thousands of pounds for the charity over its last six concerts at Eaton Hall, Chester. Many thanks to all the supporters of the Roy Potts' Five and a Penny and all the jazz fraternity that help to make it such a success.

31/05/09 - Des Hopkins Original Guinness Jazzband are planning tours to the Northwest for November 2009 and April 2010. Should any promoter be interested, information and contacts are on www.dhentertainment.ie/cluskeyHopkins2.htm

31/05/09 - Martin Bennett is in search of a military parade bass drum. Details are on the Wanted Page

31/05/09 - Former member of the Saturated Seven and session player with the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra, trumpeter Tommy Smith died recently at his home in Florida. My thanks to Colin for sending me the article from the Liverpool Daily Post, and you can read the tribute yourself by clicking here

31/05/09 - Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen are coming to the Platform in Morecambe on Saturday September 5th at 7.30pm Tickets are £14 and are available by phoning 01524 582803

31/05/09 - Just to remind regulars that the Peter Frank All-Stars from West Yorkshire will be playing at Eagley Jazz Club this coming Monday night (June 1st). This gig has been 'carried forward' from February when there was a foot of snow on the M62 and after Ian, Dave and Chris had been caught in a blizzard the previous weekend. With the forecast of more to come, that particular session was cancelled.

30/05/09 - "My name is Tony Lightfoot, and in 1958, I was in the British army with Roy Williams aka Terry Williams. When the sergeant came round to get us out of bed he was accompanied by Roy playing jazz trombone, wonderful. Shortly after I was demobbed and lost touch with him. Years after I saw him in a film, then years after that he was on at the Parr Hall in Warrington he was billed as the second best trombonist in England, I later found out he lives in Rochdale and sent him a letter but did not get an answer. Can you find out what the film was called and post it on the site"? Anybody know?

29/05/09 - The latest edition of Just Jazz Magazine has popped through the letterbox. I was pleased to see a tribute to Jazzy Joan Lawton and her husband Eric, who have been promoting Jazz At The Whitewater since 1994. That's about the time we first went and saw Keith Moore's Mahogany Hall Stompers, and where we could stay in a deluxe Riverside Room at £12.50 for two people. Those were the days!

28/05/09 - The Carlisle Jazz Club and the Glossop Jazz Club gig lists have been updated

28/05/09 - Hi Fred I know you stated correctly that only The Original Guinness Jazz Band were playing 'our' kind of music at Southport this year. There is a saying, which applies to a lot of things, 'If you don't go, you don't know!' I took a couple of my jazz friends just for the afternoon to see Des Hopkins and the boys outside the Town Hall. We fully intended to set of home soon after, but thought we would give a half hour to two young guys, Brady and Shaw, in the Falstaff Pub. WE were certainly glad we did and ended up staying virtually their full session. We could not believe the total silence while they performed. (neither could they!) No talking, no glass rattling and customers well mannered and not walking around them during songs. A real joy and we would certainly like to see them again. I wish I could go, but if anyone fancies something different, try 'Cat Scratch Fever' on Saturday evening. Enjoy! Norman Gibson

28/05/09 - Remember your first car? Well if you are like me, you can probably just about remember it. Not so for Barrie Marshall, clarinet player and leader of the Sun Street Stompers . Today we gave him a lift to a Mercedes Garage in Blackpool where he bought his first ever motor car. It was lovely to be there and witness the pleasure it gave him. Safe driving Barrie.

28/05/09 - If you fancy a jazz cruise, I've just added a link to one at www.JazzFestatSea.com on my Links Page

26/05/09 - Another one just over the border - The Legend Lives on - The Jim Wilkes Stompers with Roger Winnpenny, are playing at The Band Club, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5DS, on 30th May, starting at 8-30pm. Tel 01484 842742

26/05/09 - The Eagley Jazz Club gig list has been updated to include all events up to and including 2nd November 2009.

26/05/09 - This item corrects the phone number previously given - Although outside the area, it may be of interest to those in the South of the Region. 18th June 2009 8pm - Littleover British Legion, Blagreaves Lane, Littleover, Derby The inaugural concert of the "Derwent City Jazz Band" from Derby. Presenting "Sounds Of The Trad Boom!". A show re-capturing the special feel of the British traditional jazz heyday, with hits as played by the famous Barber, Ball and Bilk bands, plus many more. Tickets £6. Info: Call Graham on 01332 741294. See http://www.grahamwoodhouse.com/Derwent_City_Jazz_band.htm

26/05/09 - Apologies to those of you who visited the Wirrorleans page to hear a track from their latest CD. Whilst I could hear it on my PC, it doesn't help you if I forget to upload it to the internet. It's there now.

26/05/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to North West pianist and entertainer - Malcolm Hogarth

25/05/09 - The subscription rates for Just Jazz Magazine have just been increased. Current rates are now - For 12 issues (inc post) UK £38 Europe £44 Rest of World £51 For 6 issues (inc post) UK £20 Europe £23 Rest of World £26.

24/05/09 - A Musician and veteran of the Chester jazz playing scene, who played with his band on the opening night of the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, trumpeter Tommy Jones has retired after a career spanning more than 60 years. He was the founder of The Wall City Jazzmen who served with the RAF and returned to Chester in the 1950s. See web page.

24/05/09 - The sunshine certainly brought the crowds out at Chorley today for the Rae Owens Quintet at The Swan with Two Necks. John Tucker & George Galway got delayed by the accident on the M61, but the band made up for it by playing on until 3-30pm. Tony Ormisher and Tony Dunleavy made up the rest of the team.

24/05/09 - I've brought together the historical information on the Muskrat Jazz Band and the Wall City Jazz Band and added a page on the Liverpool Panama Jazz Band in the 50's and put them together on a Reminiscing Part 2 page.

24/05/09 - I've just added details of the Wirrorleans Jazz Band latest CD to their web page, and you can listen to one of the tracks - Bugle Boy March if you check out the page.

22/05/09 - Martin Bennett just got back from Dresden and Berlin late Wednesday night where the Old Green River Band has been playing. He says, "Dresden was the massive 39th International Dixieland Festival, where we were for 4 days, and then on to the hugely successful jazz club in East Berlin". He's quite a globetrotter if you look at Martin's Band on MySpace

22/05/09 - "I shouldn't have said anything about Nigel being back with us last night - I received a message yesterday saying he's back in hospital and cannot make the gig. I do feel so sorry for him" - Mart Rodger.

22/05/09 - The Sussex Jazz Kings are venturing North. Dave Stradwick's "Sussex Jazz Kings" are set to play at Fylde Rugby Club on 5th June at 8pm. This is an event organised by St. Annes Rotary Club and tickets are £10 each. You can contact organiser Louis Shaw on 01253 712813 if you want more information.

22/05/09 - The New Riverside Jazz Band has now settled into a regular format, with the return of Jack Mawdsley on Sousaphone, following his successful brush with the cardiovascular department at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Alan Duckles tells me, "We are currently playing the first Thursday of each month at the Britannia Hotel on Ulleswater Road in Lancaster, and the last Thursday at the Park Hotel , Bowerham Road, also in Lancaster. The two venues are under the same management, and offer a plentiful supply of Real Ale! Our appearances at the Plough at Euxton are suspended until the Autumn, owing to pressure on the available dining space! We still live in hope that the fortunes of the Outgate Inn will permit a return in the not too distant future, since we were the band which introduced Jazz to the unsuspecting visitors to that excellent venue, in the mid-eighties". The band will bI shouldn't have said anything about Nigel being back with us last night - I
received a message yesterday saying he's back in hospital and cannot make
the gig. I do feel so sorry for him.e playing at The Crofters Jazz Club, at Garstang, on the 7th June, under the auspices of Derek Daniels.

