Traditional Jazz in The North West (UK)

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  • 23/12/09 - Bunk Johnson fans are in for a treat this Christmas, I've put a stack of his records on the jukebox. So grab a turkey sandwich, sit back, relax and simply enjoy. Papa Bue had over 200 hits, wonder if Bunk can beat that?

  • 23/12/09 - Hi Fred, Following my rant about there being no pubs with pianos for a singalong in Blackpool, I played for an impromptu singalong session at The Baths Hotel, Macclesfield, Monday night. It was an early doors start at 6:30pm and, as I've said before, Kip Evans, the landlord, has a very nice acoustic piano, which is kept in good condition: The session started fairly low key, with just a bit of background music, but with the introduction of a few singalong songs, some voices came to the fore, and the atmosphere developed. One couple held the thread throughout the evening knowing most of the songs I played, but there were some songs which although ancient, everybody seemed to know and brought about a delightful chorus of voices. I was truly astonished when Kip asked me to play only one more song because it was 10:30pm and there were neighbours to consider; The evening had vanished so pleasantly and the customers hadn't complained (to me), and we finished off with the Bare Necessities sung by about 10 guys in their 20's. Now, that wasn't something I had expected, and it was great. Finally I've got to find out and learn to play the songs that younger people sing together - not having been on any charabanc trips to the seaside lately, I find myself out of touch! Ever-so-finally, this note isn't about me - it's about the pub and the way it's growing - On Wednesday and Friday early evenings they have young pianists play - and tonight (Tuesday 22nd December) it's carols. You lucky Macclesfieldtrippians! - Malcolm Hogarth

  • 23/12/09 - The Merseysippi Jazz Band's Monday residency gig at Liverpool Cricket Club on 28th December has been cancelled, but they will  be back in harness on Monday 4th January 2010 - despite it being a Bank Holiday in Scotland !

  • 23/12/09 - Inclement weather caused last night's Jazz to be cancelled at The Devonshire Arms, in Mellor, Stockport, The sessions - "Ian McCann & Friends", start up again on 19th January 2010. 

  • 23/12/09 - Richard Lord has just received delivery of his band, New Orleans Wiggle's CD - 'Over the Waves - recorded live at Keswick Festival in May. There are 12 tracks including Bogalusa Strut, Mississippi Delta Blues, Whoopin' Blues, Whinin' Boy, Blue Hawaii, Willie the Weeper, Over the Waves, and 5 tracks featuring Carolyn Topsy Hilton - Darktown Strutter's Ball, Lord, Lord, Lord, Gimmee a Pigfoot, Blossom's Blues and Love Song of the Nile. They are £10 plus £1 P&P from Richard at 1 Kirklands, New Mill, Holmfirth, HD9 7LQ

  • 23/12/09 - I've just updated the gig list for Dumfries Jazz Club.

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  • 22/12/09 - We've just got back from town having watched the Glen Miller Orchestra, where we recognised a couple of musicians as well as some jazz fans. Danny Hammerton, who we last saw playing with the Guinness Jazz Band, outshone the rest of the trumpet section in more ways than one. One jazz fan remarked of the band, "I've heard better at The Crofters", but I think that was probably a bit harsh.

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  • 22/12/09 - "I am glad the people who made it to Rochdale Jazz Club enjoyed themselves. Our band members who live in the midlands did have a go at getting through but the roads were virtually impassable and regretfully we had to cancel. This is the only time that the band has been unable to play a booking and was upsetting for us as well". - Moe Green ( OFLB )

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  • 22/12/09 - Last night at Rochdale Jazz Club, it should have been our Christmas party with Old Fashioned Love Band, but the weather spoilt it, the band could not get here and about 30 of us die hards made it. Tthe club had laid on a wonderful buffet for 100 people so the 30 that were there made the most of it, and we played the CD of New Orleans Heat that I had won in the raffle the week before, and all took home a doggie bag". - Carole Fletcher ( True Northern grit eh? - Fred ). Thanks to Carole for the updated gig list for 2010 which I've now put on the site.

  • 21/12/09 - Abersoch Jazz Festival detailI am glad the people who made it to Rochdale Jazz Club enjoyed themselves.Our band members who live in the midlands did have a go at getting through but the roads were virtually impassable and regretfully we had to cancel.This is the only time that the band has been unable to play a booking and was upsetting for us as well.Moe Green ( OFLB )s have been added to the Jazz Festivals Page

  • 21/12/09 - I know there are a number of Reinhardt fans among us traddies", writes Norman Gibson, "And I feel I should let them in on a Django Centenary Celebration featuring his grandson David Reinhardt and his Quartet. Beaufort Jazz are running this at Briars Hall Country House Hotel, Ticket Only, Monday 11th. January 2010. My contact 'phone is Paul 01704 840954. Their Ritary Gaguenetti gig was a sellout!!!

  • 21/12/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to Adrian Ridgway. Adrian was pianist with the Festival Jazzmen based on the Fylde Coast. He's still playing today, but usually on a small group setting.

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  • 19/12/09 - Many Happy Returns Tomorrow to NW pianist Noel Broadgate who celebrates his birthday on 20th December.

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  • 18/12/09 - A  Yamaha trombone 445G Custom with a red brass bell, bore 525, and a professional 683G slide has just gone on the For Sale page

  • 18/12/09 - Many Happy Returns tomorrow, Saturday 19th December, to North West bass player - Derek Brown

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  • 17/12/09 - "Ready Steady Cook!" on Friday, 31st December...... BBC2 at 3.05p.m", writes Tony Davis "Kenny Ball and Chris Barber in "The Battle of the Saucepans!" How about that then for all the "Traddie" fans?".

  • 17/12/09 - "Hi Fred Geoff Down passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday morning 16 December, after a long illness. Geoff was the drummer for many years in Monty Sunshine's band, also with Lonnie Donegan and with Max Collie's Rhythm Aces. The news came too late for us to include in the January issue of Just Jazz Magazine but we will be including an Obituary in the February copy. Pete Lay has kindly agreed to help with the organisation of parade. I will keep you updated regards funeral arrangements etc." -  Mike Murtagh 

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  • 17/12/09 - I've just one copy of It's Trad Dad DVD left. First to email me reserves it. Full details by clicking here

  • 17/12/09 - I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas Jazz tracks on the Home Page. I've just put one on from Rod Mason Hot Five. One of the few bands that have produced a complete Christmas Album.

  • 17/12/09 - "Mad Ed's Hot Five are having their Christmas Cracker this Sunday here at The Bluebell, Halkyn - 3pm for 3 hours of fantastic trad! We've been trying to get rid of them for over three years now but they keep on coming back! You'll see what we mean on Fred's Jazz North West site here. May we wish you Fred and all your readers, Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Diolch i chi am eich cefnogaeth yn ystod y flwyddyn. Thank you for all your support throughout the year. If you are not sure how to find us just follow this link and we'll draw you a map http://www.bluebell.uk.eu.org/contact/ ". - Steve, Ness, Tom & the team.

  • 17/12/09 - I received a few copies of the Spanish Jazz Festival story, which I thought was a bit too silly to publish, but then Ian Cockerill told me about the Telegraph article which had an interesting sting in the tail. "I'm sure I am not the only enthusiast of your website who read the piece in the Sunday Telegraph (13 December) about an altercation at a jazz festival in Spain last week. Apparently, a jazz purist complained to the police that the headline act "was insufficiently jazzy". The complainant said that his doctor had advised him not to listen to anything "too contemporary". The police felt he might have a point, having listened to the musician in question, although the organisers refused to refund the cost of his ticket. The writer of the article goes on to state: "Jazz festivals are famously full of oddballs, which is one of the nice things about them. I went to one a couple of years ago and couldn't take my eyes off the audience. A more moth-eaten collection of pasty-faced, lank-haired eccentrics and evangelists you could not hope to find outside of Bedlam." I wonder where he'd been? They say that there's no such thing as bad publicity, but perhaps not in this instance!

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  • 16/12/09 - Time for another pile of records on the jukebox. This week it's the turn of Papa Bue's Viking Jazz Band - Ah, I remember them well!

