27/10/11 - I have just been told that Bude Jazz Festival has been cancelled for next year. The official reason from their web site states, "Due to the current economic climate which seems set to stay with us for the foreseeable future, the plethora of weekend festivals now taking place around the end of August and the Olympic Games, there will not be a Bude Jazz Festival in 2012".

26/10/11 - Frank Farrington is after a mouthpiece for E-flat tenor (brass) horn. See Items Wanted via Jazz Extras for more details

24/10/11 - Re. Ron 'Slim' Simpson. After the decline of trad. he left the jazz scene and he took up trumpet. I had also left the jazz scene and was playing the more lucrative dance music and pop at weddings, parties etc. I got a couple of wedding gigs from Paddy McKiernen with the proviso that I included Ron on trumpet. Was Paddy McKiernen his father -in-law ? - Barrie Quilliam

23/10/11 - "Dear Fred, Re. your News Page item dated 21.10.11: A few weeks ago, looking for exactly this kind of gadget, I purchased one made by ION at a discounted price of £28. I was not put-off by the many poor reviews I read, since I have been delighted by the two previous purchases from ION. I read them... and concluded that the complaints were from boffins who knew far more about computers etc. than was good for them. (You know I don't mean you, lad!!!). My computer skills are less than basic.... but I followed the instructions in every detail. The results have been perfect, in every way, every time, even with battered cassettes not played for 30 years. The point of this blurb is that the photograph of the machine, at £19 from Aldi, shows it to be absolutely identical to the one I bought.... without the name ION on the cover. I can only surmise that bad reviews have caused ION to sell-off some stock to Aldi. Allan Bentham".

23/10/11 - "Hi Fred, I noted comments about a device that Aldi are selling to transfer cassette to C. D. I have been transferring 45s, L. Ps, Cassettes and Mini-Discs to C. D. for years. If anybody wants this doing I can do them FREE OF CHARGE all I ask is that they provide their own CD blanks or pay me for them at "Cost price".  I can also clean up a few cracks and clicks. The are copied in "Real Time" so it is a lengthy process. Best wishes, Gerry Clayton".

22/10/11 - The Original Panama Jazz Band are playing for the Rotary Club of Heswall Tanzanian Seed Appeal this coming Friday night at St. Michael's Church Hall, Pensby, Cheshire. There's a  Food, Bottle Bar and Raffle. Contact Gwil Evans, 0151 342 1283 or Peter Walton on 0151 336 6356 for Tickets at £15

21/10/11 - As well as Mart Rodger's grandson updating his own site, I've update the Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz page on this site too.

21/10/11 - 'A rare occurrence in the jazz world happened this week, on the 19th October an exciting new 7 piece band was born playing Dixieland and Mainstream standards along the lines of the fabulous Dutch Swing College Band. All the band members are highly experienced professional musicians and the first rehearsal seemed like they'd played together for years. The band will be performing their first gig soon at a an easy to get to venue between Preston and Southport. More news of the gig soon!!'

21/10/11 - For those of you with lots of jazz cassette tapes who might wish to transfer them to computer or CD, you might be interested in ALDI's special offer for Sunday at http://tinyurl.com/6zo4lv7. It's available for £19.99 with a 3 year warranty, which is about as cheap as I've seen them.

20/10/11 - "On Wednesday 2nd November, The Salt City Jazzmen are celebrating their 41st birthday at the Jolly Tar. Nantwich Rd, Wardle, Nantwich CW5 5BE @ 8.30pm. There are still two original members of the band. Bob Jones drums & Alan Newton trombone. The rest of the group is Mike Hardaker trumpet, Harry Christian reeds, Derek Pierce bass & me Stuart Renn banjo & guitar.  Please will you circulate this via your web site as we would like as many of our friends as possible to join us there.  Thank you - Stuart"

20/10/11 - "You will recall the comments that the Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz website was in need of a shake up", writes Mart. "Well it is done and I am so delighted with the job my eldest grandson Alex has done. www.manchesterjazz.co.uk  There are certain items which will be added in due course but the framework is there.  We have two imminent gigs based on support to charities.  Sunday 13th November - Mottram St. Andrew Village Hall - near Macclesfield and Prestbury - 7.30pm - Tickets £10 - A Pauline Browne and Ian Price Memorial concert - proceeds to East Cheshire and St. Ann's Hospices. Saturday 26th November - Goostrey Village Hall - 8.00pm - £7.50- For St. Luke's Hospice, Winsford - We have passed over £7,725.31 and we look forward to another super evening in every way.  Tickets for both of these events can be acquired from myself.

20/10/11 - Well it seems like my little comment about the end of a great night out with the Six in a Bar and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra opened a can of worms. I've created a separate page so you can all add your pennyworth about the subject of encores. Are they for real or a ritual? Let me know. In the meantime you can read the ones that have come in by clicking here or selecting Discussion Pages  from Jazz Extras

19/10/11 - "Hello Fred. Blimey! This is controversial stuff about the end of the Pasadena Roof Orchestra's part of the concert! The PRO always (well, whenever I'm with them) has an encore ready - if required. On the evening in question, after the final number - My Blue Heaven/Singin' In The Rain, we bowed , left the stage and hovered in the wings for a few moments. The audience appeared satisfied, didn't ask for an encore and so, not wishing to outstay our welcome, we buggered off! Simple as that. Regards, Tony Jacobs".

19/10/11 - Re Pasadena concert- I had a look at the set list backstage and the last number of the concert was Pasadena which they didn't play so it didn't end as they had planned it.

19/10/11 - I'm grateful to Joe Silmon, Roy Swift and Alex Balmforth's detailed information of who played with The Saints, and when, and hopefully I'll compile it for the site before too long, but I suspect that Mattie Simpson was trying to work out if his father was the same person as Ron Simpson who was a founder member of the band, and in fact ran his own band, "Ron Simpson's All Stars" in 1954 according to Joe. He's still after a photograph of the band that contains a picture of Ron, so he can check.

19/10/11 - The debate on whether to play requested boring old numbers , or something completely different, rumbles on. Check out http://tinyurl.com/4xqphfw for the latest

19/10/11 - You probably skipped past the Home Page to get to the news. If that was the case you probably missed the Original Panama Jazz Band playing Tishomingo Blues. They have a charity event coming up at St. Michael's Church Hall, Pensby for the Rotary Club of Heswall Tanzanian Seed Appeal. It takes place on Friday 28th October.  See What's On for more details.

19/10/11 - "Regarding Sid Bailey's letter about contrived finishes when I was doing variety clubs these were known as '' false tabs '' The artist would leave the stage after his or her penultimate number and then graciously come back for the final song. The audiences liked it and thought the artist was great for giving them an extra song. It never failed and the audiences never twigged ! I didn't know jazzers had resorted to this. Ah well, that's Show Biz". - Moe Green.

19/10/11 - "So sorry that Suzanne's and Co jazz has finished at Cadwaladers at the Trafford centre. John and I went every week. It started 25th March until last week and we had many different musicians. It was very good and everyone looked forward to it. The list included George King, Mart Rodger, Dean Masser, Tom Kincaid, Amy Roberts, Jim Swinnerton, Terry Brunt (who walked up and down the ice cream parlour) whilst playing who is (God bless him) so much fun, George Galway and so many more. Also, of course lovely Dave Mott her Daddy". - Dee

19/10/11 - I've been updating The  Jukebox at http://tinyurl.com/6cvk8jy on a daily basis for over a week now, each day I've added another track from bands that play, or have played in the North West over the last 20 years or more. I've not received any reports of problems, but then it hasn't received many visitors since I changed it. For those who have, I hope you found it worked OK for you. The Jukebox can be accessed from the main menu on this site.

18/10/11 - "Hi Fred,  I'm sorry to hear of the meltdown of Cadwaladers at Trentham and Old Trafford. Clearly not 'everybody loves ice cream' as the song goes. I enjoyed a few great evenings on piano at a packed Trentham before I crassly let Pete Robinson down, resulting in what I still hope is  temporary blip in our association. This weekend I've enjoyed working in the company of The Teddy Bears, The Tuxedo, The Old Fashioned Love Band, Roy Potts, Dave Donohoe, The Fallen Heroes Jazz Band - and special guest Roy Williams - all at the first 'Merseyside Jazz Festival' in the heart of the City. Though attendance was sparse, it was a feast of music, and the organisers are considering repeating the experiment in 2012. It is to be hoped that it catches on and becomes as popular as the enterprise deserves". - Derek Harrison

18/10/11 - "Dear Fred,  I have just been reading the review of the Pasadena's concert at Fleetwood and the civilised end of the evening. The finale of nearly every jazz concert down South is now greeted with cries of "Encore, More, More", standing ovations and worse of all drumming of feet.  So now bandleaders tend to announce the second last number as the last just to keep these annoying "fans" happy. What is wrong with these people?  Why can't they accept that this is the end of the programme as the musicians planned it? Why do the management keep the lights low until the band comes back from their mock finish? Am I the only concert goer that gets sick of this ritual? Sorry about the rant Fred". - Sid Bailey.