20/05/09 - 'Hi Fred - Friends of Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz and fans who joined us on Monday nights at Didsbury C. C. will be saddened to hear Derek Linney has passed away. He was the piano player who played the interval spot each Monday. After advice from Joe Palin on how to work the left hand he became great at playing selections of many forgotten tunes. In recent years due to walking difficulty he has been missing from our gigs. Roger Browne commented "What a lovely man and he had the softest touch on the piano" I'm sorry to contribute another "passing" to your page. Regards Mart'

19/05/09 - "Nigel Cretney has said he will be back playing with us this coming Thursday", writes Mart Rodger. "This is good news for us all".

19/05/09 - "It was very nice to be at Eagley last night with Stan Ward - and renew acquaintance with Bernard Callaghan who made me very welcome", writes Andrew Liddle. As well as other pen portraits, it was Andrew who wrote an article about Bernard for Just Jazz Magazine at my suggestion. Andrew also wrote, "The Teds were on top form, as always, and you will be pleased to know I spoke at some length with Rae Owens who has agreed to be interviewed sometime soon for Just Jazz. I foresee an exceptionally interesting piece judging from the wealth of anecdotes he fired off in the interval".

19/05/09 - Bernard Selby has sent me the Autumn gig list for Bollington Arts Centre. He says, "The show on Saturday is already sold out, as part of Bollington Festival, the rest are ticketed as normal. Last Saturday, again as part of the Festival, we had the Royal Northern College of Music "Jazz Collective", which is the big band made up of first year students and they were sensational. They also had with them a vocalist called Alice Zawadzki, remember I told you first, because this girl is a star in the making and is the best female vocalist I have hears for a very long time. If you get chance to see her, don't miss it".
18/05/09 - Each week I'm going to try and feature a different artist on my Jukebox. Starting today, it's the turn of my hero - Ken Colyer, without whom this site may never have happened. Select My Jukebox from the Main Menu

17/05/09 - Happy Birthday today to Doctor John Higham of the Merseysippi Jazz Band

16/05/09 - Southport Jazz Festival takes place between 28th and 31st May, but forgive me if I've missed one, but as far as I can see, Des Hopkins Original Guinness Jazz Band is the only band that could be classed as traditional. The Savoy Jazz Band are missing this year, so what's happening over there? Des and the boys will be playing for free at noon in the Town Hall Gardens on Thursday and Saturday, and at 9:30pm at The Falstaff, King Street, on Saturday night, and back at 5pm in the gardens again on on Sunday, so let's show Southport there's plenty of support for their kind of music too. On Friday evening Des and the boys are doing a charity concert which I'm pleased to say, is sold out.

14/05/09 - Hola Fred from sunny Spain. I am George T Moore ex drummer with the "Martello Jazz Band from Belfast (28 years as their drummer and announcer) now in so called retirement in Catral, Spain. I have a Sunday Jazz program on local EXITE Radio www.exitefm.com two hours of the best (I think) of Jazz - mainly Trad/Dixie cause that's what I like. Program starts 19:00hrs UK time. I play occasionally with a local band called "All that Jazz" - a band that features Roy Hubbard (ex The Zenith Hot Stompers.) Roy is also my neighbour and close friend. I found your site as a result of meeting up with, and using Stuart Renn of the Salt City Jazz Band 2 weeks ago during 2 local gigs. I would love to be able to get my hands on a selection of tracks of the various bands you promote on your site, the band details I can copy off. I would like to do several "special" programs featuring the bands still "packing them in" in spite of the general media's stance on Jazz - Traditional - Jazz Dixieland - Jazz listenable. I pre-record my shows from home and I believe that my show "All that Jazz" is soon to be syndicated. I think that means that the Radio station feel that they can sell them to the World ?????? I should like also to include your site info etc on air on a regular basis. If you want to know more about me then get a back dated copy of "Just Jazz" The Traditional Jazz Magazine :- May 200 issue No 49 and issue number 110 dated June 2007. All other records at your local police station (not!) Yours in Jazz.

14/05/09 - I'm afraid some, if not all AOL customers are not receiving my News Emails once again. It seems they regard the email as containing undesirable information. See http://postmaster.info.aol.com/errors/554hvub1.html for more information

14/05/09 - I've added details of a Charity Concert in aid of "Save The Children", featuring Roy Potts 5 & A Penny Band. It's at Eaton Hall, Eccleston, Cheshire , and you can get more information by clicking here

13/05/09 - "Hi Fred, you don't know me although you may have known my Dad. I've just found a great pic of my dad on your jazz website - he was the brilliant drummer Maurice Deeprose. Sadly dad died about five years ago now but he was playing his drums right up to the end! My brother plays the drums in several bands in north Wales (Bangor) so we all feel like Dad's spirit and talent lives on. Maurice had three children me (Melanie), Mandy and Martin and we are all scattered now although our mum Jill Deeprose (nee Bradley) still lives in Crosby. Thanks for the memories!!!! Best wishes" - Melanie Denning (nee Deeprose)

13/05/09 - "Hi Fred, We returned from the 19-day-cruise on Thomson Destiny on Thursday evening and I am attaching a photo taken on the ship in the Clipper Bar. Destiny is the same ship we have been on four times with MyTravel and it was called Sunbird! The band flew to Dominican Republic to board the ship then we visited Tortola, Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia and Barbados. The journey from there took six days and we arrived at Madeira. Our next call was Gibraltar, followed by Cartagena, Valencia, Barcelona and the trip ended at Palma, Majorca. The band played twice most days and a lot of interest was shown by the passengers. Dee and John Curtiss from Gatley were on board - they came on all four trips before. Some more people told us they had seen the band on the ship before. Jon Critchley (trumpet) and Chris Pendlebury (drums) joined the band for the trip as Allan and Nigel were unable to come, and we all had a very good time. Regards", - Janet Rodger

13/05/09 - The latest Hot Jazz Channel internet radio show is now "live" at www.radiojazz. co. uk see latest details

13/05/09 - The latest issue of Just Jazz Magazine is now available, it features a spotlight on ex pat Tony Pringle from Liverpool who started the New Black Eagles Jazz Band in USA along with Tommy Sancton.

13/05/09 - A new picture adorns the web page of the Silver Bell Band

13/05/09 - The Carlisle Jazz Club gig list has been updated

11/05/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to musician Martin Bennett

11/05/09 - Joe Silmon has sent me a report on the funeral of Johnny Roadhouse. See 'Remembering' which you can access via Jazz Extras

11/05/09 - I read on Ian Maund's website that "Since Eddie Cook wrote in February to say that Jazz Journal magazine was to close following the loss of Eddie's wife Janet, many readers contacted him supporting the continuation of the magazine in some way. The answer has come in a merging of Jazz Journal with the magazine Jazz Review. Jazz Journal Publishing has acquired Jazz Review and the new magazine's May edition is available from the end of April.".

11/05/09 - Not strictly traditional jazz, but Kendal Jazz Club has managed a small coup, having booked Australian singer Janet Seidel to appear with her trio on Wed 13 May - her only NW appearance. Based in Sydney, Australia, vocalist / pianist Janet Seidel currently enjoys a rare and enviable international reputation with 14 CDs released in Australia and also available in several other countries.

11/05/09 - Back from a week in France, only 150 emails to answer and then it's back to normal!

29/04/09 - I'm afraid there won't be any updates or emails answered for the next 12 days.

29/04/09 - Happy Birthday to a threesome tomorrow. Sue Parish, Norman Pennington and Dave Podgson each share the 30th April for their birthdays. Best Wishes to you all and hope you have a great day.

29/04/09 - Mike Turner's wife and daughters have asked that there should be no flowers in his memory, but have instead generously decided that a fitting memorial will be that donations be made into a fund to help keep jazz live at the Trumpet, a cause very close to Mike's heart. The fund will be used to help pay visiting guest musicians, and will be administered by John Grant and Linda Clement (Reg Keirle's wife). Donations in cash or by cheque should be made to either of them, and Linda will be responsible for keeping an account of the fund, with John's backup. All transactions will be recorded, and these records made available to any interested parties. We thank Mike's family for this amazing act of generosity and thoughtfulness at such a heartbreaking time for them; and our sympathies are with them - not least because we share their shock and grief at such a tragic loss. [Cheques payable to 'Linda Clement', and sent to her, c/o The Trumpet, 58 High Street, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 0EP]

27/04/09 - "Dear Fred, I never met or heard Mike Turner. I have now. He has just played and sung a lovely tune to me, on Home Page. We take technology for granted, don't we? We shouldn't." - Allan Bentham

27/04/09 - Some people are using web browsers other than Internet Explorer, and since downloading the Mozilla Active X Plugin for Firefox Web Browser, I've had no problems playing the Windows Media Audio music on the Home Page using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. However it doesn't seem to work for everyone. If you use Firefox and can't hear the music let me know, and better still if you've managed to fix it, I'd love to hear from you and how you did it.