  • 16/12/09 - "I am pleased to report that Rochdale Mayfield Rugby Club have now decided to trial real ale - John Willie Lees' Bitter - so there is no longer any excuse for not attending this otherwise excellent club". - Malcolm Bridge.

  • 16/12/09 - I've just added a link to Roysters Jazz which is based at he Bancourt Hotel in Torquay, Devon. I've just looked at the site at www.roystersjazz.co.uk and there's some exciting gigs coming up, so if you are thinking of going to Devon for your holidays, check it out first. 

  • 16/12/09 - "Dear Fred, 40 years of the Harlem Hot Stompers - that is wonderful and I wonder in that time how many people they have made happy. I realise how young my band is in comparison and I congratulate them and wish them many more years of performing our kind of music. - Regards Mart Rodger".

  • 16/12/09 - "Because of the way the Thursdays fall over the holiday period, the New Riverside Jazz Band will be at The Britannia, Lancaster, this Thursday, December 17th. It would be good to see lots of old friends there for our last gig of the year. We are also there on the first Thursday in January, (7th) after which the position will be reviewed! We are hoping to get a regular monthly slot, but it will depend on getting plenty of support. Happy Christmas to all our loyal friends and supporters", - Dave Bateman

  • 16/12/09 - Neville Goodwin, pianist with the Chicago Teddybears Society Jazz Band celebrates his 80th birthday today. Congratulations Neville.

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  • 15/12/09 - "Arriving later than hoped but arriving this week, is New Orleans Wiggle's CD 'Over the Waves' recorded live at Keswick Jazz Festival this year. 12 tracks with Carolyn on 5 of them.  £10 or £11 incl. P&P  Just in time for Christmas ??  Best wishes of the season". -  Richard Lord m. 07932 160 508

  • 15/12/09 - I've got FIVE SPECIAL GUESTS on 19th December night for the Christmas Special", writes Tony Davis.  "FRANK ROBINSON from The Merseys on piano, and LINTON ALI from Downtown Dixieland Band on drums. In addition we have the great "Hot Fiddle" of DON MAY, the versatility on banjo, guitar and excellent vocals of MAL HORNE and returned from wanderings "abroad" the swinging bass of ALAN WILCOX. Of course, the superb BILLY EDWARDS will be leading the fray on trumpet, flanked by DAVE LEE, the Benny Goodman of Blackpool and "Peck's Bad Boy" ANDREW MACKENZIE the trombonist we all love dearly..... I'll try to keep things together - and sing a song or three - and we'd love to see you all at THE FORT PERCH ROCK in New Brighton. Things start about 7.30, there'll be mince pies and probably mulled wine, refreshments are available and a licensed bar. Admission is £10 - or £8 in advance either from the Fort or ring (0151)-639-2265 and leave your number".

  • 15/12/09 - Dear Fred. I'm afraid I have to announce the cancellation of our gig on the 17th. Dec. at the York hotel Morecambe (The Bay City Strollers), but the possibilities of a jazz club still remains in the new year. - Bob Pickersgill

  • 15/12/09 - "Chris Jones, our bass player for many years, died suddenly at home last weekend. I've been in contact with his family who have confirmed that Chris suffered a heart attack. Chris joined the Blue Mags in 1998 and it was a gamble for us because having relied on a brass bass to drive us along for 30 years, we were now switching to string bass. We needn't have worried because Chris gave us a different dimension and his thoughtful playing allowed us to extend our repertoire. He was so enthusiastic about music and had knowledge and appreciation for so many styles. When we were on the road, he would make us listen to African and Caribbean music; I can remember on one occasion he organised a rehearsal for a reggae tune that we all liked, but were unable to master, much to his chagrin! Chris was a professional musician; an excellent player who thought about the tunes and listened to the rest of the band, adapting his own playing to get the most out of a song. We tried to get him to sing because he had the sound of George Formby in his voice, but invariably he would forget the words and start laughing so we never pursued it! Chris was great to have in the band; he would always turn up with five minutes to spare and a story to go with it-he enjoyed his one pint and a smoke in the interval, and always chipped in with interesting and funny stories. The band still haven't got used to the idea that "Corporal" Jonesy has gone - he was playing with the band the day before he died and was his usual self. We are going to miss him. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. The funeral is next Monday 21st December, starting with a midday service at The Walls in Oswestry and then a burial. I have further details if anyone wants them". -  Dennis Harrison - Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra 

  • 15/12/09 - I hope you are all taking time to stop by the Home Page and listen to the Daily Christmas Tracks I'm putting on to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas. Today it's the turn of Kenny Ball's Jazzmen and "Deck The Halls"

  • 15/12/09 - '40 Not Out' Harlem Hot Stompers - "On Thursday 17 December at Didsbury Cricket Club Manchester the Harlem Hot Stompers will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary as one of the enduring names in the local jazz scene in the North West of England. For many years the band had a Friday residency, initially at the Manchester Sports Guild, then the Southern Hotel Chorlton, the White Lion Withington, the Midland Hotel West Didsbury, the Warren Buckley and the Boar's Head in Stockport, and Didsbury Cricket Club.  Formed in 1969 from the former Mick Burns Rhythm Kings, three of the Harlem's original members are still with the band, John Ronan (trombone), John Reade (piano) and Tony Foulkes (reeds). Over the years many familiar names have contributed to the success of the band, Murray Smith, Alan Bray, Alan Gee, Jon Critchley and the latest recruit Bill Smith on trumpet, trombonist Pete Haslam, Howard Murray (reeds), on bass Colin Turner, Tony Kennedy, and Dave Parr, on banjo/guitar Jim Lias, Neil Flynn and Ian McCann, and drummers Brian Ellwood, Bob Coulson, Jim Flynn, Gordon Marr, Sid Levin and Dave Berry. Last, but not least, of course, vocalist Julie Flynn. The total number of years that the musicians in the current band have been members is .....! - actually the correct answer to this question will be the prize in a competition on Thursday when the band look forward to meeting many former musicians and friends. Although this will be a musical social occasion the Christmas party spirit will not be entirely forgotten !!". - Joan and Tony Foulkes

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  • 14/12/09 - Congratulations to another septuagenarian tomorrow when leader of the Yarrow River Jazz Band, Richard Knock, reaches his 70th birthday

  • 14/12/09 -We've just got back from a weekend visiting our daughter in London. No time for any jazz unfortunately, but on on Sunday she took us to Brick Lane and Spitalfield Markets. What an amazing place. I have never seen so many market stalls in one place in all my life. It was a cosmopolitan as it can possible get, and there was food of every possible taste available from the corners of the globe. You can see some photographs I took on my phone at http://picasaweb.google.com/jazzyfred/LondonDec09OnMobilePhone#. Napoleon one dismissed England as a "nation of shopkeepers" and now I know what he meant.  I did find one man who wanted to join my deps page though, and between you and me I've heard worse! 

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  • 10/12/09 - Good News. I guess it's down to the credit squeeze, but I received an offer from The Video Beat in America, inviting me to purchase some more DVDs at bulk discount. I suspect this may be the last chance of getting them at this price, but as I had some people on a waiting list I decided to buy another six copies of "It's Trad Dad", featuring all your favourite bands of the 60's, including Barber, Ball & Bilk plus Temperance Seven, Bob Wallis, Terry Lightfoot and more... Once again it will have to be first come first served, and I doubt I will be repeating this offer again. So if you are looking for that last minute surprise Christmas present, I have just the thing. Full details about the DVD and the ordering process are on www.btinternet.com/~jazzworld/rngadng.htm but please email me first to reserve your copy to fred.burnett@btinternet.com, I'd hate you to be disappointed.

  • 10/12/09 - "Dear Fred, I have just read Norman Gibson's review of last Sundays gig at The Crofters, and could not agree more with what he says. I depped with one of the bands Derek Daniels ran.... too many years ago to contemplate! I once saw him sit at his drumkit, play drums with his feet and left hand, and play trumpet with his right hand. This guy has "served his time" as a musician..... trying to please an audience. (And trying to earn a few quid at the same time). Had I been in his position at the Moor Park jazz club, (subsidised by his own money) I would have thrown-in the towel, and reached gratefully for the slippers. Derek didn't. He tried again... with The Crofters... which has proved spectacularly successful. The Doom And Gloom page, filled with the words of introspective musos like me, doesn't offer any answers. What we all need is a few more people like Derek". - Allan Bentham. 