15/10/11 - "Fred, Mattie Simpson's recent query in relation to The Saints sent me scurrying to my Vinyl, however the earliest LP I own featuring the band is from 1958, 'the Saints Meet the Sinners'; Parlophone PMC 1103; a joyous compilation presenting Mick Mulligan's Band alongside the Saints. The Saints line up is Mike McNama, trumpet; Alan Radcliffe, clarinet; Fred Fydler, trombone; John Fish, piano; Reg Kenworthy, bass; John Mills, drums. Note, John Fish, not Ed Fish.  Also came across a 1956 Zenith Six (Tempo) recording. Oh, happy days!  Regards" -  Alex Balmforth

15/10/11 - John Musket writes, "Presumably it's the Trafford Centre Cadwaladers where the "last jazz gig" has been announced. Pete Robinson tells me that jazz at Cadwaladers, Trentham Gardens, has also ceased, apparently following a disagreement between the manageress and the customers, culminating in instant close down of the gig.  It usually attracted a large and enthusiastic audience, though I couldn't say whether there was sufficient consumption of Cadwaladers choice comestibles to make it pay (see my comments in Jazz Extras/Discussion Pages/Musicians' Expenses). I, and my fellow musicians (so I believe), enjoyed playing there. Ah well.... another one melts away.  Best wishes to all, Harmoniously".

15/10/11 - In aid of charity -The Original Panama Jazz Band will play at St. Michael's Church Hall, Pensby for the Rotary Club of Heswall Tanzanian Seed Appeal on Friday 28th October. Food, Bottle Bar and Raffle. Contact Gwil Evans, 0151 342 1283 or Peter Walton on 0151 336 6356. Tickets £15

15/10/11 - We had a great night out last night along with  with the rest of the people who made it a full house at The Marine Hall in Fleetwood for the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Mike Lovell's Six in a Bar with vocalist and musician Rosie Harrison,  opened the proceedings in a cracking polished style with Stevedore Stomp, which was to set the pace to come. Ten numbers in 45 minutes, some of which, like the good old days, would have fit on a 78 record no problem. Personally speaking I loved these short solo numbers for a change. Mike certainly tailored Willie Entwistle's first class arrangements for the mixed audience that was there, and Rosie Harrison has firmly established herself as a fine reed player as well as a first class vocalist with the band. The PDRO never fail to entertain and please the crowd, but it was a strange feeling at the end of the night for the lights to stay low, with people starting to leave, and nobody shouting for "More". As someone said to me, "Well it is well past cocoa time".

13/10/11 - Moe Green responds to Allan Wilcox's comments in the discussion on "Playing the wrong notes". See discussion pages via Jazz Extras

13/10/11 - Four DVDs of the 60's film "It's Trad Dad", arrived yesterday, and were posted out today, so if you wanted one I'm afraid you missed them. I do have one person on the waiting list, and when I get sufficient interest, I'll order some more. In the meantime check out http://tinyurl.com/369335j for more information about it.

13/10/11 - Carlisle Jazz Club gig list has been updated

13/10/11 - Dove Jazz Club has released its latest copy of The Bugle which you can read at http://tinyurl.com/6cvxary

13/10/11 - "Hi Fred, Earlier this year you included on your site details of the death and funeral of Derek Bennett, founder member of the Zenith Hot Stompers. Although primarily a Midlands band we do make occasional forays into the wild North-West (Blackpool last month e. g.) and I thought some of your readers would be interested in an update.  Derek had hoped to be able to run the band until the end of this year (its 49th) and, although this was not to be, his wishes will be respected and the band will fold in December. The final gig will be at Stafford Jazz Society on Sunday 11th December.  In January the remaining ZHS members will launch a new band - The Grand Union Syncopators. The first gig will be at Halesowen Cricket Club on Sunday 8th January. A photo of the new band and further details can be found on www.jazzpzazz.co.uk/gus.htm ". - Regards Keith Garner

13/10/11 -A few weeks ago, Mart Rodger sent me copies of a couple of pages from a magazine, which you can see by clicking here. He wrote, "I am always behind in catching up with reading articles in my Jazz Beat magazine and this relates to Volume 21 No 2 & 3 2010. This comes from George Buck's set up in New Orleans called GHB Jazz Foundation. Attached are some write up's on a Jimmie Noone book and being a keen golfer myself I was interested to read his wife was a golf teacher and he was an avid golfer himself. Apart from this he is of course one of my favourite clarinetists. George Lewis inspired a lot of us with his playing and the second picture contains details of a book about him called "The Inside Story". I hope this is of interest to all". - Regards Mart.

12/10/11 - I've added a link to the N.E. based Maine Street Jazzmen at www.mainestreetjazzmen.com. Bass player Alan Rudd sent me the details. He also sent me a link to an interesting YouTube video that charts the history of the Tyneside based Panama Jazzmen, 1951-2000, billed as "The North's Leading Jazz Attraction". They achieved great success, especially in the 1950's & 60's, playing for dances, jazz clubs, concerts & festivals, where they played on the same bill as many top acts, such as Louis Armstrong, Kenny Ball, Ken Colyer, the Beatles, etc. See it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=aekqQIkZvks

12/10/11 - Tonight is is the last gig at Cadwaladers with Andrej Baranek on keyboard, Dean Masser on sax, Nick Blacka on bass and Suzanne Mott on vocals.

12/10/11 - Many Happy returns of the day to  Fylde Coast bass player _ Gerry Clayton

11/10/11 - "Hello Fred, The WirrOrleans Jazz Band have agreed with GALLAGHERS PUB AND BARBERS, Woodside, Birkenhead, Wirral, to be resident every 2nd Sunday in the month starting with Sunday 13th November, and every 2nd Sunday, 11th December, 15th January at 8.30pm etc.  Next week at Gallaghers on Sunday the 23rd October between 8.30pm and 9.30pm and once only, the WirrOrleans will be inviting Seth Beard the 7 year old drummer to sit in for a couple of numbers, an early start as he has school on Monday, so if you want to see him, be soon". - Bert Schroeder.

11/10/11 -  "I trust, after their three week closure the members of the Lez Bull band are fully refreshed, and the refurbishment has made them crisp, sparkling and bushy tailed !!!!" -  Norman Gibson

11/10/11 - "Hi Fred, I'm not a regular listener to JRR - too much of that modern stuff for my antediluvian disposition - but I turned it on last Saturday in time to catch literally the last few bars of the Mart Rodger track. "That was nice", thinks I. "What was it?" I was a little bit surprised to learn that it was one of our home-grown bands, and gratified that someone in the BBC realises there is such a thing as a jazz scene up here in the North West. BTW., anyone who stuck around for the next track will have heard a mind-blowing and storming Chicago Breakdown from Maceo  Merryweather. Yes I know I've got a copy and I've played it time out of mind. But to hear it coming out of the blue like that was something else. While I think on, a great night was had by all at Heswall British Legion last Friday, when the room rocked to the music of New Orleans Heat. As you'll doubtless know already, this was a charity do for Claire House Hospice, so it was a great night for a great cause.  I was disturbed to learn how short of funding Claire House is at the moment, and their own cash situation probably applies to every other hospice in the country. These are difficult times, I know, but if folks out there can do anything to help the hospice movement, please do it. You'll be able to live for a week on the warm glow.All the Best". -  Fred McCormick.
 

11/10/11 - Albert Borsberry's funeral will take place at Fenland Crematorium, Knights End Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0YJ (tel 01354 650577) on Tuesday 18th October at 1.30pm. - Peter Cooke. See news item 08/10/11.

11/10/11 - After a 3-week closure for a complete refurbishment. THE LEZ BULL JAZZ BAND will be appearing at the BLACK BULL, HIGH BENTHAM on the 21st November. Already a great room to play in, this should make the pub even better as a 'live music' venue.  Please support our landlady Mandy, and the band, by joining us on our opening night. FREE to attend, very reasonably priced Jazz Night menu - superb food and good Real Ale. Not to be missed!!! - Pete Major

11/10/11 - Bert Schroeder told me of some great photographs of the band taken at the Birkenhead Transport Festival, Saturday 17th September 2011, by  Tim Ditton which you can see by clicking here

10/10/11 - The BAY CITY STROLLERS. are doing a charity performance at ST MARGARET'S CHURCH in Hornby, on Saturday 15th. October at 7.30. proceeds are to go towards the rebuilding of the church wall. tickets (£6, including nibbles and glasses of wine) are available from Christine Porter 01524 221679 or Bob Pickersgill 01524 420625.

09/10/11 - The Horwich Jazz Club and Manchester Jazz Society gig lists has been updated

09/10/11 - Hi Fred, Just returned from Jazz weekend at the Chatsworth House Hotel our first visit, organised by Harry Swinburne. Great Jazz played by The Old Fashioned Love Jazz Band and Mike Lovells 6 In A Bar with Rosie, we hadn't seen either band before. We met some nice people and enjoyed the music. Llandudno is a fab place so Great Jazz and Llandudno, what a combination. Already booked Feb 12 for Blue Mags and Chicago Teds. Well done Harry. Super website Fred. Regards", -  Stella Williams

09/10/11 - Doug Whaley & Jack Cotterill both share birthdays today, Many Happy Returns to both of them.

08/10/11 - Tony Davis is doing a New Orleans Jazz Halloween Special at Fort Perch Rock on 30th October at 1pm. More details by clicking here

08/10/11 - Hi Fred I am pleased to tell you that I have reached the 'comfortable' number for 'Jazzy Joan's' Tribute Jazz Evening'. All rooms at the Crown Inn , and the adjacent B & B, are fully booked. 'Ticket CD's' are prepared and will go in the post Saturday. All the jazzers who have booked were close friends of Joan, and supporters of her Whitewater Jazz. Joan's daughter Christine provided me with several pages of all these people's (and more!) contact details. Many telephone numbers were unobtainable or 'not recognised', otherwise I may have exceeded numbers for the space available!! The pleasing thing about this telephoning exercise was the affection everyone held for Joan, and surprising how many, of those coming, asked if others they know had booked! It is obvious to me that there is going to be a meeting of friends on the night. I look forward to it! Also, a number of people, who can't make the event, have offered donations to Alzheimers Society and I will be sending a free CD. I think it would be difficult for me to find many more of the 'old jazzers', but should another few come forward from somewhere I will endeavour to fit them in. Regards, and thanks for your help - Norman Gibson
 

08/10/11 - Mart Rodger has emailed to tell me, "I've just heard that one of our supporters has sent a request in for one of our recordings and I am told it will be the first record on "Jazz Record Requests" on BBC Radio 3 tomorrow (Saturday) usually at 5.00pm - sometimes the times are changed". "Listen Again" on iPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/b015mtbg. Mart & Ian Royle have both added comments to the ongoing discussion on the Discussion Page - Playing the wrong notes.