27/04/09 - I've just changed the music on the Home Page, it now features Mike Turner who died recently. Mike Pembroke thought it fitting that "Que Reste t'il de Nos Amours", which features Mike Turner on reeds and vocal, would be particularly moving under the circumstances if featured on this page.

27/04/09 - I was sorry to hear today from his great nephew, that Bob Duncan had passed away in his sleep in Ninewells hospital on the 25th of April. I met Bob on one of the two trips I made to the old Colonial in Birkenhead to see The Tuxedo Jazz Band, and he subsequently sent me an updated photograph of the band which he had taken, and which it is still on the web site today.

27/04/09 - Dave Donohoe is living in Scotland these days, but still feels the need to top up with a good bit of Northern English air from time to time, and last night he was down at Ramsbottom Civic Hall with members of his old band who play at Delph these days under the name of Spirit Of New Orleans led by Dave Podgson. I always enjoy listening to Dave's band as I find it makes a refreshing change to hear something different to the old standards. Last night we heard "Rambling Rose", "Amapola", "Junco Partner", and "Love Songs Long Ago", to name just four, plus my requested favourite, "Pleyel's Hymn". All this was in aid of the restoration fund for Ramsbottom Civic Hall, and my only comment on that is that I hope they can soon afford to get the heating restored too!

27/04/09 - The Wirral Jazz Friends have organised their next concert in aid of Claire House Children's Hospice. It will feature Amy Roberts and her All Star Jazz Band, plus The Parade Band. It all takes place on Friday 5th June 2009 At Heswall Royal British Legion, on Pensby Road. See Web Page for more details

26/04/09 - The Winner of the Photograph Competition was Peter Burkhill, who correctly named Tony Davis's Band - The Muskrat Jazz Band from the 50s. and identified in the picture Billy Bent on trombone, Colin Whittick on drums and Tom Kirby on clarinet. The others in the picture are Jack Walford on Trumpet, and the late Gerry Grogan on Sousaphone. The banjo player remains a mystery, perhaps you can help

25/04/09 - Dumfries Jazz Club gig list has been updated.

25/04/09 - Terry Birkenhead can always be relied upon to promote some first class jazz, and last night was no exception. Jon Penn's All-Star Hot Five played at Widnes RUFC and featured some of the country's top musicians - George Huxley (reeds) Terry McGrath (trombone / sousaphone) Tony Davis (trumpet / vocals) Geoff Over (banjo) and of course Jon Penn on piano. This was a delight for jazz purists with the band reproducing the sounds of Louis Armstrong's Hot Five and others. Although a week previous, Terry was worried about numbers, a good turnout of over 90 people ensured there was something left for the kitty. Terry tells me that there are now three of them constituting a jazz committee, and the kitty to help pay deps with the Savoy Jazzmen on a Tuesday night It was one of those rare occasions when we arrived home the following day. A late night, but well worth it. We sat with Bernard Bibby and his wife, and I was sorry to hear that he was no longer playing clarinet, due to arthritis in his fingers.

24/04/09 - A Gallien Krueger bass amplifier has just gone on the Sales Page. See Jazz Extras.

24/04/09 - Many Happy Returns this weekend to two musicians, Eric Brierley, trombone player with Mart Rodger M/cr Jazz on Saturday, and Martyn Sharp, trumpet player & leader of the Martyn Shape & The Might Four, whose birthday is on Sunday.

24/04/09 - The photograph competition closes tonight. So far nobody has come up with the name of the band except the one man who sent me the photograph.

24/04/09 - Dear Fred, Re: Tim Kliphuis (News Item 21/04/09), I saw him play at the Edinburgh Festival last year and he was truly amazing. He appeared with Orange Kellin's Manhattan Ragtime Orchestra and seemed to fit in seamlessly. - Fraser McCombe

23/4/09 - Mike Pembroke tells me that, "Last night on the Radio Stoke Jazzbeat programme presenter Chris Gumbley invited Mel Hill to return to the studio to talk about Mike Turner. Apart from the chat, two Old Fashioned Love Band recordings featuring Mike are included. The second number Que Reste t'il de Nos Amours is particularly moving under the circumstances. You can listen to it again by visiting BBC Radio Stoke, or click here for the programme

23/04/09 - I've had details from Mike Pembroke and John Howell about Mike Turner's funeral. John says, "Hi, Fred, I know Mike Turner had many friends in the North West who may wish to attend his funeral. The details are: - Friday 1st May at 10.00am Bushbury Crematorium Bushbury, Wolverhampton WV10 7JG. I will gladly provide directions if anyone wishes to contact me on 01902 756158. There will also be open house during the day at one Mike's favoured haunts - The Trumpet, 58 High Street, Bilston WV14 0EP from 10.00am onwards for all who wish to celebrate the life of a wonderful guy".

22/04/09 - Just two days left for you to solve the photograph competition

22/04/09 - Chris Wright's funeral was in atmosphere and attendance, everything he would have hoped for. In the church service, his mate Garreth, told us stories of Chris that had us rolling about with laughter; And the jam session was well up to scratch". - Malcolm Hogarth

22/04/09 - "Now to a trivial matter", says Malcolm Hogarth, "Isabel and I were in Blackpool a week ago with Dave Brennan's Jubilee Jazz Band, and during some spare time I tried to find a pub with a piano. Pubs I was directed to had disposed of their pianos, and so my search was frustrated. Gosh, it shows just how times have changed; Blackpool, to me (a bleedin' Southerner) a town of Northern good humour, friendliness, fish and chips, kiss-me-quick hats, (fabulous) trams, wind and blasting sand (which we 'British-spirited folk' can ignore in the pursuit of enjoying ourselves), and no pub with a piano for a good sing-along. I don't believe it! (as Richard Wilson would say). Someone prove me wrong".

22/04/09 - One of the nicest things about creating this web site is that I've made friends all over the UK and abroad.. Bunny Austin came across my site in June 2008 when Wil Robinson was looking for the sheet music for, "I never knew what a girl could do", and has since been very generous with donations to help with my site running costs. Bunny, who is in his 80's, used to play cornet at Cook's Ferry Inn Jazz Club, in North London, about 50 years ago, and he says "I still play for about 45 mins once a month with some friends of mine who have a New Orleans style band down here in the deep South". He collects sheet music, in fact he's got tons of it, so if there's anything you're looking for, I'm sure Bunny will be able to help. Here's a photo he sent of himself playing at Cook's Ferry around 1966 with Mike Nash on trombone.

21/04/09 - Changes to The New Riverside Jazz Band residency. On Thursday nights, from May they will be playing twice a month in two different pubs, the first Thursday will be The Britannia starting May 7th, the second will be The Park Hotel starting May28th

21/04/09 - The next jazz weekend at the North Euston Hotel, has been added to the Jazz Festivals Page. It takes place on 4th - 6th December 2009.

21/04/09 - As well as playing at the Keswick Jazz Festival, Jazz fiddle genius Tim Kliphuis is back in Lancaster! From the Netherlands, Tim is one of the greatest jazz fiddle players in the world, and he'll be playing his swing jazz on Saturday 2nd May at the Gregson Centre in Lancaster. In addition there will be a workshop in the afternoon giving violinists of any style or background, the opportunity to learn to play jazz from a master. Full details are on the site by clicking here.