  • 10/12/09 - "Hi Fred I couldn't comment on Derek's Jazz evening at The Crofters on Sunday until now, as my PC was playing up. I am extremely pleased with the success since Derek moved his jazz from Preston. The Moor Park Club was a poor venue, long and narrow with uninviting decor, and those terrible stairs for older jazzers (which we all are!) to negotiate!! Severely disabled or wheelchair bound had no chance at all! He would never have been able to accommodate there the 100 plus he regularly gets now! I know Derek was quite unsure at the time he decided to make the move, but he is a happy man now and deserves all our support. His decision to reward us all with a mammoth free draw, from profits he has built up, was a most magnanimous gesture, especially as, when he was previously losing money, he never asked for financial support from us! Harlem Hot Stompers, who I hadn't seen before, were superb, our meal before the gig, Cajun Chicken, at the hotel, was very good, and I won a bottle of gin (not a trip for two to New Orleans as I told everyone!), so I certainly cannot complain! Keep it going Derek, you are a star man!". -  Norman Gibson

  • 10/12/09 - "I was very sorry to learn of the untimely death of Chris Jones, a fine bassist and all-round 'nice guy'. People who play the same instrument rarely meet in jazz circles, and I didn't get to see him nearly as often as I'd have liked to, to my great regret. My condolences to his family" - Allan Wilcox

  • 10/12/09 - Despite claiming back in August to be 87, "for a bit of a laugh", I can assure you that Moe Green is but a sprightly 70 tomorrow. Many Happy Returns Moe.

  • 10/12/09 - Mart Rodger M/cr Jazz earlier recording "Give Us A Stomper Kid" is now available on CD, and other than current band members Allan Dent, Eric Brierley, Colin Smith and Mart, it features Pete Staples/ Drums, Joe Palin/Piano and Bob Ascough on this recording.

  • 10/12/09 - As a result of the transition between landlords at The Black Horse, St Helens, there will be no Jazz Gentlemen session on 13th December. The next one is scheduled for January 10th.

  • 10/12/09 - "Put on Bob Crosby and his Orchestra and Bobcats 1937/8 recordings, if you haven't got them then I will send you a tape", says Unwin Nunns. "Some of the greatest white musicians are playing the best Dixieland and some of the tunes are composed by some of the Players like Bob Haggart, (my idol and mentor) I could go on forever. I followed the Americans, in my opinion they had far better bands than we had. We had excellent musicians but we simply couldn't put bands together like they could".  So tune into this week's Jukebox and you can form your own opinion.

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  • 09/12/09 - "My friend John Jack who ran Cadillac Jazz Distribution in London has closed his doors on business. This is a great loss to the jazz record business as he was a very effective link between lesser known bands and "High Street retailers"".  - Mart Rodger

  • 09/12/09 - Details of the December edition of Just Jazz Magazine have been put on the site

  • 09/12/09 - Mart Rodger's website at www.manchesterjazz.co.uk has been updated. This includes Newsletter 61. Mart says, "I find it hard to believe that Janet has published this many and if you add in the five Cruise Letters it is a great achievement and a wonderful help to the fans, myself and the band. The website has a new band picture with Chris Pendlebury filling the drummer spot. The "giglist" or "Upcoming Events" is up to date too and it will be noticed that the Cheadle Hulme Conservative Club on the second Tuesday each month is not featured. We have pulled out of this monthly gig because it was not financially viable which is a pity as it is a super venue". 

  • 08/12/09 - Sad news has reached me today from several sources, that Chris Jones, bass player with the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra, has passed away. Chris, who I gather was in his 50s, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday night.

  • 08/12/09 - "Hi Fred. Went along to join the packed audience who became an integral part of the DVD being made of Mike Lovell's band with his special guests Keith Nichols and brilliant drummer Nick Ward. The programme was planned to highlight not only the guests ( who had a set to themselves) but also the individual talents of Dave Savile, Chris Howse, Colin Turner, Willie Entwistle and Rosie Harrison.
    They each linked up with Keith playing either piano, trombone, sax, or clarinet in cameos. One such was a triple clarinet piece played by Keith, Rosie and Willie. Obviously, the DVD will take a little time to process but the wider public are in for treat when it happens".  - Eddie Simpson

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  • 07/12/09 - Dennis Armstrong is guesting with the Merseysippi Jazz Band next Monday, 14th December, at Liverpool Cricket Club. Derek Vaux tells me, "It should be a great night enabling us to take a trip back into the good old days when we were a two trumpet band. Dr. John Higham is especially looking forward to it - as are we all". 

  • 07/12/09 - The Monday nights jazz at the Morris Dancer in Kelsall now take place on  the First Monday of each month 8pm - 10-30pm. Also the 3rd Kelsall Jazz Festival at the Morris Dancer will take place between Friday 6th Aug, and Sunday the 8th August 2010.  Bands and times will follow as soon as I get them.

  • 06/12/09 - It was bumper night at The Crofters Jazz Club in Garstang tonight. A bumper crowd of over a hundred jazzers, Free mulled wine on arrival, 50 FREE raffle prizes given out and some superb jazz from the Harlem Hot Stompers. It was Derek's way of thanking everyone for their support, it couldn't fail to please.

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  • 04/12/09 - The Tuxedo Jazz Band web page has been updated.

  • 04/12/09 - "It has always amused me how many of the musicians that I know personally are Sagittarius's; Start with reeds-man Howard Murray and my former school mate and fellow piano player Derek Harrison, both yesterday. Derek Brown, bass, on the 19th December just one day before my birthday on the 20th. Then, just outside the cusp comes trombonist Bernard Burke on the 23rd December. May I wish a Happy Birthday to them all". -  Noel Broadgate

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  • 04/12/09 - Hi Fred, Here is a special message of help for the "Doom & Gloomers on how to develop new gig openings from one of my experiences.  We have just been to Barcelona but any big international city will do. Take your wife or partner into one of the best ladies clothing shops and sit on one of the settees provided. Start a conversation with the bored gentleman next to you and mention jazz music. When he tells you he is from Morrocco and owns several hotels in Marrakesh you must then quickly slip him a business card and he will exchange one of his. As the meercat says "simples" - Mart Rodger

  • 03/12/09 - Hi Fred and the lovely Barbara. (She's much too good for him, you know). Very many thanks for your birthday wishes. This is definitely my last birthday; the candles on the cake have become a Health and Safety issue. Would be most grateful if you could include our 'Christmas Special' in your What's On pages, so that Lady Anne will announce it on Radio Cumbria when you send your list to her. It's Tuesday December 15th, - at the Victoria Park Hotel, Barrow. Usual hours, 8.30 to 11p. m., free admission. Please keep up your sterling work. I'm sure you don't realise just how much it's appreciated by so many people. Best wishes from Les and Maxine Bull.

  • 03/12/09 - "David and I went along to the 'reunion at the John o' Gaunt on Monday night and it was packed! Hard to believe it is five years since Steve Thorn (landlord) left and it went down the pan musicwise! We had to leave before 10pm but Alan Duckles, Barrie, etc. were just getting warmed up and Steve stood in with a couple of numbers on Sax. There were quite a few visiting musicians there so it probably developed into a bit of a jam before the night was out. Pity we couldn't have stayed! - but we did manage to get a couple of sausages. Just like the old Sunday afternoons!! No doubt Barrie will be posting you some info! He was taking photo' as usual!".  - Norman Gibson

  • 03/12/09 - I hear Mike Lovell is having a professional video recording made of the band on Friday night at the North Euston when Keith Nichols joins them for a Weekend of Jazz. It will hopefully be available for Christmas. The weekend is sold out, but I think there are some 'Jazz Only' tickets still available

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  • 02/12/09 - According to my diary, at least three NW Jazz Musicians share a birthday tomorrow. Les Bull, Howard Murray, and Derek Harrison.  Many Happy Return chaps.