08/10/11 - "Dear Fred, Just a note to let you know the following:-  Albert Borsberry Long time drummer of the Southwould Jazz Band in Louth has died at the 82 after a long illness. He was also known to cycling fans for his long time in the saddle. He was National Hill Climb Champion, a pursuit cyclist, a member of the pre Olympic Cycling Team in 1948 and also the first person to ride up Porlock Hill in under 4 minutes. His other claim to fame was he turned down playing for a band in a pub in the sixties who turned out to be the Rolling Stones. His funeral has not yet been announced but I will let you know when I find out.  kind regards" - Peter Cooke

07/10/11 - A week today sees The Pasadena Roof Orchestra appearing in the North West at Fleetwood Marine Hall, supported by the Mike Lovell 6 in a Bar band. A first rate orchestra who have appeared at the Blackpool Grand many times, and you can hear them play At The Jazz Band Ball on the Home Page or click here to download it. More details at http://tinyurl.com/6ju6reh

07/10/11 - "Re: yesterday's comment by Moe Green, Goodness! I hope the other Four Guys Named Moe don't stick it to me (can't be lightly brushed off). Maybe they'll be too busy in One Moe Time, which, of course, includes that anatomical anomaly (Miss) Jenny's Ball. Harmoniously, "Bigged up" John Muskett".

07/10/11 - Mattie Simpson has been looking at the Saints Jazz Band page and a sentence that reads, "The line-up of the original band was: Alan Radcliffe (clarinet), Mike McNama (trumpet), Ron 'Slim' Simpson (trombone), Ed Fish (piano), Tom Gregory (bass), John Mills (drums), and Jim Lolley (banjo and guitar)". Mattie says, "I may be wrong, but I think the trombone player may have been my dad. I know my dad loved jazz and played trombone. My dads name was Ronald Pollitt Simpson and he was born in Stalybridge. Do anyone have any old pictures that I could look at and see if it is him?
 

07/10/11 - Tony West writes, "I was interested in the Eric Clapton/Wynton Marsalis report and video. Many of us are of the same ilk, we started as skiffle group players, listened to Lonnie and the Barber band, and went our various ways. All those years ago John Mayall was gigging with Mart Rodger. So it is no surprise to me that Eric has done a New Orleans session, and I note that his lyrics in "Ice cream" are remarkably like those of Pat Halcox. His connection with the roots of his music is very clearly seen and stated in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWVsptT3gZ8  straight from Bessie, then some magic blues guitar!   I was also delighted by Wynton's analysis, demonstration, and explanation of what Louis was doing on one of the hot five recordings, in a jazz based documentary I saw on TV in Aelaide some time ago. I forget which tune it was, but Wynton clearly knew the roots of his home town music, and considered Louis to be a most innovative genius. He can play in the New Orleans style, without needing to show off technique, and that is refreshing- so many "modern" players cannot do that. It reminded me of the late Kenny Baker who was a guest star at the Leofric in Coventry one night that the Dallas were playing. He insisted that Bill Smith stay on stage, and there was some good two trumpet stuff played - pure Armstrong from Kenny, and Bill. During the break we went down to the cellar to find Kenny playing fine bop trumpet with Joe Harriot's band. It is rare to find musicians who understand their music well enough to really play in context".

07/10/11 - Allan Wilcox and Tony West add their comments to the subject of familiarity breeding contempt when it comes to jazz standards. See The Discussion Page - Playing the wrong notes via Jazz Extras

07/10/11 - This email forwarded to me from Brian Turnock - "Hi All Just heard from Andrew, Bills brother, that Bill Greenow died in the night, no more details Im afraid - Cuff Billett" .

06/10/11 - There's a web site called New England Traditional Jazz Plus which is worth a look round. Those of you who know ex scouser Tony Pringle, will know he leads the New Black Eagles Jazz Band which recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary at the Collings Foundation, in Stow, Massachusetts. Check out the write-up and photographs at www.nejazz.com/BEJB40th.htm

05/10/11 - Dave Rossiter has sent in an amusing story about the late Dick Chapman which you can read by clicking here

05/10/11 - "Hi Fred,  Paul Jones did a tribute to Ottilie Patterson in his Rhythm & Blues programme on Radio 2 this week. He played 3 of her rarer recordings. Still available to listen to on his page on the Radio 2 site, (about 30 minutes in)  at http://tinyurl.com/6g4a8bg ". -  Phil Yates

05/10/11 - "hello Fred, I would like to introduce our understudy drummer with the "Bert Schroeder's Rusty Bucket Dixieland Jazz Band " His name is Seth Beard and he is only 7 years old, this is the very first time he has played with a jazz band. He will be sitting in as a regular guest with the Bucket Band, so see him now while we can afford him.  See the video at http://tinyurl.com/5sp3bvx". - Bert Schroeder.
 

05/10/11 - OK Time to have another go at getting The Jukebox to work so that everyone can hear the music of the North West Bands, and perhaps the odd guest band. There's a selection of tracks varying from bands that no longer exist, to the latest releases.  Hopefully you can all see and hear this new one, and I shall try and add and remove a track each day so that it will be ever changing. Of course there's a small matter of my memory and available time that might make this fail once in a while. I've got 872 tracks of local bands ready to upload, so that should keep you going for a while, assuming most people can access it.  I'll leave the current selection on for a few days before I start the changes. You can access the jukebox via the Main Menu. Enjoy!

05/10/11 - "I've thought that Mr. Muskett has been getting too big for his boots for some time and now we have proof of this. Let us hope that he takes note !" - Moe Green.

05/10/11 -  Noel Broadgate appears to have kicked off another topic of conversation when he said on 30/09/11 - "We were asked to play Stan Kenton's "Peanut Vendor" - which we did. Those who didn't know the piece remarked that we played a lot of wrong notes, whereas those who knew the Kenton arrangement thought it was not discordant enough!" Comments followed on from Roy Swift, Ron Knight and Joe Silmon on the attitude of punters requesting the same old numbers. You can follow the discussion by clicking here, or via the Discussions Pages which you can access via Jazz Extras

05/10/11 - "In answer to Roy Swift's little missive about old tunes, he is not alone. We have members that won't attend club nights if the band they like is not playing and they think playing Jelly Roll Morton's Dr Jazz 30 times a night is wonderful.  It's these cretinous lovers of the mundane that give jazz a bad name. Ron Knight" - Australia

04/10/11 - The gig list has been updated for The Shrimper  in Southport

04/10/11 - I went to see the The Merseysippi Jazz Band  at The Crofters on Sunday, and it's obvious that the relative newcomers to this 62 year old band,  are now comfortably settled in. With John Higham commanding the audience with his witty banter, it was obvious they were being well received judging by the applause. Promoter Derek Daniels told me, "Everyone enjoyed the Merseysippi, Peter Fryer and the rest of the band said they hope to return soon, I thought they did a little something to suit everyone, making it an enjoyable evening".

04/10/11 - "I've seen everything now, Fred. So tall is Spirit Of New Orleans's excellent bass player, John Muskett, and so low is the ceiling at Rochdale Jazz Club that he actually removed a ceiling tile (see picture of last Sunday's gig), the better to accommodate his instrument and to get air for himself! And the band raised the roof, too!" -  Andrew Liddle

04/10/11 - It's catching on - The Top Hat Club will be a return to all things glamorous and vintage. Live music by the "Lazy River Jazz Band" and fun dance acts. 1920's Movies, Vintage Cars, DJing old 78's and the chance to win a bottle of Champagne on Charity Blackjack. The theme is 1920's, 30's, 40's & 50's. Dance lesson 7.30pm - 8.30pm TOP HAT CLUB Friday 21st October - 7.30pm - 12pm - tickets now available. It all takes place at SOUTHPORT CONSERVATIVE CLUB 20 Bath Street, Southport, PR9 0DA. Anthony 0790 2342448 More info: www.jazzswingdance.co.uk

03/10/11 - "Hi Fred, I know exactly what John Westwood says because I had Ian Royle and Frank Slater as guests at "The Burgundy Bar" in Kendal and I did say to the audience that they did not have to go to London or anywhere else to hear and see the very best and they agreed with rapturous applause.  I wish I had been there John, Spain is my second home". - Unwin Nunns

03/10/11 - Harry Christian emailed to let me know he'll be depping for Wall City Jazzmen's reed man, Paul Blake at the Mill Hotel, Chester tonight (Monday). Then it back with the Salt City Jazzmen as usual on Wednesday 5th at the Jolly Tar, Wardle, Cheshire.

