WIRRAL JAZZ in the Wirral Champion

Well, this was what the diehard followers of Traditional Jazz had been waiting for since Adam was a lad! Eight musicians from New Orleans, the birthplace and cradle of the music almost a century ago, ranging in age from thirty odd to - well, - over the statutory three score and ten! and all of them playing with an obvious joy in keeping the tradition alive.

As the man on the BBC says, “it was a game of two halves!”, with R& B legend Allen Toussaint taking up the first half. Allen was N.O. “bred & buttered” and caused a sharp intake of breath when he said “Katrina did me a favour!” He hastily explained that he went up to New York after the dreadful flooding, met with our own Elvis Costello and as a result arranged nine songs from Elvis’ catalogue and will be touring with him on the return to the USA. Toussaint’s piano playing was breathtaking, especially on a “Sweet Georgia Brown” to knock your socks off, the sort of thing the audience was obviously waiting for, and “With You In Mind“, a beautiful piece which brought on stage for just the one number, a young lady cello player! Toussaint’s brilliant technique only slightly spoilt the effect of his often witty - and always interesting - commentary which was all too often drowned out by an over-loud piano microphone. I hope this is remedied in the other venues of the tour!

After the interval we were treated to a short, but very interesting film about the background to Preservation Hall in New Orleans. A very appropriate opening was the Paul Barbarin classic, “Bourbon Street Parade”, opening with simply leader John Brunious on trumpet with rhythm and adding Frank Demond’s agile trombone as the number developed. Appropriately on this number the drumming of Shannon Powell was outstanding. A second march/spiritual, “Over In The Gloryland” featured a nice vocal by banjoist Carl Le Blanc - “one of the younger guys”- playing a banjo of the legendary Narvin Kimball. Favourite tune followed favourite with one of the oldest numbers from the Crescent City featuring venerable bassist Walter Payton with a hilarious vocal - and suitable actions; “I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate”. Fortunately, Walter expurgated the original lyric somewhat! A fine piano feature was followed by some clever - and harmless double entendre, then Toussaint joined the band for a fine re-creation of a N.O.funeral with “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” played first as the dirge and then picking up into a very interesting and ingenious arrangement. The vocal was here provided capably by drummer Joseph Lastie.

Director of the band, and the man in charge at Preservation Hall back home is sousaphone player Ben Jaffe, having taken up the reins from his parents, Alan and Sandra. He provided some commentary where needed and joined the other brass men in an “impromptu” parade which threaded its way around the Phil leading much of the audience with it. The tune? What but “When The Saints Go Marching In!”

Well folks, only a short one this month as life is crowding in on me! I had the privilege last week of arranging the band for a funeral at Landican Cemetery. It seems to be a growing custom for Jazz lovers to ask for a “New Orleans” type band to play at these events and we have frequently laid on a band to accompany the cortege from Landican gates to the crematorium. However, this time it was to be a burial and the eight men who turned out had quite a long walk across the grounds. They really turned up trumps, not only playing the customary spiritual, “A Closer Walk With Thee”, but in response to a request from the family, tunes that had been favourites of the lady of - 90 +! who had been a devoted “jazzer”. From the Wirral, Billy Edwards, Roger Higham, Dave Dixson, Ian Robertson, and Roy Gregory were the players. From “over the water” came Rae Owens, John Blackman and Linton Ali. Six bands were represented - and they played their hearts out. Thanks fellers, you did the lady proud!