  • 02/12/09 - Boogie Woogie fans will be delighted with the records I dug out for this week's Jukebox. It's Meade Lux Lewis, famous for his Honky Tonky Train Blues.

  • 02/12/09 - David Woonton, Norman Gibson, Robert Greenwood and Chas Parry Jones all stepped forward to help answer Jane Rimmington's question about Sammy Rimington's tour dates. I was able to email Sammy, and his wife Louise came back with some dates. Jane has now been in contact and bought a ticket for Sammy's UK New Orleans All Star Band playing in CHILHAM VILLAGE HALL, near Canterbury. Many thanks to you all. 

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  • 01/12/09 - If you enjoy reminiscing on this site, take a look at www.sandybrownjazz.co.uk/whatsnew.html it goes beyond the North West.

  • 01/12/09 - "Please could I CORRECT an entry dated 28/11/09 on the website announcing the River City Jazzmen Christmas Party. The date is correct as Wednesday 16 December 2009 and the time of 8.30 - 11.30pm. However, the buffet will be at a charge of £7 per person, and there will be the usual whisky raffle at £3 as well as an ordinary raffle - bottle wine, box chocs. Malcolm Hogarth had a previous booking - we shall miss him entertaining us as usual at our Christmas Party! - but there is another piano player booked for the evening. The money for the buffet goes to The Old Whitehouse, our hosts Haydn and Pauline, and the raffle money to the band. Looking forward to a successful evening - without jazzers wanting their money back!!". -  Anne-Marie, CONWY JAZZ CLUB, meeting every Wednesday at The Old Whitehouse Conwy (Corrected - FB)

  • 01/12/09 - "Dear Fred, Your eagle-eyed readers will no doubt have noticed an error in the Jazz Guide; Terry's Dead Good Tame Valley Boys are down as playing at Boston Spa this Saturday December 5th. As it happened we swapped with another band, and are now scheduled there on 27th February next year, the switch occurring too late for the printers to alter the copy. This was to have been the conclusion of our "World-Wide Tour" which took in such exotic venues as Glossop, Southport and Sale, then back to our base camp in Ashton-under-Lyme, where we recently celebrated our third anniversary at the Turnpike. At Glossop there was an innovation as refreshments were on hand - in my case pie, peas, chips and gravy - all reasonably priced; Southport has moved back to the Shrimper - I am told by a couple of the "lads" who went early because of the weather, that the meals there are also very good; at Sale we saw one of the rare appearances of our youthful guitarist Chris Corcoran, who disproved the theory that he had only been asked to join us to bring down the average age! Not to be outdone by me playing a chorus of Kansas City with my feet, he took his solo with his guitar behind his head, Jimi Hendrix style. (It doesn't show on the "pirate" CD that I have acquired!)". -  Noel Broadgate.

  • 01/12/09 - Adrian Wilkinson will be  featured on reeds at Didsbury Cricket Club on 3rd December when the Old Fashioned Love Band stop by for an unscheduled visit. Mike Carnie and His Jazz All Stars were previously advertised for this night.

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  • 30/11/09 - I've just added a couple of jazz weekend events in April next year. One in Fleetwood with Mike Lovell and Guest star Enrico Tomasso, the second one at Bowness on Windermere featuring John Hallam with  Alan Barnes, Roy Williams & The Tom Kincaid Trio

  • 30/11/09 - I was amazed to see that Sammy Rimington was playing in Overton. Jazz really must be flourishing in Lancashire, and no doubt your website helps a great deal. Back in in the very early 50s when I, Alan Duckles, Stuart Fawcett, Sam Keighley, Ronnie Blamier and a couple of others whose names I can't recall (Forgive me.... memory fails at age 78) tried to bring traditional jazz to Morecambe and Lancaster, we could never have imagined jazz in places like Heysham or Overton. It would have been like getting a gig on the moon. I notice that many small communities now have a pub or thriving jazz club keeping the flag flying. I quite seriously believe that much of the successful spreading of our type of jazz in the North West is due to your website. I am amazed you have the time, energy and knowledge to keep producing the site and sending out emails all over the known world and Canada. As a former Lancastrian born in Yorkshire and living in Canada.... Many thanks".. - Trevor Hodgson Southern Comfort JB

  • 30/11/09 - I am a big fan of Sammy Rimington from the old days at the Salutation in Birmingham, and the Dan Pawson days,  ah happy times... but I haven't managed to catch up with him for many years.  I see from your website that he is touring this winter.  I live in Brighton and would travel a long way to see him, but actually the north is a too bit far.  Do you have any news of him touring next year or could you could pass on to me or put me in contact with someone in the know? I would be so grateful.    I have trawled the internet but can find nothing.  I would be absolutely thrilled to see him again." - Jane Rimmington.  Anybody know - FB?

  • 30/11/09 - "Hi Fred, we are sorry not to be able to put our jazz gigs at Overton near Heysham on a web page with you, but all tickets for our 'Night in New Orleans' with Sammy Rimington and his 'Manchester Pals', were spoken for before the end of October! We had to disappoint some of our regulars and quite a few new, including a couple from Llandudno!! We named our new bigger venue (King) "Oliver's Overton 'Odd'itorium" and our attached 'photo shows Eddie Mulholland receiving, from Sammy, on our behalf, a Sax Wine Holder and signed CD, as our appreciation gift, to take back to Belfast, for our 'quiet sponsor' George Smyth, who has printed up a number of posters to give our venues 'feel'. On the night we felt for Dave Copperwaite who was feeling dreadful, but as the night wore on it was Sammy who wilted, and, although playing well, ended up with a temperature. It just shows our older musicians are made of strong stuff! We were happy with our full evening show, but sad for our friends at Delph as Sammy had to cancel. We trust he has recovered quickly to complete his tour". -  Norman and David

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  • 29/11/09 - Good evening Fred, Some more hopeful news from The Byres in Bentham. There has indeed been a licence problem (like somebody didn't renew it at the right time). I spoke to Dave the landlord tonight, and they have applied for a temporary licence, pending renewal of the full licence. So we HOPE we will be back there on Thursday December 17th for our Christmas Special. Watch this space". - Les Bull

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  • 28/11/09 - The River City Jazz Band will be holding its Christmas party this year on Wednesday 16th December at the Old White House Conwy,8.30-11.30pm Tickets £7.00 which includes refreshments. Billy Edwards and Charles Wilson will be sharing the Trumpet stand along with guest pianist Malcolm Hogarth. The Band hope to see all their friends and supporters on this festive jazz evening.

  • 28/11/09 -  I was interested to get an email from Don. McWilliam, who wrote, "I enjoyed John Hallam's 'Burgundy Street Blues' so much that I downloaded 'Waltzing Matilda' from Amazon, as well". I didn't appreciate you could buy individual tracks for 79p let alone the whole album there.  You can even have a preview of each track.

  • 28/11/09 - Crofter's Jazz Club at Garstang, and Carlisle Jazz Club have had their gig lists updated.

  • 28/11/09 - Good to hear news that one of the North West Jazz Weekends has sold out. The North Euston Hotel Jazz Weekend will be featuring Keith Nichols. All the accommodation packages and the Dinner & Jazz packages are now sold out, just a few Jazz only tickets left for both nights. Mike Lovell is now trying to extend the Easter Jazz Weekend which will  featuring Enrico Tomasso to instead of just Good Friday and Saturday.. to start on the Thursday through to Bank Holiday Monday, using 3 more venues all within walking distance from the North Euston Hotel. Talks are going on at the moment but it is looking very favourable.