02/10/11 - Last reminder about the Temperance Seven, who are playing to raise funds for Christie's Hospital next week, the 9th October at 7-30pm at The Garrick Playhouse in Altrincham. Tickets are £15 and there are just a few left I'm told, so if you want a memorable night out and would like to help to raise money for this worthwhile cause, ring 0161 928 1677 now. More details by

02/10/11 - I had a call from Arthur  Atherton today. He tells me he travels around taking videos of jazz bands in the Merseyside area, and has put many of them on YouTube. I'm sure you'll recognise quite a few.  Check out http://tinyurl.com/6da4atv

02/10/11 - "I'm delighted to tell you that our next concert at the Beer Hall, Staveley nr Kendal on Wednesday 12 October features Digby Fairweather with the Vinny Parker Trio. Admission is £10 on the door. Digby is making his first visit to the South Lakes for very many years, although he was a regular here during the 70s and 80s when he appeared with the Alex Welsh band, among others. He is now almost as well known as a broadcaster as he is as a cornettist, thanks to his encyclopaedic knowledge of jazz, and he has a deep fund of amusing anecdotes about his life in music, some of which he's sure to share with us. Possibly more importantly, he remains one of Britain's top cornet players, and this is a rare chance to hear him play in the great acoustic of the Beer Hall." - Bruce Carnaffin

02/10/11 - Guitarist looking for 'A needle in a haystack!---' I'm looking for a violinist who plays in the Joe Venuti style to play those great Eddie Lang/Joe Venuti Duets. Know anybody? mikejdexter@aol.com

02/10/11 - Hello again Fred, Further to my last input, and the closure of the Freshfields Hotel in Formby as an entertainment venue this month, - October, On Friday 30th September Joanne Yates, the Manager, was awarded "The Camra Best Community Pub in Southport and District 2011"  - Bert Schroeder

01/10/11 - We were so sorry to hear of the sad news about Tom Jones. Fred could you pass on our best wishes and condolences to Tom Jones family please. Tom played trumpet here at the Blue Bell Inn a good few times with Mad Ed's Hot Five and blessed us with his lovely painting of the pub which has hung on the wall ever since in pride of place where the music plays. Best Regards Steve Marquis Publican, Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn

01/10/11 - Correction - The Friday lunch sessions at Carnforth Railway Station continue on the third Friday of every month, and not the last Friday as previously reported.

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01/10/11 - Ian Maund has just updated www.sandybrownjazz.co.uk and there's an interesting section on jug bands, with a link to a a video of the "Whistler's Jug Band" playing "Foldin' Bed".

01/10/11 - "I am absolutely horrified to read of the attitude of some of the punters at the playing by Noel Broadgate' s band of Stan Kenton's (sic) " The Peanut Vendor " Cannot think what wrong notes they might be !!  At least, it gets us away from the old pot-boilers like Tiger Rag, Shine, Doctor Jazz which some punters unbelievably ask for time and time again. How to kill off jazz with such an attitude, eh ?  Wish I had a £1 for every time I have been bored to tears playing those tunes.  The Kenton version was a great and the best known record., but the tune was not written by him. It was at the time hardly a modern tune, having been written as early as 1928,  by Sunshine ( not Monty !! ), Gilbert & Simons ( who they ?). It has been recorded by lots of people including Lois Armstrong over the years.  Let us all not be so bigoted in our tastes".  - Roy Swift

01/10/11 - Correction - 28/09/11 - The Savoy Jazzmen have Martin Bennett (piano) joining them on the 4th October (not 5th as published previously) helping them to celebrate 20 years at the Widnes Rugby Union Football Club, Heath Road, Widnes. WA8 7NU.  It's an 8.45pm start.

01/10/11 -  Tom Jones the founder of Chester's WALL CITY JAZZMEN died peacefully last Thursday evening, a service to remember his life will be at Chester Crematorium at 2.00pm. on Monday 10 October

27/09/11 - Unfortunately, due to this late Summer weather, I didn't pick this email about Mamas Jazz Babies in time to advise those who were intending going tonight. - "Unfortunately diminishing numbers of punters at the the Lord Nelson in Wallasey have meant that yet another worthwhile enterprise has now come to a sad end. The price of fuel leads me to advise your loyal readers that such an expedition for entertainment is now a lost cause despite the heroic efforts of our leader Alan MIller. This must now be removed from adverts to at least save some travel expenses. yours Stewart Scott".

25/09/11 - "Hi Fred, the Jazz for Cows clip has now amassed an amazing 1,007,591 hits, if only we could get some of those folks to our venues !!!".  - Bernie Hives

 

25/09/11 -  "Dear Fred,  www.deltajazzband.com.ar, Not many Argie bands, I'm sure, (quite a few numbers from this one on YouTube), but with Juan Manuel Klappenbach (Saxo Alto y Clarinete), I feel reasonably certain that a certain triangle player would be welcome in their ranks. Regards" -  Philip J. Cakebread.

22/09/11 - "John Barnes is due home today and goes straight to the Charing Cross Hospital from the airport".  - Steve Voce

22/09/11 - "Hi Fred, I have been asked by a number of people what the position is regarding the following so here it is....... It is with regret that the group of us who have organised and ran the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Beer and Music Weekend for the past 8 years have stood down. Therefore I understand that the event is taking a different direction this year with it's new organisers and there will be no Traditional Jazz.  Regards Mark Croasdale".

22/09/11 - On Saturday, 1st October, Preston Arts Festival will have a pre-launch event in the Harris Museum entrance, and music will be provided by the Silver Bell Band. After that, and hopefully not competing with each other, the band will play around the City  with the Town Crier leading the way.  It all starts at 10.00am and continues to 3.00pm. It's a free event of course.

22/09/11 - John Cowan writes from Scotland,  "Hi Fred, Received the video, "It's Trad Jazz" in the post today and have spent the best night for ages in front of the telly. Nostalgia is definitely a thing of the future!  Thanks again and keep well". Unfortunately all the ones that are left are spoken for, but if I get enough interest I'll order some more from America.

21/09/11 - "Just thought I'd mention I've been promoting a monthly Jazz Session here in Whitchurch for the past six months. It's called 'JAZZ AT THE ANCHOR' (the Anchor being a Whitchurch Pub). We meet on the third Wednesday each month, and the music is usually played by 'The Derek Harrison Trio' with Guests. Regulars are 'Mad Ed' Lloyd Hughes - Bass and Graham 'Rockit' Ashley on drums. Clarinet player Mike Hayler, and Singer Irene Martin have appeared, and on 19th October, Billy Edwards is guesting on Trumpet. It's a small venue, serving good food and ale, and as a result we are getting 'sell-outs' each month. It's wise to book ahead and The Anchor tel. no. is 01948 663086. Nice to have something up and running well, and we are well fixed until Christmas at least. All the best - 'Professor' Derek Harrison - Piano"

21/09/11 - Just a reminder that the Temperance Seven are playing to raise funds for Christie's Hospital next month, the 9th October at 7-30pm at The Garrick Playhouse in Altrincham.  Tickets are £15 and there are just a few left I'm told, so if you want a memorable night out and would like to help to raise money for this worthwhile cause, ring 0161 928 1677 now.

20/09/11 - "The Merseys are up at Crofters in Garstang on 2nd October, and last night we had John Hallam guesting and he was in his usual superb form. Next Monday, 26th, our great friend Dave Mott will be with us. You may have heard that drummer Peter Darwin is out of action at the moment. He has had to have hospital treatment for a hernia but is recovering well. It will be several weeks yet before he gets back in harness. Lugging a drum-kit around is a strenuous business especially up the back stairs at Liverpool Cricket Club!! " - Pete Fryer, Merseysippi Jazz Band

20/09/11 - "Fred, there is a Musical Tribute to Monty Sunshine to be held at 100 Club, Oxford Street, London W1 on Thursday 8 December, 12 noon - 2.30pm. Band led by Alan Gresty with Val Wiseman and musicians from Monty's band. All proceeds to the Jazz Archive and NSPCC. - Mike Murtagh".

19/09/11 - One band with a good idea is the N.E. Band - Vieux Carre, who brought a coach load of fans over to Bowness for the weekend. Chance to explore the area during the day, and listen to the band in the evening, what a great idea. I gather quite a few local people helped fill the room on Saturday evening, and we called in at lunchtime on Sunday. It was good to see Stuart McLean who runs Ayr Jazz Club and who I've only had email contact with until now, and also band organiser Brian Bennett.

18/09/11 -  Re Jazzy Joan Tribute Evening, the rooms at the Crown Inn are now fully booked. There is one other B & B in the village which has accommodation - The BLUE HOUSE B & B 015395-31500. Ask for TINA and reference 'Norman's Tribute Jazz' for the same rates as the Crown Inn.

18/09/11 - My thanks to Carole Fletcher for informing me that, "Jazz is on at the Swan with 2 Necks Chorley, a trio - Rae Owen George Galway and Tony Ormisher."

18/09/11 - Steve Voce has emailed to tell me, "John Barnes had a stroke earlier in the week, whilst on holiday with his wife Pat in Greece. First reports sounded very bad, but it soon emerged that his speech wasn't affected, and he made jokes to Pat. Last I heard he was being assessed in hospital with a view to flying him home in an air ambulance".  I'm sure we all wish him a speedy recovery.

18/09/11 - "Hi Fred, We spent a pleasant evening last night at the Burnside Hotel in Bowness listening to the Vieux Carre Jazzmen from Gateshead. A very varied programme with great music and plenty of vocals. The audience from the North East were very sociable too. Thank you for the tip off. Jeff & Barbara".