21/04/09 - The Wall City Jazzmen with Irene Martin, will continue the Monday Night sessions with Billy Edwards or Charles Wilson taking the trumpet chair.

21/04/09 - Brian Corbett reminisces, "One feature of the trad jazz scene on Merseyside in the late 50's were the riverboat shuffles on the infamous Mersey Ferry/Cruise Boat, Royal Iris, locally known as the 'fish and chip boat'. We usually had a front band such as Chris Barber or Acker Bilk and supporting local bands such as the Merseysippi, Panama, Druids, Wall City etc. I recall one 'cruise' when the short choppy seas in Liverpool Bay made things difficult for the musicians and almost impossible for the dancers! The old Royal Iris is still afloat, but looking very forlorn, against the river wall on the Thames near the Woolwich Barrage."

21/04/09 - Dear Fred, I am deeply saddened that Mike has left us. He was a great musician as well as a great guy. He never seemed to have a bad word for anyone. His musical tastes were far reaching and he could discuss Eric Dolphy just as easily as George Lewis. He will leave a gaping hole in our band but I am sure Gabriel will like his music. Thanks Mike. - Moe Green (OFLB )

20/04/09 - I've just had this sad information passed to me from Harry Christian and Geoff Inwood, followed by a phone call from Mike Pembroke. "Hello Fred, I've just had the very sad news that Mike Turner clarinet and soprano sax man with the Old Fashioned Love Band passed away this morning. He'd been ill with bowel cancer since Christmas. He'll be sadly missed in the North West and throughout the West Midlands as well".

19/04/09 - The Peninsula Jazzmen are the latest band to be featured on the Home Page

19/04/09 - If you're keen to spread the word about our kind of music and want it to live on, you can help by publicising your favourite jazz gigs on a web site called " www.wherecanwego.com ". It simple enough to register and you can enter events for free. Check it's not listed first, but despite telling musicians about it, I see very few jazz gigs listed. You may find the site useful for yourself should you fancy a day out, simply put in your post code and it will tell you what's going off, starting near home and then listing places further out.

19/04/09 - "The funeral for Johnny Roadhouse will be held at Manchester Cathedral on Tuesday 28th April 2009 at 2:45pm. All those who wish to show their respects and celebrate his life are welcome to attend. Directions and parking information can be found on Manchester Cathedral's website". - Brian Day

18/04/09 - John Westwood writes, "Bob Wilber's name has cropped up several times recently, and I've just found three excellent videos which show his work back in the '70s, which you might not yet have found. It's really brilliant stuff: if you haven't seen them, go to: www.dailymotion.com/rated/user/boberwig/video/x18icc_bix-project-bob-wilber_music from where you can also open the other two videos.

18/04/09 - Bill Webb & Eric Brierley add their comments to Chris Wright's tribute page.

17/04/09 - Jon Penn's All star Hot 5 are playing a 'one off' at Widnes R U F C next Friday, April 24th. It will mostly be a night of classic jazz from the 1920's.

17/04/09 - I've added another glowing Johnny Roadhouse tribute, this time it's from Ian Royle.

17/04/09 - One item of news from the Merseys is that Don Lydiatt has decided to throw in the towel, due to arthritis in his hands etc. after almost 60 years with the band. He has not played since before Christmas. In his prime Don was one of the most able clarinet players in the country but he has been suffering with his hands and his chops for quite a while. His place is being taken by Dave Dixson. He has been depping for Don since the new year and is settling in well on Mondays.

17/04/09 - The White Eagles are heading West. A rare opportunity to see the White Eagles Jazz Band from West Yorkshire, this side of the Pennines, will become possible on 16th September this year when they will be playing at Bispham Conservative Club, and it's free.

17/04/09 - Happy Birthday today to Chris Barber, born 17 April 1930 at Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire,

16/04/09 - Roy Potts writes regarding Chris Wright, "To all the people who have contacted me, I hope to reply to you all independently. However a general thank you to everyone for their kind comments, I shall pass them on to his extended family, that includes the band of many years standing. The funeral will take place on Monday, 20th April at 1-00pm at the Rhosymedre Church, Cefn Mawr. After the visit to the crematorium near Wrexham, there will be a get together at the Air Products Social Club nearby. Anyone will point you in the right direction. All are welcome to attend at any time. Musicians will be encouraged to play at the Air Products. Chris was always in favour of endless disjointed musical parties. Hopefully it will turn out to be 'his kind of thing' to celebrate his unique lifestyle and talents".

16/04/09 - Fred Richardson has sent me a photograph that he took of Johnny Roadhouse a couple of weeks back, and I've included it on the Johnny Roadhouse Tribute Page

16/04/09 - Allan Wilcox & John Muskett have added their own tributes to the Chris Wright Tribute Page. Does anyone have a good photograph I can put on the page?

16/04/09 - Tony Pringle's notes about the Druids Jazz Band (Reminiscing) brought back many good memories from the lively Wallasey trad scene in the late 50's. I wonder if he remembers Sunday afternoons at the El Calypso coffee bar and damp sessions at the La Boheme jazz club in yard buildings in Seacombe. I never did find my George Lewis LP". - Brian Corbett (occasional bass player)

16/04/09 - "Hi Fred , I enjoyed the Mike Lovell concert at the Euston too, and read your comments on your web site. On the Saturday night we had Dave Savill (trumpet ) stroll in and join the band as well. We were treated to duets from Frank Flynn and Keith Nichols. How lucky can we get? What a talent they have". - Irene 'Buttercup' Smith

15/04/09 - The New Tavern in Wigan (Smokey's Bar) opened last Sunday with a rather small audience - a great shame because this is in many ways a superb venue. It's a jazz cellar bar in the old style we remember from the days of the Colyer club in Gt Newport St London, except this one has a bar that sells more than soft drinks and coffee. Superb acoustics - you only need P/A for vocals - and the venue supplies that complete with a sound engineer. We also had the pleasure of the company of a group of young ladies on a publicity shoot (Pics to appear on photographer gtpix website) Also present some young fans who like our type of music (must encourage this!). This venue needs support - jazz fans get active please! - Richard Knock (Yarrow River Jazz Band).

15/04/09 - George Galway writes, "I am looking for an LP by Edmund Hall called ‘Petite Fleur’. I wondered if anyone had a copy that they were willing to sell.". For contact details see "Wants Page", via Jazz Extras

15/04/09 - I've opened a page for tributes to Johnny Roadhouse. Access is via the 'Remembering' page which you can access via Jazz Extras

15/04/09 - On Good Friday Barbara & I went to see Mike Lovell's 6-in-a-bar at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood where Keith Nichols was guesting with them for the Easter Weekend of Jazz. This band can always produce a varied programme with a violin, bones and a flageolet making an appearance at some stage, and with bass saxophone in the rhythm section and Keith Nichols on piano it was a formula for success. Mike chose not to bring in trumpet for this occasion, and I for one don't have a problem with that, but according to Mike, some promoters do. I counted at least four former jazz promoters there and it would be interesting to know what you or they thought. I gather the atmosphere on Saturday was electric with Keith Nichols and Frank Flynn playing duel pianos, I wish I'd seen that. Mike tells me that he was pleased to get several phone calls on Monday from people he didn't know saying how much they enjoyed the weekend at the North Euston. The hotel obviously go along with that, they've agreed to two more - Friday and Saturday, 4th & 5th December this year and Good Friday 2nd and Easter Saturday 3rd April next year.

14/04/09 - I was looking at your guest book entries for 2008. I was especially interested on an entry from Brenda Canty Forrest, about the late Ted Calvert. He was my uncle, the only brother of my Mum. Edna. He was a great ukulele player. His four daughters and two sons are my cousins, and we all live in and around Manchester. It's so nice to know some people remember him. I am over eighty now, but can remember him vividly. Pat, Manchester. - Patrick Halligan

14/04/09 - I've created a tribute page to the late Chris Wright (drummer), and your thoughts and memories of him are welcomed to be added.