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  • 28/11/09 - "Many thanks for your second mention of our concert at Golborne", writes Bill Clarke. "The night was a great success with 90 people in the audience. Many Thanks to Brian Gordon for bringing the band from Lancaster on a bad night. They went down really well, It was a very good mix of Jazz & Barber shop. In addition to High Society & Milltown Sound Chorus we had Tone-Acity a quartet who won the gold medal at the National championships in Newcastle and as a result were invited to appear in Nashville, from where they have just returned. It was a very successful evening and introduced many people to live jazz & Barbershop. There were some excellent comments from many people" - Bill Clarke

  • 28/11/09 - "G'day Fred Thanks for passing on the information for Jazz on the Tube from Sue Parish. It's very good indeed. - So many layers to dig through, so many samples to listen to! Even a list of the top 100 Jazz LP's - well their top 100 anyway, and I wouldn't disagree with most of the choices. S far I've listened to Duke Ellington, (C-Jam Blues,) Keith Jarrett, and Bill Evans, and I've hardly started yet. I look forward to receiving their daily video, much as I currently receive a poem every day. Keep up the good work!". -  John Bratby

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  • 27/11/09 - Sue Parish has told me of a site that might interest some of you. It called www.jazzonthetube.com which if you subscribe, will send you a free jazz video every day.

  • 27/11/09 - Dear Fred, Much as I appreciate the frustrations of Jazz musicians and Jazz Festival Organisers, the Dark Peak Festival being the most recent example, let's look at the real villains of the piece. There are constant adverts on the box in the corner for 'Real Lawyers Working For You', 'No Win - No Fee' merchants. They claim for their clients and then stick in monstrous legal fees for themselves, which of course pays them enough to earn a fortune and take out even more advertising on the box. Let's look at 'The Dark Peak' situation. A Risk Assessment regarding volunteers for the street parade (21/11/09) ? What is the state of the roads on the planned route? Is there a nice hole in the road where an enterprising person could turn his/her ankle for a nice compensation claim ? Could a brolly lady stick her ferrule up the nose of an accommodating spectator causing loss of smell and possible brain damage? In both cases, expensive health care and loss of earnings would be involved. The possibilities for the crafty and unscrupulous are endless. The Compensation Culture has arrived whether we like it or not. No wonder Elf and Safety are paranoid.

  • 27/11/09 - "The Savannah  Jazz Band were absolutely brilliant at the Thornton Little Theatre last Friday night.  If there is a better "back three" than that which the Savs have, I've yet to hear them".. - Don McWilliam.

  • 27/11/09 - "Hi Fred. Thanks for flagging up  the Byres situation. Nobody seems to know the exact situation. Retrospective birthday greetings to Dave Berry. Our generation seems to have been a tough old load - I'm 78, and hopefully getting a hernia repaired on December 9, Frank Cholerton, Eric Brierley, Mart Rodger and others, not to mention  Moe Green ( who did practice economy with the truth when it came to his birthday) all passing three score years and yoincks and, hopefully, still going well". - Don Bridgewood

  • 27/11/09 - "I have just heard that Sammy Rimmington is ill and will not be playing at Delph tonight." - Stan Ward

  • 27/11/09 - Mike Dowley, from Shropshire, is the latest musician to go on the Deps List. Mike plays percussion.

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  • 26/11/09 - After a successful session at Uncle Tom's Cabin this week, over 60 people, some new faces plus a nice Hot Pot, Mike Lovell's 6 in a bar have been given another one on the 15th December.

  • 26/11/09 - More information has come through about The Byres at Bentham, and it looks more serious than a licence problem, with padlocks on the doors !

  • 26/11/09 - Ron Knight has kindly sent me the latest copy of the Jazz Club of Western Australia Newsletter. It's a 6 page document, so if you want to know what's happening down under, drop me a line and I'll send you a copy.

  • 26/11/09 - We all know the story about waiting for a bus and two come along at once, well it's a bit like this on the website sometimes. It was February 2008 when I last had a contribution to the Doom & Gloom debate, and now two have arrived to go at the end of part 3. One is from Allan Wilcox, and one from Peter De Bont. Peter has taken the trouble to read through all the preceding contributions and written at length on the subject.  It may well spark a 'revival' !

  • 26/11/09 - "Steve Thorn who was landlord of The John o' Gaunt pub in Lancaster for many years has organised a re-union on Monday November 30th, it's about five years since he left so the timing is right, The John o' Gaunt of course was just about the best pub in Lancashire when Steve was landlord and was a great music pub and he loves jazz, The Sun St Stompers played there every Sunday for about twenty three years without a break and Steve would often sit in with the band on tenor sax, they now play at The Robert Gillow just up the street every Sunday, The Bob Moffat Quartet played mainstream jazz there longer than The Stompers every Monday night so on the night The Ronnie French Bob Moffat tribute band will be playing, come along and see some old faces, it's rumored that Steve will be working behind the bar". - Barrie Marshall

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  • 26/11/09 - "Hi fred, The change to the Talbot Arms in Settle has gone very smoothly with much support from our regulars including the Bentham fans and our 'sitting in' musicians. The acoustics are excellent, the pub is cosy and the management welcoming". - Peter Boswell

  • 26/11/09 - "Hi Fred,  We have just been to Hampshire to family and whilst there Ken (Parkinson) celebrated a special birthday. He was 80 years young on the 14th November. Please could you mention it in your column and give our regards to all who remember us. Thank you again, Kath Parkinson".  Ken played trombone with the Benny Emsley Jazz Band in Manchester when Clinton Ford played banjo.

  • 26/11/09 - Dave Berry, the Harlem Hot Stompers drummer, will be celebrating his 79th birthday tonight at Didsbury Cricket Club. Thanks to Ian McCann for that snippet.

  • 26/11/09 - "Can you let people know that the Les Bull Band appearance at the Byres in Bentham today (Thurs) is off, apparently because of licensing problems". - Don Bridgewood.

  • 26/11/09 - PC is backed up, suspect disk drive sorted (I hope), just in time to update the Jukebox. This week, especially for Ian Royle, there's a selection from Wild Bill Davison.  The Jukebox can be accessed from the main menu, Enjoy.

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  • 24/11/09 - Panic stations tonight, my PC froze part way through loading each time I switched it on. I tried several repair methods to avoid losing any work, but they were all proving difficult. I had to resort to firing up the standby PC to update the site, but finally a last ditch attempt saved the day. Now for that backup I've been promising to do all week.

  • 24/11/09 - "I flew to London on Sunday last for the Memorial concert at The 100 Club for Campbell Burnap. A great turnout of musicians from many parts of the UK and further afield. Not so many from the North West, but It was great to see our good friends the Mersey's there in force, representing your part of the world. Highlight of the day, a duet with Campbell's seven year old Grandson on trumpet and Enrico Tomasso's nine year old Daughter, playing piano on Apex Blues. I also enjoyed a sit in with Enrico and the boys, a most enjoyable day and a great tribute to a wonderful musician and broadcaster". - Des Hopkins

  • 24/11/09 - Parade Marshall Terry Eastwood, from Rochdale,  now appears on the Deps List

  • 24/11/09 - "In response to Tony West; Sheila lives in Kent these days and sometimes puts on a band at the Clarendon on Thursday evenings in Deal". - Louis Lince

  • 24/11/09 - "Dear Fred, Re: The Dark Peak Jazz Festival and risk assessment, a village not far from where I live booked a marching band for their annual carnival this year. I doubt whether it was a jazzband, but whatever it was, for reasons I haven't been able to ascertain precisely  (but you can bet your life the word 'risk' came into it somewhere), the marching band on this occasion was obliged to play SITTING DOWN!". - Allan Wilcox

  • 24/11/09 - "Dear Fred, Greetings from the North West .. of France! The band from Brittany, "Good Time Jazz", are coming over to the North West of England next year with a gig in Liverpool and then the Abersoch Jazz Festival during the weekend June 11th - 13th. You can get an idea of this French band's style by visiting You Tube (and not a 'hand ball' in sight!). www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeUDpjInwCg and  www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKha2_vuymY We are really looking forward to the trip and I hope to meet up with lots of people from the days at the "Coffee House", Wavertree, Liverpool. Keep up the good work, Fred, your site is a "must" for ex-pat jazz fans in this part of the world! ". - Trevor Stent (ex-Blue Mags)