17/09/11 - Dear Fred. The BAY CITY STROLLERS. are doing a charity performance at ST Margaret's in Hornby, on SATURDAY 15th. October at 7.30. proceeds are to go towards the rebuilding of the church wall. tickets are £6. including nibbles and glasses of wine are available. from Christine Porter 01524 221679 or Bob Pickersgill 01524 420625. - Bob Pickersgill

17/09/11 - Hi Fred, After all these years of performing I have never experienced a "duo" but thanks to the invitation from Mike Dexter I have achieved it. We played at one of his annual gigs at Harrogate Flower Show yesterday. What a load of fun we had and in spite of the cold the folks there enjoyed it too" - Regards Mart Rodger.   

17/09/11 - Those who remember ex pat Liverpudlian who died recently in Canada, might be interested in this video of him at http://tinyurl.com/6zaerc4 which remembers Bob Wright and features him with the Hot Five Jazzmakers on clarinet and soprano sax. Other names on the video that will be familiar to many are Brian Greville, Brian Towers, Colin Bray and Earl Craddock .

17/09/11 - Hi Fred,  Caro Emerald on You-tube, she is quite something but I haven't heard anything about her on your site but she is too good to miss and yes it is jazz. Check out http://tinyurl.com/y9hkanl - Unwin Nunns

17/09/11 - Hi Fred, thanks to Bernie Hives for the clip (http://tinyurl.com/3mo2yf8) . This could be an udder solution. I must confess I have played to far less responsive humans. I will treat my cowbell with due respect from now on. Moe Green

16/09/11 - Ever seen a trumpet made from wood that plays?  Barrie Marshall just me this link to http://tinyurl.com/6x9s6es  Maybe the guy should stick to woodwork, but an interesting project nevertheless.

16/09/11 - David Bell on instant message:- "Ken Colyer on the jukebox! That's made my day. I was glad to see you holding a copy of the new - huge - Colyer book in your photo in Just Jazz". Thanks David, hope it gives the impression I can read.

16/09/11 - "Dear Fred, Sorry to read the knocking piece about Kenny Ball. I saw the band at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall as part of a 3 Bs concert and it was absolutely first class. Kenny had added a second trumpet as support after his illness - but it was just superfluous. I haven't heard him play so well for a couple of years". - Tony Davis

15/09/11 - Good News. The company in America that supplies the videos of the film "It's Trad Dad", have reduced their prices. As I am able to buy 4 at a time, and I wait until they offer a special discount, it has enabled me to sell them at £2 less than you can buy them from America, and I've been able to reduce the price here from £19.50 to £16.50. The bad news is that by the time they arrived, 3 were reserved, so there's only one left until I re-order. First come first served. See http://tinyurl.com/369335j

15/09/11 - Hi Fred, Two gigs this weekend for Mad Ed's Hot Five. The first one we're hosting is what we hope will be an entertaining and unusual event to raise much needed funds towards Ty Gobaith Children's Hospice in Conwy N. Wales this Saturday, Mad Ed plays from 4ish. More information and how to find us at http://tinyurl.com/64vq7e3 - Sat Sept 17th 2pm, Tickets only £3 (includes a Pint of Froth Blowers Ale). The second gig is our weekly Sunday afternoon with the Hot Five starting at 3:30ish with all the usual fun. - Best Regards Steve Marquis, Publican at The award winning Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn

15/09/11 - Just as things appeared to be looking up for restoring the Eagle Saloon, one of the jazz landmark buildings on South Rampart Street, the future looks more uncertain than ever. Jerome "PopAgee" Johnson has just completed work to shore up the building at 401-403 S. Rampart St. that is considered one of the few remaining buildings marking the birthplace of jazz. Johnson was about to place an advertisement soliciting bids from contractors in August to turn the building, where early jazz musicians like Buddy Bolden would grab a drink before gigs, into the New Orleans Music Hall of Fame, when he discovered that the state Legislature had cut his capital outlay funding. This and other New Orleans News can be found in Jazznorthwest Daily at http://paper.li/jazznorthwest/1313435509 (changes daily).

14/09/11 - "Hello Fred, Greetings from France ! Less gloom and doom here on the continent about young musicians and jazz. Your readers may be interested in seeing this group with the wonderful name « Billie not on Holiday » playing here in Istanbul (they travel around !)  http://vimeo.com/25316569  . The bass player is from Brittany (his Dad plays with my band Good Time Jazz) and we very much hope they will be at our Fest Jazz next year. There are more videos of them on the net if you search for them. Cheers, Trevor Stent".   

14/09/11 - Synchronisation is not my favourite word at the moment. I was having problems with the Google Calendar on my phone, so I deleted everything pre 2011, not realising that it would delete all the annually repeating birthdays that I'd entered in previous years. When I went to my PC I discovered it had synchronised and deleted them all as well. All my friends and relatives, that was bad enough, but all the musician birthdays disappeared as well and I didn't have a copy of those. It took 2 days to put them all back as I've had to root them out again. If I miss anyone in future, my apologies.

13/09/11 - Comments on raising door fees at jazz clubs to help pay for musician's rising expenses, continue to come in. The latest one wishes to remain anonymous, I can see why. I hope this discussion doesn't go off the rails.

13/09/11 - Sue popped up on my instant message page last night, sorry I missed you Sue. She said, "Hi Fred, I see Kenny Ball is playing at Marsden. We went to see the band at Lowther Pavillion in Lytham on Saturday and what a disappointing performance. Too much waffle, not enough music and only two golden oldies. They did play Midnight in Moscow but not the whole tune. Just a few choruses."

13/09/11 - "Pleased to see someone has mentioned Marsden Jazz Festival on 7- 9 October.  Kenny Ball is the big opener on Friday evening !!  North West Band are well represented -  The Red Rose Brass Band will be on parade at midday on Saturday 8th , Second line and umbrella's will be most welcome joining the parade around the village ending with a performance in Marsden Park.   The Silver Bell band will also play on Saturday at 4pm at Marsden Cricket Club. It is up on the moors, a mile out of the village. A nice venue, the Band played there last year to great acclaim, so have been invited back again. The Tame Valley Stompers are at The Liberal Club on Friday evening and Dave Brennan's Jubilee Jazz Band are on Saturday evening at the Conservative Club.  Sunday morning Church Service with Winston's Pennine Jazz. The Yarrow River Band at 2pm.  It is always a most enjoyable weekend with a broad mix of jazz, so anyone who hasn't been before, give it a try !   Website & On line booking: at  www.marsdenjazzfestival.com " - Dave Woonton, Grand Marshall, Red Rose Brass Band

13/09/11 - "Hello Fred, I have been asked to mention that after 31 years playing, Harry Long's Good Time Jazz Band's, venue, The Fleece, at Addingham closed it's doors last week. However they have been offered another venue at the Crown Inn, Main Street, which is only about 200 yards back up the road towards Lancashire. So Jazz can be found there commencing tomorrow and every Wednesday, 8.45pm start.  Best wishes, Jack Moore".

12/09/11 - Ken Colyer is now on the Jukebox

12/09/11 - Wirral Jazz Friends are producing another of their packed out evenings in aid of Claire House Children's Hospice. This time they are presenting New Orleans Heat.

12/09/11 - If Moe Green is looking for a decent venue where he will be well rewarded for his expenses, he could do worse than play this venue where he's guaranteed an attentive audience who won't mind being milked for as much as he needs, and as many free pints as the band can sink. My thanks to Bernie Hives from Detroit for finding this venue at http://tinyurl.com/3mo2yf8

12/09/11 - "Hi Fred, You have kindly moved the Pennines to one side a little on occasion to accommodate the odd jazz session further east than normal. Just wondered if you could mention Marsden jazz festival on 7/8/9th October, a short train ride from Manchester - or even canal".  I've had a look at the programme, and as far as I can tell, most of the gigs are free. Hope there's enough in the kitty to pay the increased petrol expenses !!

11/09/11 - More comments are coming in, in response to Moe Green's door charge increase suggestion, to cover increased petrol costs, so I've added it to the discussion list on the discussion page which you can find under Jazz Extras

11/09/11 - I've just added a link to http://www.thechicagoswingkatz.co.uk/ a band playing around the Shropshire North Wales border.

11/09/11 - There has been a change to the advertised program at Didsbury Cricket Club. Billy Edwards will now be appearing as a special guest with Mike Carnie & his Jazz All Stars at Didsbury Cricket Club on Thursday 29th Sept, and the Old Fashioned Love Band will play there on the 6th October.  Four videos of the Old Fashioned Love Band have appeared on Youtube, taken at Stafford Jazz Society. You can access them via the OFLB web page on this site where you'll find links.
 

11/09/11 - "Hello Fred, I knew and admired Tommy Melville. When I was in the 'pit' orchestra doing summer shows at the Blackpool Opera House, Tommy was there. His wife worked there too, as a make up artist for the 'stars'. Always reliable with a solid tenor sax sound, he was committed to discipline as a pro. musician and he took that ethic with him when he became MD at the Rhythm Station. Woe to any musician pro or semi-pro who turned up or became, drunk. Tom would throw them out as happened to a very well know Manchester saxophonist with a top reputation. Tom wasn't a traditional style player, much preferring the work of Coltrane, Dolphy, Shorter et al. But he respected good musicians of all styles and always treated them well at the Rhythm Station. A bluff, honest man Tom's passing is very sad since his commitment to 'live' music was absolute. - Ian Royle".

11/09/11 - "Government aims to stimulate grassroots music by allowing bars to host gigs without a licence", according to an article in The Guardian at http://tinyurl.com/3uz3q4n . Will this help Trad Jazz asks Mike Feltham?