14/04/09 - Barbara and I were sorry to receive a phone call today, from Bill Jackson of Penwortham, who told us his his wife Mary had passed away on Good Friday. Bill & Mary supported our jazz evenings at the cricket club when we first started, and then went on to support Moor Park Bowling Club in Preston, when it took over. Bill says my web site brought Mary a tremendous amount of pleasure and she looked forward to reading it regularly. We send our condolences to Bill and his family.

14/04/09 - The New Riverside Jazz Band are feeling the crunch as the Park Hotel are ending their weekly run at the end of this month, replacing it with a monthly appearance on the last Thursday in the month.

14/04/09 - Des Hopkins Original Guinness Jazzband, will play two dates in the North West area soon. Friday April 24th Memorial Hall, Overton, Heysham, and Saturday April 25th, Chatsworth House Hotel, Llandudno, North Wales. However, Norman Gibson tells me that, "This event at Overton, as all the jazz evenings we promote, is by ticket only, and all were sold a week ago! There is a waiting list should any cancellations occur. We can only say sorry should anyone visiting your site have wished to attend. We have rather an extensive list of jazzers, and we work on a 'first come first served' basis from that list.".

14/04/09 - Today should have been the closing date for a competition I posted on the site last month. Unfortunately I forgot to give a reminder two weeks ago, so I'm extending the closing date to Sunday 26th April. I've only had one entry so far, and only one name suggested, so there's plenty of scope for winning. Check out http://www.btinternet.com/~jazzworld/reminis2.htm#muskrat

13/04/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to "Drummin Man", John Petters, born in Stratford, East London, on 13th April 1953

13/04/09 - It was announced on BBC TV North West today that Professional saxophonist Johnny Roadhouse senior, who was behind the famous music shop on Oxford Road in Manchester, died in the early hours of Saturday April 11th, aged 88. It's a name that's cropped up a few times on this site and many local musicians will have visited the shop at some time. Maybe some out there may have a story or two to tell about it?

12/04/08 - I've created a new page called "Remembering". It brings together all the tribute pages on the site, remembering some of the great musicians in the NW and beyond. You can access this page via Jazz Extras

10/04/09 - Hello Fred, Chris Wright has left the stand. A cracking drummer and a fine, funny, fun, gentle man. - Ed Lloyd-Hughes

10/04/09 - "In the midst of all this devastation, is this a Green Shoot I see before me?", writes Jeff Lewis. "Geni Lamb's Tuesday night Jam Session has restarted, at a swish NEW VENUE, Studio 2 at the world famous Parr St. Studios, in Parr St. Liverpool. Parr St. Studios which has recorded just about everybody who is anybody (except, I think, The Beatles) has converted its Studio 2 into a highly atmospheric and sophisticated (but not too expensive) bar, perfectly suited to this sort of session, with loads of free parking in all surrounding streets. As before, the resident quartet is composed of Geni Lamb (alto/flute), Tony Ormesher (the younger) (guitar), Danny Ward (drums), "Count" John McCormick (bass), all top notch musicians, with a high quality special guest each week to provide variety........... Besides that, just about anybody who's in town may drop in!!! The jam session format is as previously, with visiting musicians of all sorts actively encouraged to sit in with the quartet. It's brilliant to see this session back as it is the right kind of relaxed environment to foster exchange of ideas, introduce newcomers, and show that Jazz, above all, is damn good entertainment".
09/04/09 - It's not often I make comments on this site for or against a particular discussion, but John Westwood once circulated a letter to me from a musician who was writing about the financial rewards for playing jazz, with a definite slant against jazz clubs and their promoters. Having promoted a jazz club in the past I felt I had to respond to it, but I'll withhold from putting my comments on the site just yet until I see what other reactions I get. Access is via Jazz Extras

09/04/09 - Chris Wright. Great drummer; wonderful talent; marvelous creative imagination - nothing was ever the same night after night, always fresh. Rest in Peace Chris, although you'll certainly liven them up in Heaven. - Frank Slater

09/04/09 - Moe Green wonders if John Westwood has been playing in a zoo, in the latest addition to What Makes a Good Band which you can access via Jazz Extras.

08/04/09 - "Dear Fred, I'm very sad to hear of the death last night of Chris Wright. He was an outstanding drummer, vocalist, and a real one-off character. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and my thoughts go out to his family and friends. He had a good musical start in life, his Dad being Vernon Wright, a wonderful piano player and character. Strangely enough, after a gap of about 27 years, I called in at The Spinning Wheel, at The Warren, between Buckley and Broughton, Chester, this morning, which is where I first met both Vernon, and Chris, not knowing that Chris was no longer with us. There must be many stories about Chris that should be told, and it would be great if you could provide a tributes page to his memory, if at all possible. Kind regards", - Malcolm Hogarth. I will certainly do a tribute page providing I get sufficient messages - Fred

07/04/09 - "Fred, Chris Wright sadly lost his battle with cancer yesterday morning. Chris who was a mainstay of the Five and a Penny for nearly forty years and will be greatly missed. His unique personality not to mention his incredible natural drumming abilities has brought him many personal devotees over the years. The time and place of his funeral has yet to be announced. Any queries of comments to me on roy.potts@btinternet.com, or by telephone 0151 339 3367." - Roy Potts

07/04/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to reed players - Mike Hayler, Matt Palmer and former Chris Barber's Band world-famous clarinet player Monty Sunshine, who was born in London on 8 April 1928.

07/04/09 - Rochdale Jazz Club gig list has been updated

06/04/09 - "Hello Fred, I heard today that Jazz Journal International has been bought by the printers/publishers and we hope it will continue as normal but with a March/April issue to catch up. All subscriptions will be honoured, of course. Cheers" - Steve Voce

06/04/09 - John Westwood has been getting a bit hot under the collar after perusing Jazz Extras recently. Especially when he read non musicians telling musicians what they should do. It prompted him to put fingers to keyboard and add his own bit in "What makes a Good Band.

06/04/09 - May I through your columns remind anyone who usually goes to Bill Oldham's Rehearsal Band that this week (9th April) there is no session with it being Maundy Thursday. Thanks, - Noel Broadgate

06/04/09 - The programme details for the Kelsall Jazz Festival in August have just been added

06/04/09 - Barry Wilkinson told me last night that he is no longer the roadie and band contact for the Wyre Levee Stompers as he didn't wish to continue humping the PA gear in and out of his car, especially as he has just changed it. Ron Melling said, "Unfortunately that's the case and we all thank Barry for the "Job well done" for a lot of years... ".

06/04/09 - Terry Porter is the latest musician to join the deps list.

06/04/09 - Derek Daniels must be well pleased with last night's gathering for the Jazz Gentlemen at The Crofters Jazz Club at Garstang. Around 75 people had a thoroughly good night out listening to the band, with Terry Brunt up to his usual tricks weaving amongst the audience whilst playing.

06/04/09 - Hello Fred, Please could you place on your "notice board" the death of Paul Bennison. He was formally bass player for the Chicago Teddy Bears. He died peacefully at his home in Pickering last week. His funeral service is taking place on Thursday April 9th at 1pm. at St Peter and St Paul Church Pickering (the parish church), followed by burial. Any of his band colleagues are more than welcome and Janet would love to see as many people as possible. Her contact details are 2a Willowgate Pickering North Yorkshire YO18 7AU. If you need any more details please contact me on 01751 475354. Regards - Janet Howard, Pickering Jazz Festival Chairman. Having spoken to Paul's wife, Janet, Eric Brierley would like to add that, after the church there will be a wake at The White Swan Inn, Pickering. If there is a quorum there could be music. Eric says, "Paul often played bass for me and others of my friends on a casual basis and was a regular with one of the incarnations of the Zenith Six".

05/04/09 - The latest issue of Just Jazz Magazine is no available, it features no less than two North West bands, one of which I've yet to hear. Jazz Rag has been playing for nigh on 15 years and can be seen every Thursday night at The Royal Oak, in Betws-y-Coed. The second Northern Band to be featured is the Savannah Jazz Band on their 30th Anniversary.

