The Band was formed in 1984, making its debut at the Leeds and Liverpool Hotel in Brierfield, Nelson, establishing the regular Friday evening sessions that have become its hallmark. From there it moved to the Spring Bank Hotel (four years), the Wellsprings Inn at Sabden (five years), the Higher Trapp Hotel (two years), the Grey Mare at Belthorn (three years), the Holden Arms (three years), the Whitchaff (two years) and, briefly, the Coach & Horses.

Over the years there have been inevitable changes in personnel, but always the basic philosophy has been maintained - the fun of playing and the sharing of their enjoyment of Dixieland/Mainstream jazz with other enthusiasts and the general public.

A very popular band, it has performed regularly at venues throughout Lancashire and Yorkshire with occasional invitations to appear in Wales, the Wirral, the Lake District, Knebworth and Vitry-Sur-Seine, in France. Not only has the Band met demands for regular gigs but also for special occasions such as engagements, birthdays, retirements, weddings and christenings as well as promotional events for large, medium and small companies.

Eddie is one of the few brass players actually to start on the trombone which he did at the age of twelve - despite a distinct lack of encouragement from his dad. His musical talent soon became apparent and he joined the Blackburn Military band and, later, graduated to the Big Band which entertained dancers at the King George's Hall. Around the same time he enjoyed the relative freedom of a small band - the Crown Jazzmen, playing traditional jazz. He played for two years with the Dave Howard Showband at Blackburn Mecca. During that period he formed his own group, the Cleveland Sound, a four-piece dance band. Amazingly, this lasted for thirty-three years! Recently, he has been working with a keyboard and guitar using the available new technology to provide varied "backing" for the trio. Eddie has a superbly smooth - yet passionate - style and an enviable ability to acquit himself brilliantly, as a soloist or in ensemble passages, in whatever tune or key is suggested. He is also an accomplished vocalist.

Frank Lowe (Double Bass)

Colin started listening to dance band and jazz music in the mid-fifties before purchasing an old set of drums (for £20) and playing in a "skiffle" group at his local church. He studied to be a teacher and whilst at college helped to form a jazz group. The demands of the profession left little time for playing - except cricket where he was a stalwart of the local League for no less than five decades! A growing interest by his children (two of whom now have degrees in Music) revived Colin's own interest and he began to study and play timpani and percussion with the Burnley Municipal Symphony Orchestra before returning to his first love - jazz. He studied New Orleans, Mainstream and Be-bop drumming with the acclaimed teacher/drummer, Dave Hassell. Poor health brought about enforced early retirement but by husbanding his limited energy and strength he has been able to set up, organise and conduct the very successful Burnley Alliance JUNIOR Brass Band with it's aim of sharing the enjoyment of music making with the local community. He also plays with the Senior Alliance Band but has relinquished his role in the Kings Park Big Band and the Orchestra in order to concentrate his time and effort dealing with the administration of the Pendle Jazzmen, of which he was a founder member.