11/09/11 - There are several NW musician's birthdays coming up this week. Happy Birthdays to - Tony Ormesher (Mon),  Harold Troughton (Thurs), and Alan Dent + Mike Reddin next Sunday

11/09/11 - Have you checked out the Jazznorthwest Daily yet?  If you are a New Orleans fan or visitor, I'm sure you'll find it interesting.

11/09/11 - I overheard by chance last weekend, that Sunday jazz at The Swan with Two Necks, in Chorley had ended. If you see any gigs in my What's On that no longer take place, please let me know, it only takes a second to change it.

10/09/11 - "Hello Fred, Re Moe Green's suggestion of increasing entrance prices to compensate for the cost of fuel. A basic principal of business is that the price of a service is governed by what people are prepared to pay, irrespective of the cost of providing it. If people are not prepared to pay more, then the principle of diminishing returns would apply. If they are prepared to pay more, then they should have been doing this already". - Barrie Quilliam

10/09/11 - Correction -  The Tame Valley Stompers will appear at Glossop Jazz Club on September 15th, not the 17th as previously stated

10/09/11 - I've just added  UK based 52-Skidoo to my Links Page. Bringing back to life the forgotten era of the Speakeasy, Prohibition, Vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley, New York rent parties, Harlem Stride Piano and Hot Jazz, 52 Skidoo are an unlikely collection of drunks, gamblers, misfits and outlaws performing Harlem Swing, a music born out of the 1920's stride piano style made famous by James P. Johnson and Fats Waller.  Check out www.52-skidoo.com

10/09/11 - Norman Gibson has just returned from holiday and tells me that half the tickets for the Tribute to 'Jazzy Joan' Jazz Evening are now spoken for. He will give it to Wed 14th Sept for any more of Joan's jazz friends to contact him and then he will extend the invitation to all the 'Heysham Heritage Hall' jazzers at the sold out West Jesmond Rhythm Kings gig on 16th Sept.'.

10/09/11 - If you're thinking of taking a trip to the Lake District sometime soon, this week could be a good time to do it.  As well as jazz in Lancaster, Kendal and Barrow, North East Jazz Band, the Vieux Carre Jazzmen, take up residence at The Burnside Hotel in Bowness  for three days with a party of their own followers, but they have opened it up to day visitors for just £5 a session.  Bargains like that don't come along very often.

09/09/11 - There's a Cancer Charities Support event coming up shortly in Arnside. The High Society Jazz Band are playing at the Educational Institute, Church Hill , Arnside at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 21st September 2011. Tickets at £7.50 from Jeff on 01524 762036 or pay on the door. All profits will be sent to Cancer Charities.

09/09/11 - Dear Fred, Re the Merseyside Jazz Festival, entry cost is now £30; this gives 12 hours of non-stop music from six (6) quality bands and 2 pianists, all under one roof. For students and OAPs, a further discount of 15% applies - Brian Woods". So what are you waiting for? Get booked, See the Jazz Festivals Page.

09/09/11 - "Hi Fred, I'm probably treading on dangerous ground but here goes. As everybody is painfully aware the price of fuel is horrendous and will probably increase in the coming months. there are venues that our band played at 18months ago that we simply can't do any longer, not because we don't like the places but because it would cost us so much to get there. Other bands have similar experiences. I will now take a deep breath. Could not the admission fee be increased by even £1 or £2 ? I hasten to add that this does not apply to every club, but even this small amount would contribute significantly to every band's expenses enabling them to play more clubs thus giving the various audiences more choice of music. I shall probably have to go and hide now ! Moe Green".  This should make for interesting discussion, let's have some thoughts from the jazzers and promoters please.

09/09/11 - Hi Fred. Please ask your readers if they can offer any help in our search for trad in South France, Northern Italy, Geneva and central France. We are travelling for a few months by motor home so getting to venues is not a problem. Last month we sat in with 3 bands in Spain and we would also like to do the same in France. My e-mail is lrjbman2 * tiscali.co.uk. (use " @ ").  Many thanks. Chris Perrin.

09/09/11 - "So sad to hear about Tommy Melville. I had the pleasure of working with him at The Grand Hotel, St. Annes along with Colin Hadley (Another fine departed musician), on Sunday lunchtime sessions in the 1990s. The drummer was Bill Young. I think I'm the sole survivor of that Quartet. I know Tommy went working in a Pub in Ashton-under-Lyne where a frequent singer with the Band was Bill Tarmy. Due to distances involved and business commitments we lost contact with each other. Regards, Gerry Clayton"

09/09/11 - "Sid Bailey's up from Brighton and would like to meet you if you can make it on Thursday night",  was the message from local musician Pete Vickers. So at 8- 30pm, with 65 unread emails still waiting to be read, I dropped the mouse and made a quick dash down to the Bitter Suite in Preston. Now if you've ever been along Fylde Road in Preston, past the University, I'll guarantee you've never noticed it. It's down at the bottom end of a small cul-de-sac in what appears during the day to be a gloomy corner. Not the sort of place you would think of going to on a dark night. The Silver Bell Band have been playing there for some time now, and I've always been too busy updating the site to make it down there. So last night I was amazed to find that it's one of the nicest venues I've seen the band play in for some time. I counted over 40 people of all ages, and not only was Sid the guest trombonist, Jack Moore (tbn) Keith Simkin (bjo) and Martyn Sharpe (tpt) all came along for a sit-in. All in all a great night with plenty of variety, and a chance to have a chat with Sid. I'll be back.

07/09/11 - "Hello Fred, Appearing in the "Other lives" section of The Guardian's Obituaries (7 September 2011) is Tommy Melville who has died aged 85. Many members of the jazz fraternity in the north-west, especially in Manchester and Blackpool, will have known tenor saxophonist Tommy who was the musical director when the Rhythm Station opened in Rawtenstall. He was a powerful and committed player, dedicated to producing good jazz.  Harmoniously,  John Muskett".

07/09/11 - David Haviland emailed from Glossop Jazz Club to say, "Glad to report that we now have a stage for the bands to use. This will definitely improve the quality of sound projected by the musicians". Well the first band to try it out will be The Tame Valley Stompers on September 15th, so why not go along and see what you think?  Admission is  £7 and there's a Bar and Raffle.

06/09/11 - There's been a last minute change again at Roa Island Boat Club following the collapse of the Stockholm Stompers tour. Preston based Tipitina are to appear now on the 17th September . I'm looking forward to hearing reports about this band, it should be like a breath of fresh air!

06/09/11 - Hello Fred, David Palmquist in Canada and Carl Hallstrom in Sweden have been putting together a web site that contains everything I've ever written about Duke Ellington and his musicians over the last 50 or 60 years (oh God). This is mainly from Jazz Journal and The Independent. You can see the articles, essays and obituaries at http://ellingtonweb.ca/Hostedpages/Voce/Voce.html Cheers Steve Voce

06/09/11 - My thanks to Poppy Smith for cleaning up the Freddy Randall background picture on the Main Menu. I hadn't noticed the tears in the previous photograph I must admit

06/09/11 - Mike Dexter has a German Double Bass circa.1880 for sale, "A superb D/B for the serious jazzer". See the Sales Page via Jazz Extras.

05/09/11 - "Hello Fred, Walter Love's Radio Ulster Jazz Club of Sunday 04.09.11 featured Louis Armstrong's music for the full programme, as part of his Jazz Greats' series. Well worth a listen on BBC IPlayer for seven days. Next Sunday 11.09.11 at 7.00pm, Walter will be featuring Benny Goodman, King of Swing. Best wishes". - David Evans, Rhuddlan

05/09/11 - All those musicians out there who have ever owned, or maybe still own, a Gibson guitar, will be interested in this bit of news Ian Royle sent me.  Apparently, last week, heavily armed federal agents raided two guitar manufacturing facilities in Tennessee owned by Gibson. More details at http://pc.blogspot.com/2011/09/gibson.html

05/09/11 - Some of you are aware that I take a trip to my cardiac rehab exercise class twice a week, is run by a local charity. It includes 5 minutes on the gym bike which is enough for me, so spare a thought then for Bernard Selby who organises jazz at Bollington Arts Centre. Bernard is celebrating his 65th birthday by cycling to Cadiz in SW Spain in aid of charity. Wow that makes me ache thinking about it, good for you Bernard. It's in aid of the MS Society and you could help Bernard meet his target by making a donation via the Society's web site at  http://tinyurl.com/4yhrn92 These support charities do a great job, as I know only too well.

28/08/11 - Yes it is five of Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz on Shameless -Channel 4 - this coming Tuesday at 10.00pm. I have actually seen some of the clips on The Shameless website at http://tinyurl.com/44uj5bq.
 

28/08/11 - "Dear Fred,  Bob Wright followed John Barns playing with the Zenith Six for a short time. I followed Bob and I have an old photograph of the Zenith with Bob. He was a great musician and a super fellow.  Regards Mart Rodger"

27/08/11 - "Dear Fred, I have just learned of the passing of Bob Wright, In his 80's, a Liverpudlian clarinettist who had played with NW bands including the Merseysippi prior to emigrating to Canada. I only played with him a couple of times in the 70's but a much fuller appreciation is to be found on` www.climaxjazzband.blogspot.com/, written by Chris Daniels who knew him much better". - Mike Walmsley

27/08/11 - "Hi Fred, You may have already seen from a press release I sent out, that on Wed 14 September we are filling the gap left by the Stockholm Stompers with a band called 'Tipitina'. Their music is still New Orleans based, but stems from a different strand of that great city's music - the one featuring Professor Longhair, Dr John, Allen Toussaint and many other musicians (now including Hugh Laurie) who occupy the ground between jazz and rhythm'n blues. We expect a good ol' down-home night". - Bruce Carnaffin. This Preston based band got mentioned on the site in September 2009 when Michael Baines, landlord of The Eagle & Child, on Singleton Road at Weeton near Kirkham, was trying to get a jazz evening started. Terry Binns & Unwin Nunns enjoyed listening to them at http://www.myspace.com/tipitinaartist

27/08/11 - WOW!  Just received the latest version of Just Jazz Magazine, and there I am, picture on the front page, and almost two pages of my life history in front of me. It is most rewarding to find this article by Andrew Liddle written accurately,  with barely a smidgen of editorial licence, and yet as I recall, no tape recorder, no shorthand, just a fast pencil and a notebook as I rabbited on about my past career and the growth of this web site.