03/04/09 - "Hi Fred, You might like to let your readers know that Sunday 29th March was Gorge Watts' 80th Birthday. George is a Brummie, but I believe quite well-known to many of your friends and readers due to his session-work for the BBC and Internationally. His playing on all of the reed instruments is still of the highest standard and can be heard in many locations on Spain's Costa Blanca where he now lives". - John Westwood

03/04/09 - "Hello Fred, I am pleased to report that my Llandudno Jazz weekend is sold out. Sorry for those who have missed the boat but book early for the next one which is October 16/17/18 details to follow", - Harry Swinburne - Maghull

02/04/09 - Moe Green replies to John Muskett's comments in What makes a good band (See Jazz Extras)

02/04/09 - Followers of televised football might like to know that big screen TV viewings of Liverpool FC is available at Rose Lane BL club on successive Tuesdays (14) & (21) April. The Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra have been "kicked into touch" for those two evenings, resuming on the 28th. - Cheers, Harold Troughton

01/04/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to NW jazz musician, Ged Hone

01/04/09 - I'm reliably informed that Lancaster Jazz Festival will not be taking place this year.

31/03/09 - I was pleased to hear that Jack Mawdsley is back playing bass/sousaphone again after his major heart surgery. I gather he's been playing with the New Riverside Jazz Band and the Raikes Paraders recently

31/03/09 - David Jackson wrote to me from just North of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. He said, "I started an internet search for the Wool City Jazzmen, like me they were based in Bradford. In the late 60's and early 70's I was a Bobbie in Bradford City Police. Late one evening, can't remember the year, I was sent to a serious road accident in Queensbury, there was one vehicle and one pedestrian involved. Will not go into details as it isn't necessary. The driver of the car was a member of the Wool City Jazzmen band, I think the trumpet, I can't remember his name. It would be nice to find out how his life is nowadays". Can anybody help?
30/03/09 - "Walter Love's BBC Radio Ulster Jazz Club, (Sunday 29.03.09), featured the Chris Barber & Ken Colyer Bands 1957/58 and also a 1949 AFN Kid Ory broadcast for the final third of the programme. Well worth listening to on the 7 day BBC IPlayer playback facility. Best wishes. David Evans Rhuddlan"
28/03/09 - Every now and again and old topic resurfaces. Have you read, "What Makes a Good Band"? John Muskett has added a little extra to it. What do you think? Definitely one for the 'jazz lovers' and/or musicians. You can find it via Jazz Extras
28/03/09 - The Richmond, Southport, gig list has been updated.

28/03/09 - Barry Aldous wrote to tell me that his jazz gigs had dried up, so he says, "I am now concentrating on my photography with my musical activities being restricted to the odd promotion and singing with a local choir!". Speaking of which, he has organised a couple of events in aid of Ramsbottom Civic Hall which according to Pam Whoosey, was in danger of being closed by the Council a couple of years back. The residents are fighting back and to raise money, Barry has a couple of interesting events on the cards, the first being a jazz night at Ramsbottom Civic Hall on Sunday 26th April. The band will be that of Dave Donohoe and will commence at 8.00pm. Admission will be £8 on this occasion. The second one is 'Swingtime in Springtime'- an evening at the same venue on Saturday May 23rd. The band is the very popular Swing Commanders. It's an all ticket arrangement with a price of £10. The show will start at 7.30pm and coincides with the ELR (East Lancs Railway) forties weekend. I've seen both and believe me they are eye openers.


Click your (Stop) icon to stop the ragtime piano first, or wait until it ends, before playing video.

28/03/09 - Didsbury Jazz Club gig list has been updated

27/03/09 - The Savannah Jazz Band have their own web site which I'm sure many of you have visited. What you may not know is that the address has changed. Whilst the old one is currently still working, it won't last forever, so update your favourites list to point to http://www.savannahjazzband.net

27/03/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day tomorrow to North West pianist Jon Penn

27/03/09 - I've added a link to Ulverston Jazz Appreciation Society. Euan Dixon tells me, "Our jazz interests are mainly mainstream and swing through to early modern but now Malcolm Cookson of the Roa Island Jazz Club has joined us I suspect more Traditional Jazz will be on the menu - we are certainly not averse to Trad Jazz".

27/03/09 - Peter Vickers is looking for a good home for eight five and a half inch reels of traditional jazz that includes a number of "Jazz Club" broadcasts from the Trad Era and of most intrigue a recording of The Steadfast Band recorded at Camlachie Community Centre 26/1/58. Pete says, "If someone will refund postage they are welcome to them". (They have now gone - Fred)

27/03/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to The Wirrorleans banjo playing broadcaster and raconteur - Bert Schroeder.

27/03/09 - Some of the veterans of the Syd Munson band from Preston are trying to trace the scores that were written by Syd, who as well as being a band leader, was also a writer and arranger. It is understood that the scores were handed over to Aden Langley, and the veterans would like to track him down. If you know the whereabouts of Aden, assuming he's still alive, can you please let me know and I'll pass the information on.
27/03/09 - Details are coming through for the Kelsall Jazz Festival which prompted some great comments to this site last year. Arthur Pedder writes, "The 2nd Kelsall Jazz Festival Nr Chester dates are August 7th-8th-9th Featuring Manchester Jazz, Panama Jazz Band, Savannah Jazz Band, Harlem Hot Stompers and Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra. Further Details to Follow. Many Thanks for all your hard work Regards Arthur".

27/03/09 - Sammy Rimington will be playing at Hyde Cricket Club again on Wednesday, 25th November 2009.
26/03/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to Bass Player - Richard Vernon
22/03/09 - Next time you're struggling to start the car for a gig and it's freezing cold, spare a thought for the ex pats sweating it out Down Under. Tony West has sent me some photographs of of what has been their regular Sunday gig at the Christies Beach Surf Lifesavng Club for a number of years. He says, "It might give you and your readers an insight into life at our local jazz venue in Australia". Click here to see them

22/03/09 - A new band joins the Hall of Fame on Mother's Day. Colin Ball's Society Promenaders have been re-formed and renamed as Colin's Metro Swing. The style, although it has a 1920'S feel to it, remains essentially arranged Dixieland Jazz, but the change from banjo and sousaphone to guitar and string bass has given the rhythm section a lighter, more swinging sound.

22/03/09 - Following the news about the cancellation at Nidd Hall, Terry Binns & Mart Rodger both replied in a similar vein - "The Bourne Leisure Group consists of Warner Breaks, Haven, British Holidays & Butlins, I wonder if it has been cancelled , not because of lack of bookings, but that one band, Kings of swing, is cheaper than four?". "Kings of Swing are a Sinatra-type group who will play for one cabaret spot of an hour or so. The rest will be the house band, bingo and sequence dancing as usual. They will be saving quite a lot of cash - but losing a lot of friends".
20/03/09 - Hello Fred, My wife and I were booked for Nidd Hall in Oct.--- further to your piece of news from Mart (14/03.09), we received a letter today informing us that the jazz weekend was not on and that the entertainment was to be 'Kings of Swing'. No doubt they will be good, but we booked to see hear Mart, Savannah, Yorkshire Stompers and Denise. We now have a free weekend!!!! The annoying thing was that no reason was given. Have Warners been taken over I wonder? Our envelope today was stamped 'Bourne Leisure'--- we've not seen that before". - Jack Wilson