I will list as usual, our Wirral residencies, - and of course the special Claire House benefit concert - but first, let me suggest a trip or two outside our great Peninsula. Monday nights, at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth, the Merseysippi Jazz Band hold sway. Don’t let’s forget that the band was begat in Wirral over fifty years ago at the - now sadly demolished - Hotel Victoria in New Brighton! The WirrOrleans Jazz Band has now found itself a “new” home - or rather has returned to its old home! - at Ma Boyle’s Oyster House, Tower Buildings in Water Street, Liverpool. They meet on Thursdays. The Downtown Dixieland Jazz Band can be found on Wednesday evening in the Marlborough pub, Seel Street....... and there’s lots more around the area. Oh yes! June 15th sees the next Claire House benefit at Heswall British Legion. The band appearing will be Mike Lovell with Rosie. Turn up and support the very worthy cause. For the rest; Monday has the Savoy Jazzmen at The Ship Inn, Hoylake, Tuesday sees two regular residencies, The Parade Jazz Band at The Boathouse in Parkgate and The Peninsula Jazzmen at - Heswall British Legion! On Wednesday, after a swift game of tennis? you can enjoy the hospitality of The Original Panama Jazz Band at Upton Tennis Club - or possibly skip the exercise and enjoy the Jazz and the excellent bar facilities! Thursday evening, just around the corner from my house, The Tuxedo Jazz Band make the welkin ring with New Orleans sounds at the Old Wallaseans Club, Grove Road, Wallasey, by the roundabout with Warren Drive.

And that’s about it for weekly events, but on Third Sunday evenings Terry Perry’s “Big Easy” play for listening and/or dancing at the Melrose Hall - just behind The Ship! - in Melrose Avenue. The Tony Davis Band play for a monthly Jazz Brunch at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton on the last Sunday of each month., See you there? TONY DAVIS.

Well, is it too late to wish you all a very Jazzy New Year? With the successful reopening of the Parade Jazz Band sessions on Tuesdays at The Boathouse, Parkgate and the happy memory of Christmas at Fort Perch Rock with the amazing Marilyn Middleton knocking us all out, 2007 promises fair! Wirral Jazz Friends have Brian Carrick’s Heritage Stompers coming to give a real “Norleansy” evening on Friday, 16th March, in aid of Claire House. That’s at Heswall British Legion, where every Tuesday the Peninsula Jazz Band give a terrific performance. Why, oh why don’t more of you turn up?

Talking of “Norleansy” style, the other Brian-Woods that is, leads from behind his lovely drum set, his Tuxedo gang, firmly dedicated to the aforesaid style, every Thursday at the Old Wallaseans Club at the junction of Grove Road and Warren Drive in Wallasey. It gets packed so - go early!

Monday has Brian drumming with Peter Swensson’s Savoy Jazz Band at The Ship in Hoylake, while round the corner on the Third Sunday, Terry Perry’s “Big Easy” hold forth at Melrose Hall. This unique band play Big Band music in the old style, with fine arrangements by Terry himself. AND - you can dance to the band - properly! (Bring your own drinks...)

Upton Tennis Club is the very hospitable setting for Wednesday’s regular sessions with the current “ORIGINAL” Panama Jazz Band so what better cue for:-

The Panama saga- continues! Ken Sims departed for London late in 1956 to join Cy Laurie's band. His talents definitely deserved to be heard in a grander setting. Ken was replaced by Jack Brierly I think, a cornet player from Chester, who also introduced Johnny Lindop to the band. Johnny was a sousaphone player, also from Chester, who drove a Morgan three-wheeler car with his sousaphone wrapped around the spare wheel at the back. These changes naturally gave the band a different sound.. I joined PJB in late spring of 1957, replacing Jack. Meanwhile, Johnny Lindop had also left leaving Stan on string bass. The first gig I played was a Riverboat Shuffle on the Royal Iris (the green and yellow ferry boat). The Merseysippi Jazz Band had top billing (rightfully so, of course) and I think Ralph Watmough's band and, possibly, the Liverpool University Jazz Band (featuring the Higham brothers) were also on the menu. I also remember that singer Joyce Jerman* was on the bill. Joyce, whose philosophy was 'there is no fate worse than death', was the producer when I made my only theatre appearance in Pantopera...

Shortly after I joined PJB Laurie left and was replaced by an excellent pianist, Muriel Holmes, who had previously played with the Muskrat Jazz Band. -----------and so Muriel takes up the story!

“I had left Muskrats sometime in 1955, I think. I know I played with the university briefly when they were between piano players, with the Higham bros.