  • 24/11/09 - "Fred, Readers may be interested to know that one of your publicised regular events in West Cumbria took place last Friday despite the massive disruption that was occurring in the county at the time. The flooded roads and closed bridges did not stop me and about 30 odd others from playing / attending the "Jam Side Up" Jam Session at the Calder House Hotel, Seascale. Though strictly not a traditional jazz event this session provides a platform for any jazz musician of any style, instrument and ability in the most friendly surroundings. Something that should be encouraged. Good on all of those who braved the roads and turned up!". - Paul Marks

  • 24/11/09 - "Jazz NW is like a moveable feast!  When I started my degree course at the University of Sheffield in 1959 Bob Hambleton had an already established reputation as a good trombone player. He did not play for several months, having suffered from a collapsed lung. On one occasion he was less than pleased when spectators at Hillsborough threw coins as we marched around the perimeter at half time raising money for the students' "rag" week. One missed the collection blanket by several yards and put a ding in Bob's trombone. Ken Doran may well have been there at the time". - Tony West

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  • 23/11/09 - Hi Fred, Bob Hambleton's a dark horse! He was depping for Harry Price, and I was depping for Curly (after his successful knee operation), last Wednesday in The River City Jazz Band at the Old White House, Conwy and he didn't say a thing about his forthcoming birthday. But it didn't stop him playing great stuff with Billy Edwards (tpt), Paul Blake (on reeds, depping for Gerry Owen), Glyn Edwards (bs gtr) and Rod Ledsham (dms). We could do with a few more in the audience though, and there's a little dance floor for the keep-fit fanatics (and the beer's just right!).  And while I'm rambling on, it was a great session last night at Rochdale where Sammy Rimmington played with The Tuxedo Jazz Band at the beginning of his tour. And, despite the weather, it was a good turn-out. (And the beer was good there, too). It was nice seeing you there, Fred: You get around don't you!  - Malcolm Hogarth 

  • 23/11/09 - Unless I'm mistaken, another musician is racing neck and neck with John Meehan when it comes to birthdays. Many Special Happy Returns of the day to Bob Hambleton. Bob played trombone with the Blue Mags and the Panama Jazz Band before he was last seen heading up to a cottage on Great Orme, Llandudno. Anybody seen or heard him lately?

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  • 22/11/09 - There's a concert coming up to raise money for Milltown Sound, a ladies Barbershop Chorus which is to help provide costumes for the group. You might wonder what this has to do with jazz, well, the High Society Jazz Band will be helping out on the night. There's no ladies in the band, so guess they won't be singing with them, but it would be interesting to hear "Bourbon Street Parade", Barbershop Style !!  Sounds like a good all round entertaining night out. The venue is Golborne Parkside & Sports Club, Rivington Avenue, Golborne, on  Friday November 27th starting at 7.30. Tickets from Bill Clarke 01942 725375.

  • 22/11/09 - Tony West asks, "The last I heard of Sheila Collier was that she was living in Cockermouth, so having heard the news I wondered if anyone knows if she is OK?".

  • 22/11/09 - Peter Eddowes pointed me to www.stridingedge.net where there are many photographs of the flood, including Keswick and The Whitewater Hotel. As Peter says, "Good job we don't have any gigs there at the moment"!

  • 22/11/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to Savannah Jazz Band leader John Meehan, born November 1939 in Halifax, West Yorkshire. If my maths is correct, this makes it a somewhat special one. Congratulations John.

  • 22/11/09 - I'm sure all our thoughts go out to our jazz friends in Cumbria who are faced with clearing up their homes after this devastating rainfall. Many of us are of an age where we don't find it easy climbing out of bedroom windows or dealing with this sort of aftermath.

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  • 21/11/09 - The Dark Peak Jazz Festival in Glossop, has been added to the Jazz Festivals Page. It came with an interesting letter from the secretary asking for volunteers for the street parade. Nothing unusual in that you might think, except this appeal is for someone who has compiled a "Risk Assessment". A risk assessment is required by High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Constabulary.  So where do they start?  Which is the greater risk?  Umbrellas or Bass Drum?

  • 21/11/09 - Peter Maguire is a jazz musician, journalist, writer, graphic designer and website developer, who runs an amazing web site www.jazz-clubs-worldwide.com and I thought my patch was hard enough. It came as a pleasant surprise therefore to get a tremendous accolade from Peter. Check out http://tinyurl.com/yhnz6fs. Peter, who originates from the Manchester Area,  is visiting the North West (Caton) in a couple of weeks and hoping to get a blow with some local bands.

  • 21/11/09 - "Dear Fred, I've just learnt that two youngsters in the North West have been named in the British Jazz Awards 2009: In the Rising Star category, Amy Roberts came 1st and Jamie Brownfield came 5th. Also, the CD 'Keepin' it Cool', by the Brownfield/Byrne Quintet came joint 4th. (If you haven't heard/got it, you're missing out!). Jamie Brownfield is the guest with The DeeSide Dixies playing at The Hand Hotel, Llangollen (12:30pm-3) on Sunday December 6th. Jamie will be playing alongside Billy Edwards (yes, two trumpets), Andrew Mackenzie (tbn) and Terry Perry (reeds) for this, our Christmas party, session (free admission)".   - Malcolm Hogarth

  • 21/11/09 - Sammy Rimington is all set for his tour of the North West starting tomorrow night (Sunday) at Rochdale Jazz Club,  on Wednesday at Hyde Cricket Club where I believe there are still  a few tickets left if you contact the club,  and then Delph Band Club on Friday 27th. Andrew Liddle told me he's hoping to get to Hyde, for what will be the club's final jazz night after many years, although he's also hoping to see Sammy at  Leeds, Barnsley and Rochdale too. Now that's what I call support.

  • 21/11/09 - Mike Pembroke writes, "We had a great Session at Stafford last Sunday in memory of Mike Turner. Apart from playing with the Old Fashioned Love Band and his own band Swing Parade, Mike had in the past joined forces, for sessions of poetry and jazz, with Carol Ann Duffy who is now the Poet Laureate. It was hoped that she would be able to attend and participate in the concert was unable to do so. However this lovely tribute had been received and during the concert a framed copy of it was presented to Monika Turner by Nick Balmforth". - "It was always a delight to work with Mike and his fellow musicians. Poetry and jazz has long had a great affinity and Mike stood proudly and sensitively in that tradition. I had really been looking forward to returning to Stafford next year as Poet Laureate and gigging again with Mike and the band- but I know that when we do it will be in his honour and memory. We should treasure our musicians and artists while we have them- and Mike was real gold." - Carol Ann Duffy

  • 21/11/09 - Spats, Martin Litton, Malcolm Sked and Jason Downes played a memorable session at the Southern Jazz Club at the Highway Inn here in Adelaide on Bonfire Night. They were hot. The pic was taken at the bar after the gig- two Manchester banjo players far from home. Spats looks a little startled, but he was not really- just the way the camera caught him. Wishing everyone a great "holiday season" (which it is in Australia of course- but locally 43ºC today, and it is still spring ugh!). We are looking forward to a visit from Chris and Vicki Newman- Vicki will be celebrating her 60th birthday at our local Chinese restaurant early in January. They always come over for the Australian Jazz Convention, and to visit Vicki's dad who lives locally. This year it is the 64th Australian Jazz Convention, and it will be in Melbourne, running from Boxing Day until new Year's Eve, as it always does. So if you need a Christmas break from the Northern Hemisphere cold then head over here". - Tony West.

  • 21/11/09 - Beverley Alexander is a professional singer from Blackpool specialising in jazz/swing, and she has just joined the Deps List which can be accessed from Jazz Extras

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  • 20/11/09 - Jeff Roberts, is band marshal of the Eclipse Jazz Band. I've just added their web site to my Link Page.

  • 19/11/09 - Good News, such was the demand for the DVD - It's Trad Dad, that they all sold out, but I've managed to get another 6 at discount, of which 3 are already spoken for. They are available at £19.50, but they will cost you over £22 to buy direct from USA, not counting VAT, Duty or currency commission. That is the only supplier I've been able to locate. Full details at http://www.btinternet.com/~jazzworld/rngadng.htm 

  • 18/11/09 - To those who think I'm just a traddie at heart, here's something for swing lovers. It's the turn of Benny Goodman to take is place on The Jukebox. I hope you enjoy listening.