26/08/11 - The news journal - "JazzNorthWest Daily" is now available for you to read. It contains articles from the site and news from New Orleans. Don't hold me responsible for strange content, it's put together by magic! Have a look at http://tinyurl.com/3rdmvev . If you like it, click on "Subscribe" and get it delivered to your inbox daily.

26/08/11 - "Hi Fred, As I told you a short while ago I'm moving to France, from large 3 bedroom house to a small Alpine studio. Consequently I have to dispose of all kinds of stuff, and need to make some difficult decisions as to what to keep. I have over 80 copies mostly New Orleans Music and a few of Footnote. The collection is almost complete from Volumes 5 to 15 with only 2 missing. Vol 13/5 and 15/2. I am offering the complete collection for sale at £20+Postage. That's less than 25p/copy. Postage will be about £15 I'll also throw in a few copies of George Buck's Jazzology for free". - Nick Telfer

25/08/11 - Next Monday sees the 6th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. A number of events are planned throughout New Orleans area - http://tinyurl.com/3qzh4gf

25/08/11 - To celebrate their 40th Anniversary, The New Black Eagles Jazz Band, led by ex NW musician, Tony Pringle, has produced a 3-cd package of selections that have never been released before covering the forty years. It includes a selection of the original band recorded in 1971 at the Sticky Wicket Pub and 3 selections recorded in January 2011 at a University of New Hampshire concert that includes newer member Jesse Williams. All of band members over the 40 year period are included on at least one of the 32 selections. More details from  tonypringle@comcast.net

25/08/11 - More of Val Bracken's photographs on 'Jazzing About the clubs - Rochdale'

25/08/11 - Dove Jazz Club gig list has been updated

25/08/11 - There aren't many bands featured on the site that I haven't seen at some time or another, and Peter Frank's Allstars was one of them. So on Sunday we made the effort and picked up the Blackburn Jazz Lady and made our way over to Rochdale Jazz Club. Ian Royle  had sent me some recordings in the past, so I had great expectations, and I wasn't disappointed. We had a great night out and I had an interesting chat with Mike Hoggard, the drummer, who told me that he would be retiring shortly and that he had found love again following his wife's death 4 years ago. I think he said he was in his 80's so good for you Mike and best wishes for your future. My thanks to Val Bracken for the photograph.

24/08/11 - Barrie Marshall was 'Googling' for "Oompah" bands and came across this one - www.geograph.org.uk/photo/17852 taken on Preston's Flag Market, you may just recognise some of the musicians who probably didn't even realise they'd been playing in an Oompah Band!

24/08/11 - Many Happy Returns today to Band Leader, ex Spinner and Broadcaster Tony J Davis. Three other musicians also celebrate birthdays this week - trombonist Andrew MacKenzie and pianist Mike McLachlan on Friday, and Bass player Keith Shone on the 28th August.

23/08/11 - A CD popped through the door the other week that certainly made me prick my ears up. It was a Lake Records CD, containing recordings of the Merseysippi Jazz Band between 1955 and 1957, and re-mastered by Paul Adams, and what a super CD it is too. You can read more by clicking here and find out how to get your copy

23/08/11 - "May I offer a big 'thank you' to all the friends of the band who came to Bodelwydden Castle last weekend and supported us. It was great to see so many familiar faces",  writes Noel Broadgate, pianist with the Tame Valley Stompers and also Moe Green, drummer with the Old Fashioned Love Band.

23/08/11 - My thanks to Pete Jezard for letting me know  that www.deezer.com had bit the dust. As this was the site that hosted my Jukebox, I'm afraid that means that it too could be heading for the dust, but for some strange reason it's still working.

21/08/11 - Following the collapse of the Stockholm Stompers UK tour, Malcolm Cookson has now booked Brian Judge's Jazzmen to replace them on 17th September. "This will come largely from his two bands who are now playing very successfully at Bar 5 in Barrow (every Tuesday evening). Brian knows a lot about jazz and fully understands that music for Roa Island must be foot tapping stuff with a trad beat. We will try to provide further details. This will be very interesting and good fun. Please come"  - Malcolm

19/08/11 - "Hi Fred Enrico Tomasso presents "Salute to Satchmo" Louis Armstrong All Stars Tribute, in concert at The Customs House Theatre Newcastle on Friday September 23rd. http://tinyurl.com/3nlg3ha  I'm quite delighted Rico has invited me to do the Barrett Deems/Danny Barcelona bit. Also looking forward to returning to North West England early 2012 with The Original Guinness Jazzband". - Des Hopkins www.dhentertainment.ie/deshopkinsdixieland".

18/08/11 - Hi Fred ,The New Orleans Z'hulus ( John Defferary, Emile Van Pelt et al ) will be making their annual pilgrimage to the U.K next April and dates in your region are April 14th Boston Spa, April 15th Macclesfield April 16th Barnsley. However due to a late cancellation in the northern section of the tour we would like to fill either Tuesday 17th or Wednesday 18th. If anybody out there could help please contact me by E mail at brian.turnock43@gmail.com Many thanks. - Brian Turnock

18/08/11 - Having trouble booking The Blue Mags?  It could be because Dennis Harrison has changed his phone number, email me if you want the new details.

18/08/11 - A new venue for The WirrOrleans Jazz Band who will be appearing at the Old Quay Pub and Carvery Parkgate, Wirral, on August Bank Holiday Saturday 27th at 8pm.

16/08/11 - Norman Gibson has organised a Special Charity Evening of New Orleans Jazz as A Tribute to the late 'Jazzy Joan Lawton' who for years ran jazz festivals and Sunday night sessions at the Whitewater Hotel in the Lake District. It will take place at The Crown at High Newton on Sunday 30th. October 2011, Music from 7.30pm to 10.30 pm by THE RAE BROTHERS NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND. Norman is hoping that as many of Joan's friends and jazz acquaintances as possible will be able to attend the event, but there are only a limited number of tickets available.

16/08/11 - The Porthmadog Jazz Club gig list has been updated

15/08/11 - Steve writes to me from The Bluebell Inn, Halkyn, "Mad Ed's Hot Five still keep us busy with a lively mix of numbers every week on a Sunday afternoons: http://bit.ly/i2TYU0  Stan and his Getz join us every month on the 4th Monday. Not Trad but contemporary, Roger Harker on alto & tenor saxophone and eggs(?), Bob Mason on keyboards and Nigel Wright on double bass. The trio plays a repertoire from such jazz composers as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock as well as numbers from the "Great American Songbook" composers including Jerome Kern and George Gershwin, not forgetting the bossa nova maestro Antonio Carlos Jobim. Next one on Monday 22nd August: http://bit.ly/qB0oev ".

15/08/11 = "Hello Fred - congratulations on running such an interesting web site. I live in Milton Keynes (nobody is perfect!), but I am a Manchester lad of 76 years. I like the reminiscences of old times which sometimes feature on your page. Whilst I cannot visit the clubs you mention I do read the site every day with great enjoyment. The reason I am writing is to say I have 292 copies of Jazz Journal, from 1961 to 1998, with 15 years complete, 6 years with 11 copies each, plus oddments. Any offers please? Am happy to deliver half way from here to where needed, so long as it is not in the Hebrides. Keep up the good work. Thanks and best wishes for the future. George Booth".  Anyone interested can email me, and I'll pass your details on - Fred

13/08/11 - More photographs by Val Bracken have been added to Around the NW Jazz Clubs - Rochdale Jazz Club

13/08/11 - Bollington Arts Centre gig list has been updated

13/08/11 - "Hi Fred, Firstly, what a wonderful site you have. I've been in music since I was 15 and have just found out about it by chance - I'm 63 now. Can I please ask that my name be added to the list of deps for percussion. I'm a full time drum and keyboard instrument teacher and have played all genres of jazz both as a semi pro and a pro, working extensively as a session musician in studios etc. and would love to get back playing my first musical love - dixieland to mainstream. I originate from the Manchester area and had the pleasure to play alongside some wonderful players including the late great Keith Pendlebury, John Hallam and Joe Silmon in bands such as the Zenith Six (of whom there was nearly always 7) and the Smoky City" -  Mike Sutton

13/08/11 - "Hi Fred; Congratulations to Tony Davis on the Spinners' award: Tony's a great chap, good supporter of our music, and someone who always promoted local jazz in his radio broadcasts. A good compare for the Merseyside Jazz Fest?  Cheers, Jon Critchley and The Original Panama Jazzband

"13/08/11 - I hadn't heard from Tony Davis for a while, so rang him up this morning and spoke to his wife Beryl, who told me he was fine, just having a lie in. She told me that they had been down to Uttoxeter in May where The Spinners received a lifetime achievement award. The whole gang were there, except Cliff who has died, but his son joined them to play the harmonica part on saxophone. If you were a Spinners fan, you might like to see the videos on YouTube at  http://tinyurl.com/3dot4y3,  http://tinyurl.com/4y5dex8 and http://tinyurl.com/3pmtl9w. After all these years they still sound great.