Shortly after your wedding** the Muskrats asked me to sub with them because they had a gig at the Wallasey Jazz Club. Someone from Panama asked me if I had gone back to the Muskrats and I said "NO!" Soon after I was invited to play with the Panama. At that time I recall that I was on piano, Stan was on bass, Dave was on banjo, and ?? on drums. Ron was on trombone, John Wilson was briefly on clarinet followed by Bruce. I can't remember when Ken Simms was on trumpet. I mostly recall Johnny Dodgshon on trumpet. Ron left to do his two years in the army, December 31, 1956. The little short guy in the photos took over on trombone. Some of the photos taken in 1957 show Ron playing while he was on leave. Dave Renton did not take over on trombone until sometime after we came to Canada.

I know we were one of the very first bands to play at the Cavern when it first opened as a Jazz Club.

Whenever we played at a dance I played all of the waltzes alone. The guys all left the stage and went for a beer. Drums may have stayed.

I played with the band until we came to Canada around end of May 1959. I am sure Ron probably played those last months as well, from Dec. 1958 - May 1959 but I am not really sure.

**August 1956

I lament the imminent passing of our beloved Floral Pavilion - and await with bated breath the building of its replacement. More than a few of you will remember the superb concerts held there as part of the Wirral International Jazz Festivals with just about every great name in British Jazz - and many overseas participants. Also, the Merseyside Jazz community turned out on several occasions to raise lots of money for various disaster funds run by the British Red Cross. We must thank Paul Holliday and all his staff for the work they put in on those occasions - and wish them well in the future in a spanking NEW Floral Pavilion!

Lastly this month - and I make no apologies! - a “plug” for Doug Darroch and Sasha at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton. Although Doug’s heart is in the Sixties with Elvis and the Beatles, he has nobly supported our monthly “Jazz Brunch” in the Fort, and December’s roaring success was largely down to his help.

The Panama Jazz Band Story - Part one - “John Dodgshon remembers.” John now lives in the USA, but pays visits “home” from time to time. Despite his modest disclaimer he has become a fine trumpet player.

“I remember Ron Minshall (trombone), John Wilson (Clarinet), Dave Renton (banjo) and Stan Minshall (playing piano chords) meeting weekly at Dave's home to play jazz in the latter half 1954. At this time Dave had been teaching JD (me!) to play guitar and sing folk songs and he invited me to come to these sessions and listen to what was going on. At this time I knew absolutely nothing about jazz. Eventually I sat in for a few songs. Jazz education was furthered by record sessions at Dave's and Ron's homes. Johnny Bates, I believe, was running a weekly jazz record session at a café in Victoria Road, New Brighton. At these sessions, a couple of dozen folks would bring their LPs, EPs, and 78s and heatedly discuss their relative merits. This was a good learning experience for me.

Laurie Renton, Dave's brother, completed his army service and joined the weekly sessions chez Renton on piano. Stan switched to washboard at this time. This was when the group really started to become a band. I think Dave came up with the name, Panama Jazz Band, at about this time. The first gig that I remember was at a youth club in Birkenhead. This gig was arranged by a friend who worked with Dave at Dunlops. The Band had no trumpet player at this time so the front line comprised John on clarinet and Ron on trombone.

In June of 1955, JD (me!), bought a second hand trumpet and began the long , difficult, and still incomplete process of trying to learn the damn thing! Then- PJB had found a trumpeter, an ex-Butlins Redcoat named Copple Davies. The drumming deficiency was solved by the arrival of Alf Tweedle, a dance band drummer from Liverpool. (I can remember that we all thought that Alf was of advanced age but, decades later, when I asked him about this, he told me that he was about 30 when he joined PJB!)”

More from John next month.. Any comments etc. regarding John’s contribution(s) will be delightedly received!

Next, a couple of “plugs” for two outstanding visitors in the near future. On Saturday, 18th November, an old friend, star reed man Brian Carrick joins the Tuxedo Jazz Band at their regular Thursday venue, the Old Wallaseyans Club, Grove Road, Wallasey. Tickets £5 - ring the club on 639-2832 or better still, pick them up at the Tuxedo’s regular Thursday. evening session! Either way, this is an evening not to be missed, especially for New Orleans Jazz lovers!