  • 18/11/09 - It is the third anniversary at the Turnpike in Ashton-under-Lyne on Monday 23rd November. Noel Broadgate says, "We will be having a Party Night. If you can get along before 9.00pm, you will get a free supper. There will also be a monster raffle (pterodactyls, brontosaurus etc) and anyone who can play, and fancies a blow with us needs to get there before 9.15pm and make himself (or herself) known to Norman or Terry."

  • 17/11/09 - "The Mike Turner Memorial Concert at Stafford last Sunday - Lots of people, lots of good music. Mr. Turner would have loved it" - . Moe Green.

  • 17/11/09 - "Thanks so much for your help in publicising the first ever Jazz in Hornby gig", writes Sue Parish. "I'm thrilled to say it was an absolute sell-out, with over 90 people in the audience. Tom, Amy and Frank were marvellous, just as you would expect, and we got the most fantastic reaction from everyone listening. There was pin- drop silence while we played, and countless warm and appreciative comments from people after the gig. We're already discussing a return date for next year, and I'm delighted for Sam Ashton, who organised the event, that it was such a success. The venue, a perfectly restored 1950s dance hall is great place for jazz, and I'm looking forward to being in the audience at future gigs in the New Year. If anyone wants to go on Sam's mailing list to hear about the programme he's got planned, he can be contacted on samsusanashton@btinternet.com".

  • 17/11/09 - Jeff Matthews writes "I thought you might like to see a picture of the 'The Bear Katz Jazz Band' which plays at 'The Bear', Hodnet, Shropshire. You might recognise some of the lads. I have no bedroom curtains now - but we do have some nice warm waistcoats for winter gigs".

  • 16/11/09 - It's good to see jazz back at Thornton Little Theatre this Friday, and what better way to hopefully start a revival than by having the Savannah Jazz Band there. It's John Meehan's birthday next Sunday so hope there will be plenty fans there to wish him a Happy Birthday.

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  • 16/11/09 - Many Thanks to Graeme Smith for passing on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAXQ4t_QUtE It's a video of the late Temperance Seven/Vintage Syncopators' drummer Ian Howarth, this clip of Ian performing with Petula Clark has recently come to light, says Graeme.

  • 16/11/09 - Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz are having a matinee gig at Disley Golf Club next Sunday, 22nd November. It is one they have done in the past, and where jazz fans are welcome to come along - it's not a private gig. Barbara and I went three years ago and it's a lovely venue and we had a great time. The band starts playing at 3.00 p. m. and will finish at 5.30.  Disley Golf Club, Jacksons Edge Road, Disley is the venue. The postcode is SK12 2JX for anyone using SatNav.

  • 16/11/09 -  Following on from Malcolm Hogarth's high praise of the Baths Hotel in Macclesfield (14/10/09), it's the turn of Annie's Saints & Sinners to play there on on Thurs Dec 17th starting at 7pm

  • 16/11/09 - The Yarl River Jazzmen are normally the only band that gets to play in Barrow, but I see that the Quayside Hot Stompers have managed top get a booking at The Duke of Edinburgh in Barrow on Thursday night.

  • 16/11/09 - Jazz is on the point of returning to the Art Deco cafe in Stanley Park, Blackpool. Sean Gallagher is trying to build up bookings for the next couple of months, and doesn't want the same thing every Sunday. He's already booked Mike Lovell on December 213th, and Cafe Society on Jan 3rd next year, so keep an eye on Sunday's What's On

  • 14/11/09 - Many Happy Returns of the Day to Bernie Tyrell, born this day in 1933, and who continues to produce the best What's On in the country - Jazz Guide

  • 14/11/09 - It's always good to hear what the jazzers think of the bands and the venues - Dee & John tell me they've been to Harry Swinburne's jazz at Llandudno where "Billy Edwards was wonderful.. Last week we went to High Lane Con Club to see Mart and the boys. Malcolm Hogarth was there and doing some wonderful boogie playing. and this Monday we went to see Terry and the gang at the Turnpike in Ashton. He had 15 on the stage... it was something else. He is such a personality and everyone had a good time.  Tonight we have just got in from Didsbury Cricket Club after seeing Savannah and they had Dave Mott with them. It was full to the brim with people as just lately it has not been so busy all the time there". 

  • 11/11/09 - Thanks to all those who responded to my request for "A Bientot". I now have learnt that the 2 CD versions I have, wrongly attribute the tune 'A Bientot' to Billy Taylor the modern jazz pianist. In fact he did write one of that name but a different one. It was Peanuts Hucko who wrote the more traditional version and played it with Alex Welsh". - Jeff Matthews

  • 11/11/09 - "The Tame Valley Stompers celebrated Terry Brunt's "one hundredth" Birthday yesterday at the de la Salle Rugby Club in Salford. To honour the occasion, I had written a special "Ode to Terry" which was performed to tumultuous acclaim by the assembled multitude. Many Happy Returns to our dear trombone player, he who brandishes an instrument which others have described as a "wind driven pitch approximator". I also had the pleasure of depping with the Andy Henderson Quartet at the Eccleston Social Club in St Helens on Sunday. It is a lovely venue with an appreciative crowd and (of course) the band were great". - Noel Broadgate

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  • 11/11/09 - Chris Barber returns to the jukebox this week. This is the final part of the Chris Barber collection, so make sure you don't miss it.

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  • 09/11/09 - Geoff Brooks has brought http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5jQPhAX0iU to my attention. If you are a Fats Waller fan you'll love it, if not, you'll still be amazed at this talented young man.

  • 09/11/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day tomorrow to scarf wearing Terry Brunt, currently playing with the Tame Valley Stompers (also known as Terry's Dead Goof Boys).

  • 09/11/09 - "Hi Fred As you know, at our 'Heysham Heritage Hall' community jazz evenings, we mix it up a bit and give our regular jazzers different styles of music - variety being the spice of life! Thanks to Derek at the Crofters for introducing us to Sara Creeney, we were able to team her up with our local swing band, 'Sixteen Men Swinging', a week ago. Anything could have gone wrong, with neither knowing the other, and no rehearsal, but it went brilliantly. Anyone wanting to check it out can see it on YouTube  Enjoy!". - Norman Gibson 

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  • 07/11/09 - Jeff Matthews writes, "Could you ask if anyone has the music, chords or information on a tune called 'A Bientot' by 'Taylor'.  My Googling hasn't come up with much information as yet".

  • 07/11/09 -  I checked out Des Hopkins Guinness Band website and the second video is supposed to feature Andy Hillier. Unfortunately the leprechauns have been at work and he has been replaced by a headless trombone player no less! 

  • 07/11/09 - "Many happy returns of the day to cool clarinettist and super singest Carol Horne who celebrates a big birthday tomorrow (Sunday). Carol who plays and sings in Mad Ed's Hot Five every Sunday at the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn is celebrating with a special beer we've created called Reed Warbler! Call 01352-780309 or BlueBell.uk.eu.org   for details".  - Steve Marquis

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  • 07/11/09 - Les Brown has emailed me a poster of the Boston Spa Jazz Club Programme for November/December. Let me know if you'd like a copy.