20/03/09 - Dumfries Jazz Club gig list has been updated

20/03/09 - I'm pleased to say that not only has all the Accommodation sold out for the Easter Weekend in Fleetwood, but now all the Dinner Jazz places have all gone. JAZZ ONLY tickets are still available at £9.95. Contact the North Euston Hotel on 01253 876525 - Mike Lovell
18/03/09 - "Last night saw the triumphant return of Les Harris following his horrific car smash last year. The Blue Magnolia's trumpet man was greeted with a standing ovation from a packed hall at the band's Mossley Hill BL Club residency. Les, 'Who can now only stomp off with his (unfamiliar) left foot' is playing and singing better than ever. Banjoist MC Derek Harrison's opening announcement "I've been dreaming of this moment for the past four months" set the tone for this terrific welcome-back session. Yes The Blue Mags are back firing on all cylinders". - Harold Troughton
17/03/09 - Many Happy Returns tomorrow to Pat Halcox, who has now retired from the Chris Barber Band.
16/03/09 - A month ago we went to see the Lune Valley Vintage Jazz Band at Th'owd Tithebarn in Garstang, but we were thwarted by my own mistake. I had forgotten to change the date in What's On, despite the band telling me. Interestingly there were only three other people in the pub when we got there. It was a different story last night, when we managed to get it right. Alan Mathews (tbn), was depping for Cyril Lyons, who I understand is still recovering from the effects of shingles. Hope it soon clears up and he's back out playing.
15/03/09 - "The Yarrow River Jazzband will be playing at a new venue in Wigan, Smokey's Bar at The New Tavern (used to be The Tavern) on Mesnes St. Wigan, 7-10 pm on Sunday 5th April. The new proprietors are trying to develop the venue for Jazz and Blues, so the more that can attend the better chance they will have of making it a success. Jazz fans come and enjoy!". - Richard Knock
14/03/09 - There's an interesting photo I've just put on the site. Can you name the band, and how many musicians can you name. I'll see if I can find a CD for the best answer.
14/03/09 - The Crofters Jazz Club programme has been updated to the end of the year.

14/03/09 - The Manchester Jazz Society forthcoming Programme has been updated.

14/03/09 - Keith Allcock sent me a copy of the Jazz Gentlemen's Newsletter which he produces as an excellent little booklet. It contains everything from information about the band, to 'Bit's & Pieces', Jazz Portraits, Obituaries, Interviews, quizzes and features. If you'd like a copy, I'm sure if you send Keith an A5 stamped address envelope, he'd oblige. I was particularly honoured to find myself featured in this month's issue. Keith's details are on http://www.jazzgentlemen.co.uk/index.php/contact-us

14/03/09 - I've been asked for copies of some photographs that I took at the Merseysippi Jazz Band 60th Anniversary celebrations. So I' thought I'd put them on the web so anyone else interested could see them. You'll find them at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/jazzyfred/MJB60th# .

14/03/09 - Mart Rodger tells me that the jazz weekend at Nidd Hall from 9th - 12th October has been cancelled. It was to feature The Denise Lawrence Band + John Hallam + The Yorkshire Stompers + Mart Rodger's Manchester Jazz + The Savannah Jazz Band. Mart says, "Our first experience of the current financial difficulties. This does not come as great surprise to me or the band. The cause is they haven't sold enough tickets." Mart & I can't help wonder if there are other reasons as there's still plenty of time left for ticket sales.

14/03/09 - Hi Fred, congratulations on a great site. It is marvellous to still see some of the people I used to play with in the 1980's still going strong. I was a young man in my mid 20's then, a tuba and bass guitar player, standing in for the bass players of the Wirrorleans and Peninsula Jazz bands when they wanted a night off or a night out away from the band. I remember Al McDowel well, and Dave Entwistle from the Wirroleans along with Stuart Carter from the Peninsula's. I also played regularly with Brian Brothers, Dennis Gracey, and Roy Gregory. Your site has evoked a lot of memories and a yearning to pick up where I left off. I have never stopped playing music and mainly do shows for Operatic Societies either on bass (bass guitar, tuba, double bass) or percussion (kit, timpani, timbales etc.) from Rhyl to Rainhill. It would be great to get involved with people on the North Wales coast who would be interested in forming a Trad band or who are looking for either a bass player or drummer. Do you know anyone? Or could you post this on your web site. Once again super site. Regards Stuart Gaskell". I can let you have Stuart's email address if you wish to get in contact.
14/03/09 - The latest Hot Jazz Channel internet radio show is now "live" at www.radiojazz. co. uk

14/03/09 - Many Happy Returns to reed player Amy Roberts, who celebrates her birthday tomorrow. Amy will be appearing at this year's Keswick and Dove Jazz Festivals.

14/03/09 - "Hi Fred, Nice to read items from Tony West in "Upside down land" Just a little coda to his tale of our three blasting choruses of a twelve bar blues. David Jacobs had just been voted Britain's best dressed man. - He presented the Top Town Series and there being only TWO operable cameras in the converted church which passed for the BBC studios in Manchester, our band had to rapidly get into position as David Jacobs moved from same spot. In the rush to set up equipment DJ ended up on the studio floor. Two minutes later after a vigorous brush down by all sorts of willing helpers he was again fit to be called BsBDM. Incidentally we were representing Sheffield and - of course none of us hailed from Sheffield. A real body blow was the the eventual result. We lost to Morecambe by two points. All power to your terminals Fred and keep up the good work". - Ken Doran.
12/03/09 - There's a stack of Just Jazz Magazines dating from 1998 to 2008 going for free in Garstang, if you are willing to collect them. Contact me for details.

12/03/09 - There's been 'trouble a t'mill' today. My Flat Screen computer monitor gave up the ghost, but I had two old monitors in the garage, and one in a spare bedroom. The first one out of the garage had the "Shimmy Sha Wabbles", and was unreadable, the second one had the "Melancholy Blues" as it was the only colour it would show. Thankfully it was third time lucky, bu looking on the bright side I think I lost a few pounds shifting them about.
11/03/09 - All the Chris Barber DVDs have now gone. If I continue to get sufficient interest for further copies, I may investigate the possibility of obtaining more.
09/03/09 - Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz has secured another monthly session to be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Cheadle Hulme Conservative Club, Mellor Road, which is the road opposite to Cheadle Hulme railway station. The sessions will begin on Tuesday, 14th April at 8.00 p.m. in what Janet describes in the latest newsletter as, "A lovely room".

09/03/09 - Tony West writes from Australia - "I continue to log in to Jazz NW from time to time. Tonight I noticed a request from Trev Barnes re the Mersey Beat in the early 60s. I cannot help him, but I would like to say "Hello!" again. In 1959 I started my degree course at Sheffield University, and Mick Shore's Band was well established. Trev was the clarinetist, but apart from Mick I have forgotten the names of the others. Later I worked with Mick at Jessop Saville's steelworks for a while. In the October I joined my first jazz band having bought a banjo as soon as my university grant was in the bank. We called it "The Sheaf River Jazzmen" - I was 17 at the time. We were a mixture of guys from the University, and the Teachers' Training College. Ken Doran (of the Chicago Teds) was on trumpet- he was training to be what we now call a "Tech Studies" teacher, and the highlight of our career was playing three choruses of an up tempo 12 bar blues when we represented Sheffield on the BBC "Top Town" show, with David Jacobs as the compere, and the NDO as the "house" band".

09/03/09 - John Pin writes, "I have recently found a 7 track 10" acetate recorded at the DEROY SOUND SERVICE Ormskirk Lancs. it states "original recording made by D. Hill. G. Wood-Tpt E. Reynolds-Clt J. Wilkinson-Bjo G. Pickering-Bass T. Freeman-Drms on one track Minas?-Tpt There is no date. Can anyone shed any light on this for me?

09/03/09 - Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz Newsletter 59 March 2009 has just been published, and you can get your copy from Mart' own web site by clicking here

09/03/09 - Two musicians in the same band sharing the same birthday, unlikely, but not impossible. Congratulations to Mart Rodger & Colin Smith who both celebrate their birthdays today.
08/03/09 - "I've just come across a book which interested jazzers might like to know about", writes Fred McCormick. "It's by a guy called Robert Harwood and it's called 'I Went Down To St James Infirmary', and is a history of the life and times of that very song. More details can be got at http://www.stjamesinfirmary.ca/ ".
07/03/09 - Advertising gigs outside the North West always gives me cause for concern that others might come in, and I don't need the extra workload. However I couldn't say no to this one from Tony & Kay Leppard, who do a sterling job for the Ken Colyer Trust. It's in aid of the Velindre Cancer Centre, and features Brian Carrick's Heritage Hall Stompers and Norman Thatcher's New Orleans Hula in Whitchurch Cardiff on 22nd May. Full details by clicking here, I just wished I lived a bit nearer.