13/08/11 - Two birthdays to celebrate this coming week:- Ex NW drummer, now exiled in Cornwall - Alan Davis on  Monday, and respected Manchunian reed player, Joe Silmon on Tuesday, Happy Birthdays to both.

12/08/11 - Full details and order form for the Merseyside Jazz Festival are now on the site listed under NW Jazz Festivals and Breaks

12/08/11 - The Algiers Stompers are now featured on the site. the band has made regular appearances at Rochdale and Roa Island Jazz Clubs.

11/08/11 - "Hi Fred, I see you have had a few emails about 'Lady P.'  She was always a must see with Ben Cohen's Hot 5s & 7s at the Bude Jazz Festival. I was reading about the sad events of the last few days in the 'i' newspaper yesterday http://tinyurl.com/3dbx2tj when I noticed a piece about Local Heroes and recognised a photo of a lady, having read it then realised who it was.  Lets hope these people are recognised for their bravery in some way. Regards Peter Harvey (Bognor Regis)".

11/08/11 - Once a year Ian Pickles organises a jazz evening at the Bispham Conservative Club. Being a Yorkshire man, it's often a Yorkshire band that Ian promotes and this year is no exception as the Savannah Jazz Band will be there on the 8th October. As admission is free, although donations would be welcome, this could be a great time to visit Blackpool Illuminations and make it a night to remember.

11/08/11 - The Temperance Seven are to play at The Garrick Theatre in Altrincham, The performance is in aid of Christie's Hospital, so there will be a demand for tickets.

11/08/11 - "I thought that this might be of interest to you following your appeal not that long ago for information under "Whatever Happened To Pauline Pearce". Whilst it does not contain flash photography it is certainly not for the faint hearted.  Jim McIntosh has now confirmed that the lady in this clip is the long missing Pauline Pearce, that notable gospel singer with Max Collie and occasionally Phil Mason. Check out http://tinyurl.com/43paosf - Roger Marshall".     Thanks also to Jennifer Dalton and Andrea Lowne for supplying the same information. This story is now making headlines and I've just had an email from a senior reporter on the Hackney Gazette trying to get in contact with her. Roger has supplied me with a newspaper cutting which you can find by clicking here, and if you want to read more reports, check out http://tinyurl.com/3r69g4c

11/08/11  It has now been confirmed that The Stockholm Stompers tour has been cancelled. A lot of work has been put in by NW Promoters to ensure it was a success, particularly Norman Gibson and David Wellock from Heysham Heritage Hall, who managed to secure four gigs for the band. Unfortunately the band secured none for themselves.

10/08/11 - Fans of the New Black Eagles Jazz Band from the USA, led by ex scouser Tony Pringle, might like to know that they celebrate their 40 Anniversary this year. If you fancy a trip to New England to help them celebrate, get your skates on, it all takes place on 18th September 2011 at the Collings Foundation in Stow, MA check out http://www.blackeagles.com/index.html#40th

10/08/11 - "Here we go again Fred! I was born, reared and cut my jazz teeth on the Clyde Valley Stompers in Glasgow. My late cousin, Jose Shulman, was also born and reared in Glasgow but, unlike me, was a superb jazz pianist. Moved from Scotland to New York then Toronto, having altered his name to Joe Saye and marrying Joan Warner along the way. Joan ultimately became George Shearing's business manager which is how I came to know him and Mel Torme with whom he played many shows in many countries over the years. Memories? You don't know the half. Keep up the good work Fred and thanks for it". - Ros Glickman

10/08/11 - "Hi Fred, Just thought I'd mention that Forrie Cairns, who used to play the clarinet with the Clyde Valley Stompers, is now living in Edinburgh, after playing in Switzerland with the Piccadilly Six. He went back to Scotland about 2/3 years ago. Thanks for your wonderful site" - Dorothy Massey

10/08/11 - Doesn't time fly?  I've just added an Easter Jazz Weekend in Fleetwood to the Jazz Festivals and Breaks page. It's always surprised me when I get notified of jazz festivals that have just been organised with about 2 or three months to go. Can't say that about musician Mike Lovell, he believes in planning well in advance.  With guests John Hallam and Enrico Tomasso, get in there quick, I'm sure this will book up fast.

10/08/11 - News has just reached me that The Stockholm Stompers are likely to have to cancel their tour of NW England. Having done the sums, the band have calculated that they would finish up with a shortfall of around £200 per band member, and as some of them are young musicians with families, they would have no option but to cancel unless 2 or preferably 3  more gigs miraculously materialised during the period of their visit.

10/08/11 - "A belated note to say that our coach-load of Jazz Fans organised by the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra got back to Mossley Hill British Legion, Liverpool on Monday night 1st August, after a great time at the Chateauneuf du Faou Jazz Festival in France. The Festival, organized by Trevor Stent (ex Blue Mags clarinettist), hosted 3 Blue Mags sessions, as well as session from 18 bands/groups including Trevor's Good Time Jazz, many other French groups playing in a wide variety of styles, a Danish quartet called Juizz, and a couple of British groups. There was music to suit all tastes, great beers and food, a really friendly international audience of all ages, and wonderful sunny weather. The Festival is mainly focused on the Sunday, when there is music from morning to night, but this is preceded by a jazz dinner/dance on the Friday, and dancing classes and great swing music to dance to, on the Saturday.  And when you take into account the wonderful location, and proximity to the UK, it's a festival that must be experienced. Several 'frail' members of the Blue Mags chose to fly to the festival, which for me (a soft Southerner) dispelled all this hype about tough Northerners! Hope to see you there next year". - Malcolm Hogarth

10/08/11 - "Roy Potts' Five and a Penny would like to thank you all for your continuing support of the Eaton Hall Concerts. The two concerts this July realised well over six thousand pounds. The two charities concerned have expressed their thanks and booked for next year again. Next year will mark the sixteenth consecutive concert which the Roy Potts' Five and a Penny band has performed at this venue. Probably the band's most successful run! It is of course greatly helped by the terrific setting of the The Duke of Wetminster's Estate. Thank everyone again". - Roy Potts

10/08/11 - The third annual New Orleans Traditional Jazz Camp will be held June 10-15, 2012 at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. The distinguished musicians in the faculty for the 2012 camp includes: Connie Jones, Gerald French, Matt Perrine, David Boeddinghaus, David Sager, Otis Bazoon, Ray Moore, Banu Gibson and Leah Chase. Check out http://tinyurl.com/445vesn for more details.

09/08/11 - Walter Love's Radio Ulster Jazz Club on Sunday 07.08.11: 7.00pm, featured a one hour long listener's choice compiled by one of our North Wales contributors, David Evans of Rhuddlan. Recordings featured include those of Humphrey Lyttelton, Chris Barber with Ottilie Patterson, Merseysippi Jazz Band, George Melly with Mick Mulligan's Jazz Band, LouisArmstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Fats Waller, Mel Torme and George Shearing and Madeleine Peyroux. This programme is available for 7 days on BBC IPlayer via the internet at http://tinyurl.com/3mzfq4l.

09/08/11 - "I had the honour of meeting Reg Kenworthy on the train out of Manchester last November (2010). My wife and I were headed back to London from the Andrea Bocelli concert in Manchester (for which we had flown over from Atlanta a few days before). I am an amateur classical pianist (and an attorney for my day job). Mr. Kenworthy was across the aisle and we struck up about a conversation about music and I learned of his remarkable career and the bands with which he played. I am glad to hear he just celebrated his birthday-I hope he has many, many more. I have enjoyed reading about him and other jazz musicians from the Northwest on your site. I have also enjoyed listening to recordings of his playing on the web. You are truly fortunate to have Mr. Kenworthy in your music community! He is a true gentleman and an outstanding artist. I feel most fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and talk with him. With best regards". - Christian Lanier, Chattanooga, Tennessee USA

09/08/11 -  Hello Fred.... just wondered if you remember a band waaaaay back in the 50's and into the early 60's..... they were called the Clyde Valley Stompers... they were pretty big back in the day, and I was basically raised listening to their brand of Dixieland.... mostly because my dad, Malky Higgins, was trumpeter for the band, He died last week in hospital in Toronto Canada, after a brief illness, he was 79 years old..... he never stopped playing and his love of jazz was unending.... he started out playing brass band music, but his life changed after meeting fellow soldier Acker Bilk in the army, who introduced him to this "new sound'" from the U. S. ... the rest, as they say, is history.  ....  I think my dad had a legion of followers that I could not possibly know, and many even HE would not have known he had as well.. I remember some years ago, a fella used to come to his gigs and tape the music, then send it off to Bing Crosby, whose return letter to the fella referred to my dad as "that great little trumpet player in Toronto, he plays real good jazz", and said to keep sending him music. seems my dad's music was far-reaching indeed!!  ... last May, he went to Scotland and was asked to be a guest on a live CD with the Penman Jazzmen, called "Live at King Tut's Wah Wah Club 2010. I believe that's the last recordings he made, and we got the CD about a week before we lost him, so he didn't have the health or concentration to hear it. lots of his trademark "Satchmo" vocals on there. I know the jazz band in the sky just got bigger and greatly improved, and finally, Louis can sit out a few sets without any worries. my dad has arrived, and has him covered....  take care. If there are any questions, please feel free to pass them on to me, I am Malcolm's oldest daughter, Janice.