The other delightful visitor is to be Marilyn Middleton, formerly - and well remembered as - Marilyn Middleton Pollock! Marilyn is a superb Chicago Blues and Vaudeville singer who has made her home over here in England, and who many of you will remember from her appearances at the Wirral Jazz Festival, her series on radio about the Vaudeville Blues and her previous visit to Fort Perch Rock a few years back. Well, Doughie never forgot her and specially asked for her to be the guest on Friday evening, 22nd December when my band plays at The Fort for a “Christmas Special”, mince pies, licensed bar and all! “8 ‘till late” it says, and tickets are £12, but only £10 in advance from either The Fort in New Brighton - or ring 639-2265 ! Oh yes- and Frank Robinson popular pianist and founder member of the Merseysippi Jazz Band has been booked to accompany her on piano

All the usual residencies are in place this month, with us back in the “last Sunday“ slot for the Jazz Brunch at Fort Perch Rock, all the “p“s
- Panama, Parade, Peninsula - Savoy and Terry Parry‘s “Big Easy“ plus the Monday sessions at New Brighton‘s Railway Hotel. Gosh, aren’t we a lucky peninsula jazzwise!.

Once again I have to include some sad news in what I hope to make a lively, newsy column of Jazz “happenings” on our lovely peninsula. Stuart Edgar, my right hand man in so many activities over the last few years, died suddenly on Monday, 28^th of November. An old boy of the historic and celebrated Wallasey Grammar School, Stuart served in a Tank Regiment during National Service, which took him overseas. As we go to press the cause of death is not known, but Stuart was so active in so many ways that I feel he may simply have used up what appeared to be his limitless supplies of energy in helping everybody around him in so many ways.

Stuart was always there to assist a friend or neighbour in need, whether with his wonderful “bottomless toolbox” or simply a shoulder to lean/cry on and I have never known anyone who could steer you so well in the right direction to buy anything from a specific small electrical component to - well I imagine the legendary “sagger-makers bottom-knocker”!

Stuart was sound engineer for my Tony Davis Band, as well as helping me in a host of other ways and in that job he will be very difficult to replace. Needless to say, a host of musicians have already offered to play at his Landican funeral, date not yet fixed at press time. Our love and sympathy go to his beloved wife and three daughters. He will not soon be forgotten.

After the glut of concerts, - charity and otherwise - we approach Christmas and a somewhat quieter period for Jazz on the Wirral. Or is it?? First, Mondays see the “New Sessions” in neighbouring Kelsall, where the Milneberg Boys hold sway at The Oak. This is a band for the New Orleans purist.

Tuesday 13^th December sees the notable visit of the notable trombonist Royston Williams, arguably the finest exponent of the slide trombone in the country. He appears at The Boathouse, Parkgate with the Parade Band and gives Dave Renton a wonderful treat.....Talking of Dave, he can be seen and heard every Monday at Hoylake’s Ship Inn as half of the front line of The Savoy Jazzmen. The other half is the always under-rated Geoff Parker, the talented and modest multi reed player. Also on Tuesday Peninsula Jazzmen give wonderful value for money at Heswall British Legion, a venue fast becoming Jazz Mecca of the Wirral! Wednesday, of course, is Panama day at Upton Tennis Club and Thursday - well you have to cross the river but it is to see The WirrOrleans Jazz Band in their new venue at the Liverpool Yacht Club premises in the Coburg Marina! I’m told they’re packing ‘em in..

Sunday, 18^th December is a date for your diaries. If, as I hope, I’m out of hospital -(yet again!!!) I’ll be at Fort Perch Rock to join you for the Tony Davis Band Speshul Christmas Brunch (Mince Pies an’ all!) and in the evening Terry Perry’s “Big Easy Band are beating it out at Hoylake’s Melrose Hall - just behind The Ship Inn. Wot a day! If I don’t close here, editor John will sack me, but I must add thanks to those who supported the John Barnes concert - and especial THANK YOU to Dave Dixson who pulled us out of a massive hole! A very Happy and Holy Christmas to you all.