  • 07/11/09 - "Hi Fred, Reading some of the remarks about jazz clubs, this is my latest newsletter from Western Australia. (let me know if you want a copy - Fred).  We have just had a very disastrous jazz festival. It was run by promoters interested in a quick dollar.10 of them have lost $50,000 in two years. The autopsy will start real soon. Our yearly Jazz Convention will begin on December 26th and we are on our 64th Australian Jazz Convention. It is being held in the city where it started in 1946. Happy jazzing and keep up the good work promoting jazz". - Ron Knight

  • 07/11/09 - North West musicians Stan Williams,  Matt Saunders, Mad Ed, Mike Carnie and Derek Harrison are all off to The Raven Inn, Welshpool this Sunday, 8th November. Why not take a trip down there and support them? I'm told that special priced meals are on offer. There's a small admission charge. Friendly atmosphere.  & a hearty welcome guaranteed. If you want directions, call Jeff Matthews on 01686 630438 or 07831 383636

  • 07/11/09 - "An excellent programme, that may be of interest, is broadcast every Sunday afternoon 2.4. pm from Irish National Radio, RTE. Lyric FM available in the UK on Sky Channel 0165 and on the net http://www.rte.ie/lyricfm.  Veteran broadcaster Gay Byrne, presents an enjoyable chat and music show with a VERY high trad jazz content. The Original Guinness Jazzband will return to the North west in April 2010 Some dates. are filled a few more to be added. Information www.dhentertainment.ie/guinnessjazzband" - Des Hopkins

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  • 06/11/09 - "Thank you for the nice page,  (whatever happened to ... ) it was a very good idea. One of my favourite clarinet players is Bill Greenow. I have only 1 LP from him, playing Tenorsax ( Berendonck records) He was playing several years with Koen De Cauter (Waso).  Do you know something from him? Jan Van Herzele

  • 06/11/09 - Just a reminder that the Mike Turner Memorial Concert is being held at Stafford Jazz Club on Sunday 15th November between 12.30pm and 3.30pm. The Old Fashioned Love Band will be making a donation to a Charity of Monika Turner's choice. The session will be in 3 parts first the OFLB, second Swing Parade (Mike's other band), and finally a "controlled" jam session, as perfected by Eddie Condon. Mike was so popular that a good turnout is assured but the more the merrier. - Mike Pembroke

  • 06/11/09 -  "Hallo Fred , I have just read the sad news of Jerry Cards passing. He was responsible that I joined my first band , The Southside Stompers ,mainly Articled Clerks , from Ewell, Surrey. Freed me from a skiffle group after seeing them playing at a church youth club. Every time I went to the UK , I always thought I would like to look Him up, now , the Grim Reaper has put paid to that idea. Which shows that one should not put off things until tomorrow that can be achieved today. My condolences go to His family , and also to His band". -  Chris Mitchell , The Harlem Ramblers , Zurich

  • 06/11/09 - The High Society Jazz Band from Lancaster are taking part in a Concert "Swing into Christmas" featuring the band plus two Ladies Barbershop groups "Milltown Sound" & Tone-Acity". Milltown recently finished third in the Southport Arts Festival a good result for a group that only formed in March this year. The venue is Golborne Parkside & Sports Club, Rivington Avenue, Golborne, a comfortable modern club. The date - Friday November 27th starting at 7.30. Jazz meets Barbershop should be an entertaining evening. Tickets from Bill Clarke 01942 725375.

  • 06/11/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to trumpet and flugel horn player, Harry Roberts from Kendal, who celebrates his 70th birthday today. Harry was trumpeter with The Rainy City Jazz Band and with the Chicago Teddy Bears.

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  • 05/11/09 - A few weeks ago John Hallam kindly sent me a delightful CD. It's called "alone together" and features two very popular musicians, John himself, from here in the North West, and Jeff Barnhart from Connecticut. Jeff is well known to Keswick Jazz Festival visitors who have listened to the Fryer-Barnhart International Jazz Band. I've put a track on the Home Page, so go back if you skipped over it and take a listen to their version of Burgundy Street Blues. If you aren't spellbound by it, you have no soul!

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  • 04/11/09 - Dave Jago (trombone) is the latest musician to join the deps list, which can be accessed via Jazz Extras

  • 04/11/09 - "Following the closure of our Thursday night home for many years, we now have a new venue. Starting on Thursday 5th November The Salt City Jazzmen will be at:- The Rising Sun, Middlewich Rd., Wistaston, Crewe. Cheshire CW2 8SB Tel 01270 213782". - Stuart Renn.

  • 04/11/09 - "Andor Jensen who plays clarinet, saxes and flute will be playing with the Parade Jazz Band at the Boathouse, Parkgate on Tuesday 10th November. Andrew Mackenzie is now ably filling the trombone chair for the band, who also on 15th December will have their Christmas Jazz Night". - Clive Edwards.

  • 04/11/09 - The Savannah Jazz Band page has been updated to include a great photograph of the band and also includes a track from their latest CD for you to listen to.

  • 04/11/09 - Peter De Bont is looking for an LP, or CD. The title is "If I Had A Talking Picture Of You". He says, "Originally, it appeared on the Black Lion label (1975). It was eventually reissued on CD, by German label Da Music, but they have told me that there are no plans for a re-release. So if the LP in question is gathering dust in someone's attic or basement, I'd very much appreciate a n email from you. Intriguingly, there's also a 30 minute BBC documentary about Alex Welsh, entitled The Lemonade King. I'd very much like to see that, too, so any helpful information on that subject will also be very welcome". Full details on the Items Wanted Page which you can access via Jazz Extras

  • 04/11/09 - John Hallam will be guesting with the Wirrorleans at the Freshfields Hotel, Formby on Friday 20th November, ticket only, available from the venue at £5.  Tel: 01704 874871. Limited seating capacity.

  • 04/11/09 - "On Sunday evening, November 1st, Cross Lane United Church (Methodist / United Reformed) hosted a service of 'Jazz Praise' with the Savoy Jazzmen playing hymns and spirituals to a congregation of over 100. The band paraded into the church hall and out at the finish of the service, and many 'non -jazz' people were enthusiastic in their appreciation of the music. There was a fine buffet provided beforehand ( free of charge) and a retiring collection raised £340 for the Christian charity Mercy Ships, which provides free health care - including surgery - to the world's forgotten poor. The hospital ship 'Africa Mercy' is currently in Benin, West Africa". - Terry Birkinhead.

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  • 04/11/09 - "Please could you let it be known that the Roy Potts Five & A Penny Band has left the Sunday residency in the centre of Chester after two years and is embarking on establishing a monthly cycle of venues on Sundays. We have currently agreed on a monthly residency on the first Sunday in each month at the Cheshire Yeoman, on the A550, Ledsham Rd, Little Sutton. CH66 4QE,  1-00pm to 3-00pm playing times. Ring Peter the boss on 0151 339 3106 for information or booking a lunch in advance. We had the first session last week. Terrific support without any advertising. Thank you all. Let you know the other three venues when finalised. One of them may well be back in the centre of Chester". - Roy Potts

  • 04/11/09 - Hi Fred, We thought you and your avid readers would like to know that Mad Ed's Hot Five are Three! Come and join us to celebrate their 3rd birthday with cakes and ale. The Hot Five go from strength to strength and can be heard at the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn, every Sunday afternoon usually 3ish but this Sunday at 4ish for about 3 hours of fantastic Trad! 

  • 04/11/09 - Something a little different on my jukebox this week. If you are a ragtime fan, then you'll love the music of Scott Joplin. Hope you enjoy them. You can access them via Jukebox on the main menu.

  • 04/11/09 - Jazz fan Allan Townsend has organised another Jazz On A Winter's Day at Fylde Rugby Football Club, Lytham for all the family. A very popular event which again this year will feature The Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra. It all takes place on 20th December. Tickets are £15 and includes a superb hot buffet. Full details by clicking here

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  • 03/11/09 - The email contact address for the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra has been changed and is listed at the bottom of the Blue Mags web page.

  • 03/11/09 - Users of AVG Free Antivirus may be concerned about a new upgrade notice they receive stating that "You must upgrade to version 9 by December 1, 2009", and you can  save 10% of the new purchase price (hardly free).  Scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see a paragraph which states in small writing - "AVG has also updated our popular free Anti-Virus solution to version 9.0.   AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 9.0 offers no-frills protection to meet your basic security needs. As a current free user you can choose to update my current product only". Choose the download button in the first column if you just want the free antivirus, although you may wish to consider paying for the more comprehensive "AVG Internet Security" package".

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  • 03/11/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day to Band Leader of the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra - Dennis Harrison

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  • 02/11/09 - The  November edition of Just Jazz Magazine has arrived. You can see the contents via Jazz Extras

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  • 01/11/09 - Many Happy Returns of the day today to Roger Browne, pianist with Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz

 

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