07/03/09 - Rob Handford (tbn), from Nantwich, is the latest musician to join the deps list, which can be accessed via Jazz Extras.

07/03/09 - Geoff Hogarth writes, "Reading the recent tribute to Dave Lind, on the North West Jazz site I noticed an item from Phil Morris ex- Dave Lind's trumpet player who mentioned the Iron Door Club in Temple Street Liverpool 2. I was one of the original owners of the club I was surprised to read Phil Morris mention the Yogi Bear and Boo Boo, I didn't think that anyone would have remembered this incident from 1960 which lead to the club forfeiting its drinks licence. I also have visions of the band rehearsing early Sunday mornings. Also mentioned this week Mick Shores Tuxedo Jazz Band who also played at the club both were excellent sounding bands. Mike Pembroke mentions the jazz club in Cone Lane Silkston, I regularly visit this club organised by the Barnsley Jazz Society and echo Mikes comments that it is an outstanding venue with a reputation of being the headquarters for jazz in Yorkshire it is situated just off junction 36 on the M1 Motorway. Finally I was in the audience when Les Harris made his dramatic appearance at the Blue Mags residency in Rose Lane we are all very pleased he has recovered from his terrible ordeal and hope he will soon be back in the line up of this great band".
06/03/09 - "Dear Fred, It was great to be able to start back playing again, first venture being to the Turnpike in Ashton-under-Lyne, a residency with the Tame Valley boys, led on a Monday by Mr Scarf and Beret, the ebullient Terry Brunt no less. I was welcomed back by all the regulars plus a few new faces, refugees from another club, and the usual couple of guys who "sit in" just prior to the interval and the free buffet. Just to make sure I keep my hand in (as it were), Norman (Pennington) made sure I was not going to be idle, having lined up Sale, the Beaky, Didsbury (always a pleasure to play there), Boston Spa, Gabriel's and de la Salle. And so that I could sample the therapeutic sea air of Wales, in April we are off to Llandudno, under the pseudonym of "Terry's Dead Good Boys". Assuming this program does not lay me low again, I can also fulfill my commitments with other bands, as well as my solo work. But if the Nursing Home does ring up again, I may be tempted to ask them to book me in! Cheers, Noel Broadgate".

06/03/09 - George Allison has a double bass for sale.It''s just had a complete service with new strings and bridge. You can find it on the Sales Page via Jazz Extras.

06/03/09 - Bill Burgwyn, from South Wales asked for the Rod Mason itinerary, so he and others may well be interested in another event down there. Narberth U3A invite members and guests of U3As to attend a unique Jazz Study Day featuring the world famous Ken Colyer Legacy New Orleans Jazz Band at Nant-Y-Ffin hotel, Llandissilio, Pembrokeshire, SA66 7SU. The band will meet and mix with members and both explain and demonstrate the century-old technique of playing traditional jazz without written music. They will also give a concert performance of this exciting music. Email me for more details. U3A? Oh yes, I had to look it up too - University of the 3rd Age.
05/03/09 - Sean Moyses has sent me details of this year's Rod Mason Hot Five tour of the UK. in March. The nearest venue to the North West is Newbold Verndon in Leicestershire, but if you want a copy of the gig list, just let me know. Sean also tell me that "my latest (and fifth) CD "My banjo..and other friends" is now available through www.SeanMoyses.com and www.CDBaby.com. All ordering details are on my webpage. For those who think of banjo as simply "shrappa-shrappa" I invite you to take a listen to my renditions of "Maple Leaf Rag, The Entertainer, King Chanticleer, Tamiami Trail....etc, etc... The CD will also be for sale through my advert in Just Jazz next month".

05/03/09 - Mike Lovell tells me that, "The Easter Jazz Weekend at the North Euston Hotel has sold out! That is for accommodation. There is still availability for the Dinner Jazz reservations @ £29.95 and also a new price of £9.95 to just come in for the jazz.

05/03/09 - Many Happy Returns to Salford born trombonist Roy Williams, who celebrates his 72nd Birthday tomorrow.
04/03/09 - I've just had an email from Helen Byrne to say, "I have a luxury 3 bed caravan on Fach Farm which I let out to family, friends and other "nice" people. Now this year, we sadly can't make it for the Abersoch Jazz Weekend (11-14 June) and so I wanted to advertise it to Jazzers - like your readers". If you are interested, please contact me and I'll pass on more details and pictures that Helen sent me.

04/03/09 - Hi Fred, It has just been pointed out to me that our website is showing the Old Fashioned Love Band forthcoming visit to Silkstone Lodge Barnsley as being March 23rd when it should in fact be Monday March 16th. Perhaps you could mention it so that your Yorks visitors will be in no doubt. It's not that far a trip for people from our side of the Pennines either and they will find a friendly and comfortable venue. Cheers Mike Pembroke.

04/03/09 - Just had some great news from Harold Troughton, "Hi Fred The Blue Magnolia JO had a very special guest musician last night at their weekly Rose lane BL Club session. Guess who, ? None other than recovering trumpet/vocalist Les Harris following his dreadful motor accident last year. Les, complete with temporary walking stick & limp entered to a burst of rapturous applause from his delighted relieved fans & band colleagues. After thanking his many well wishers from the stage Les performed two spots demonstrating his trumpet & vocal talents were better than ever. The next two weeks will see his return to full time active service with the 'Mags' ".

04/03/09 - Mike Dexter is looking for Written Band Arrangements For 1920's Hot Jazz / Dance Style Band. Any ideas? Contact details on the Wanted Page
03/03/09 - Dear Fred, I couldn't agree more with your report of the Crofter's gig in today's News-Page. It was also a personal trip down memory-lane for me:- Aged eighteen (in 1956) I was taken to the Bodega to hear live jazz for the first time. The Saints Jazz Band were on stage, with Reg Kenworthy on bass. On Sunday the same Reg Kenworthy was on bass with Mike Carnie's band. He swung the band off its feet. Regards, Allan Bentham.

03/03/09 - Trevor Barnes asks, "Do any of your readers have back copies of Mersey Beat? I played clarinet with Mick Shores Tuxedo Jazz Band from Sheffield. We played a gig at the Mardi Gras club in Liverpool in the early 1960's. The gig was reviewed in Mersey Beat, I think on the front page. It was before the Beatles became famous because there was an advert for the Beatles on the same page. Any help would be most grateful".

03/03/09 - Gerry Clayton, who used to be the bass player with the Festival Jazzmen, tells me he's still alive and kicking. He is resident at "The Falcon", in Poulton most Wednesday nights. He tells me, "We have a quartet, myself on double bass, Bill Barrow on Sax/clarinet, Des Whitehead on Drums and Dave Windle on Keyboards. We hope to have Guest Jazz Musicians/Artist's once a month".

03/03/09 - On Sunday Mike Carnie brought his Jazz All Stars to Derek Daniels' Crofters Jazz Club at Garstang near Preston, and when Derek asked the audience at the end of the evening if they should be invited back there was a roar of approval. It was a very entertaining evening, and although I normally try to avoid singling anyone out, there was no doubting Derek Harrison knows how to work an audience, and his stories and humour added that little extra which made the evening memorable. Some jazz purists might have frowned at "Patricia The Stripper", but for this audience it was a winner, and as someone said, "Those that didn't come, don't know what they missed".
02/03/09 - Eagley Jazz Club gig list has been updated

02/03/09 - Carlisle Jazz Club gig list has been updated
01/03/09 - The Wilbraham Arms gig list has been updated

01/03/09 - This Friday the WIRRAL JAZZ FRIENDS present a CHARITY JAZZ NIGHT - "THE JOINT IS JUMPING" for CLAIRE HOUSE CHILDRENS' HOSPICE. It's at Heswall Royal British Legion, Pensby Road. Friday 6th March 2009 7.30 to 11.30 pm.

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