CHAMPION “WIRRAL JAZZ” No.5 October ‘05

“WIRRAL JAZZ” No.5 THE ONE TO SEND!!!

Two great September Sunday Jazz Brunches at New Brighton’s historic Fort Perch Rock gave The Tony Davis Band a month to remember, in particular that on the 18th when we played to celebrate the start of the Liverpool Clipper Round-the-World Race! The sight of the huge yachts setting off on their incredible trip - well it filled you with admiration. Our next Brunch at the Darrochs’ Fort is on October 30th. HOWEVER.............

With the cost of overheads the Darroch family, who have supported us nobly through the last four years are finding it increasingly difficult. Unless the OCTOBER 30th Brunch is really well attended, they are reluctantly having to give us notice. We can only thank them for their great support over the years - and hope that October finds the Fort full to overflowing! - If any kind sponsor would like to step in....Ring me on 639-2265..

Meanwhile, back on dry land the local Jazz scene continues to thrive thanks to the efforts of such worthies as Charlie Walkom, tireless leader of the excellent Parade Jazz Band who “parade” their wares every Tuesday evening at The Boathouse on Parkgate’s waterfront Parade. (That’s enough “parades” Ed.)

Charlie also hastens to snap up any of the notable guest stars who may be appearing with the Merseysippi Jazz Band at their Monday evening stint “over-the-water” at Liverpool Cricket Club. This gives the Parade boys a regular fillip and provides a treat for the regulars at The Boathouse. Next guest(s) will be the incomparable Keith Nichols with “young” Spats Langham on October 2nd.

Tuesday is also the evening to see (and of course hear!) The Peninsula Jazz Band at their residency in Heswall British Legion’s fine premises. This is a great band to book for weddings, parties etc. Speak to Dave Dixson on (0151) 342 8305

Concerts:- Next Wirral Jazz Friends for Clare House - Friday,7th October with the Savannah Jazz Band and The Deeside Dixies @ Heswall British Legion.

On November 12th - my lot, The Tony Davis Band, are at The Victoria Hall, Higher Bebington with the great John Barnes as special guest. Tickets are £10, with priority and special discounts for bookings made at the Fort Perch Rock Jazz Brunch. Or you could try ringing 01253-697784, mentioning Wirral Champion and this column.

Although outside “Champion Territory” many Wirral based followers of - The 'Milneberg Boys' Jazzband know well their residency at the 'Fox and Barrel at Cotebrook' from where they are moving, after more than 5 very successful years. The 'Milneberg Boys' wish to thank all their supporters and the many jazz visitors The good news is that the band is pleased to announce details of an exciting new Cheshire Jazz venue which started on Monday 5 September at 8-45pm. Initially, it will run Monthly- First Monday Every Month at 'The Oak', Chester Road, Kelsall, Cheshire. The new venue was formerly known as the The Royal Oak Hotel which is now also under new management. We wish all concerned much success in the new venture and look forward to seeing the band’s regular followers at the new venue.

CHAMPION “WIRRAL JAZZ” No.4 September ‘05

One cheerful and one very sad item to open with this month. Ken Binns, our fine piano player, celebrated his seventy fifth this month - so we gave him a surprise at the “End of month Sunday Brunch” at Fort Perch Rock with a photo cake, via Asda, and a fifty voice chorale singing - with the band playing - “Happy Birthday” - except Ken who blithely went into the announced number, “Jazz Band Ball”!

Sadly, Rex Preston, our drummer and long time friend, was too ill to attend and has since died after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Our love and great sympathy goes to his fine and lovely wife, Irene who, although suffering greatly herself from arthritis, has been a tower of strength to Rex throughout. Rex played drums behind Ken for over twenty years and has been with us from the start. We will miss his cheerful presence terribly.

Amid chaos and confusion over the latest licensing laws/regulations, hopefully our regular Wirral Jazz venues will survive. You will find them listed each week in the Wirral Globe, courtesy of “Wirral Jazz Friends”, (a pseudonym for the indefatigable Clive Edwards) and usually in the weekend edition of the Liverpool Daily Post. Why not let these organs know that we appreciate their interest - and perhaps get a feature or two about real Jazz?

The second oldest band (after the indestructible Merseysippi) still going on Merseyside, the Savoy Jazzmen are one of the ‘Premier League’ North West bands. They were formed from a group of musicians performing around the Liverpool area in late 1950’s and became established as a working band in May 1960. They became one of the resident bands at the Mardi Gras Jazz Club and the Downbeat club. The Band also has played at the famous Cavern Club and a brick with the Band’s name on is on the wall opposite the “new” Cavern commemorating the sessions. The Savoy Jazzmen pride themselves on playing New Orleans style and have a strong following both north and south of the Mersey, delighting the Traddies at the Ship Inn, Market Street, Hoylake on Mondays and the Widnes Rugby Union Football Club, Heath Road, Widnes on Tuesdays. You are welcome to come along to either (or both!) of these venues where a good time is had by all.

Bert Schroeder tells me " Yes, I'm back on the 7waves community radio again, Tuesday evening, 7pm until 10pm, starting 16th August for another 28 day RSL, four programs, A Jazz and big band program as before, to listen, tune to 87.7 FM if you are on the Wirral, if not, www.7waves.co.uk on your computer. You can read more by clicking on 7 Waves Community Radio on the Jazz Extras Page of Fred Burnett‘s website, www.jazznorthwest.co.uk” - which every Jazz lover with internet access should check out regularly! Over 105,000 people have done so to date...And while you have pen in hand (or are seated at your word processor) to write to the papers, drop a line to 7 Waves giving three cheers for Bert! We need more Jazz on air - other than the meagre portions the Beeb dole out. Come back Steve Voce. All is forgiven...

After the sad demise of Russell Start’s “Sam’s Bar” “over the water”, The Merseys, at the time if writing, are ensconced at Liverpool Cricket Club in Aigburth on Mondays. The WirrOrleans are now at The Late Lounge on Wednesdays.

The more recent editions of “Just Jazz”, the magazine for traditional Jazz lovers, have carried a series by Ken Simms, who took over the Muskrat Jazz Band in the Fifties after I went away to college. Several people have suggested that I tell the story of the band’s early days, but I find I have no written material to look up. Any bits and pieces or photos from those days which older readers just may have lying around.........and we’ll see. Also, whatever happened to the original members? Muriel married, went to Canada and gave up playing. Trevor Carlisle joined the Merseysippi Jazz Band, Geoff Grant went to London and joined a Big Band and the rest? Joyce, where are you?

Concerts:- Next Wirral Jazz Friends for Clare House - Friday,7th October with Savannah and Deeside Dixies at Heswall British Legion. On November 12th @ Victoria Hall, Higher Bebington - my lot! with the great John Barnes as special guest.

TONY DAVIS.

WIRRAL CHAMPION - No 3. August 2005

Since I got home from Wrightington I’ve had a stream of well wishers, both on the phone and in person - not to mention the dozens of great cards - some quite dubious! - I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those of you reading this who have been so kind.

Seems that they’ve taken out me left hip- yes that’s right, taken it out, but I’m assured that once the muscles develop I’ll be able to get along fine without it.....I’m inspired by the example of folk like Swassie who are much worse off than me.

I expect to be at Fort Perch Rock on the 31st of July for a great session with some good guests. If this weather keeps up the session will be in the Courtyard - formerly the garrison’s Parade Ground - and I hope to see you all there.

An old friend from Wallasey, now a long time resident in the U.S.A. dropped in to say hello on his way to begin his tour with the Albion Jazz Band. Trumpeter Tony Pringle is, of course, an Old Boy of Wallasey Grammar School - as are several of us “jazzers” and Tony asked me to pass on his best wishes to any readers who remember him. He is also leader of the superb New Black Eagle Jazz Band who played the fine concert at Higher Bebington’s Victoria Hall last year and he assures me that they are returning early next year. Watch this space! Sadly, as mentioned last month, the Albion’s Vicky Hall date had to be cancelled as the Hall is not licensed for music on a Sunday but the great clarinet and sax player John Barnes will be there in November with my band. Saturday 12th November is the “date for your diary”.

Well before that however, the Wirral Jazz Friends, headed by the inimitable Clive Edwards - with a bunch of willing slaves - are putting on another of their regular concerts in aid of Clare House. The venue is now Heswall British Legion, the date is Friday, 7th October and the bands are the wonderful bunch from across the Pennines, The Savannah Jazz Band, supported by Isobel Toner’s Deeside Dixies. Should be a cracking night! You can pick up tickets at several local Jazz Clubs or ring Clive on 336-1190.

For those among you who have a liking for a slightly bigger band sound, but still keeping to the tradition, Terry Perry’s “BIG EASY BAND”, so called because their repertoire is based on New Orleans tunes, hold court on the third Sunday of the month at Melrose Hall, Melrose Avenue in Hoylake. For those who like to dance, the music is absolutely perfect -I am assured! Incidentally, the Hall is just behind The Ship, where every Monday The Savoy Jazzmen delight the New Orleans fans - but more on them next month! I’m out of space, so check out the Jazz listings in the Wirral Globe and the weekends Daily Post. Phil Key, (not Kay) is their Arts editor and is very sympathetic to our music. Why not drop him a line asking for more coverage?

Good Jazzin’

Tony “Hopalong” Davis

WIRRAL CHAMPION JULY 2005

Wirral Jazz (2.) with Tony Davis

Well! No sooner do I accept John’s invitation to contribute this column than I’m hauled into hozzy to have my hips sorted out. Perhaps when they’ve finished here at Wrightington Hospital I’ll be able to get up and dance – although I never could before..!

First a couple of points about the Tony Davis Band who have just put on a great show up in the Lake District – without me.

There’s NO Jazz Brunch at Fort Perch Rock on 19th June, owing to a previous booking at the Fort. However the last Sunday in July, the 31st, will be a special "Gala Brunch" – details in next month’s column. The band will also be at The Albert in Southport on Wednesday 13th July. The wonderful Albion Jazz Band - consisting of musicians from the USA, Canada and Britain playing very much in the New Orleans style and led by Wallasey exile Tony Pringle, now living in the USA - were to appear in concert at Victoria Hall, Bebington, on 17th July. BUT it seems the hall is not licensed for music on a Sunday. The band will now be at the Whitewater Hotel in the Lake District on that day and the nearest gig for Wirral fans is Widnes RUFC on Tuesday 19th July. Let’s hope for better luck next time the band is over here!

As I wrote last month, listings of regular local jazz events are supplied by Wirral Jazz Friends – alias Clive Edwards – to the local papers. The Globe is particularly good at printing these, as is Phil Kay in the weekend Daily Post. However, many of you would - and many do – enjoy visiting more far-flung festivals in our glorious summer weather. Very good listings of festivals are found in "Just Jazz" magazine, which is just about the only publication catering solely for traditional jazz lovers. For details ring 020 8317 3837 and ask for Mike or Sylvia or write to Just Jazz Magazine, 29 Burrage Place, Woolwich, London, SE18 7BG.

Back in the Forties, a great character known as Bud or Cap Armstrong helped at Belvedere Youth Club in Wallasey. Although a Conservative councillor, Cap was always controversial and famously was once thrown out of Liscard Palace Cinema. "Rock Around the Clock" was showing and Cap went along to see what the fuss was about. He stood up to quieten a noisy bunch of rock rioters and was promptly evicted by the manager and attendants. However, Cap’s greatest contribution to Wirral jazz was to encourage a gang of youngsters to take up instruments and play jazz. With his wife Molly he had a fine collection of 78 rpm records including such gems as the Original Dixieland Jazzband playing "Clarinet Marmalade" and "Mourning Blues", Louis Armstrong’s "West End Blues" and Billie Holiday singing "Easy Living", accompanied by the great Teddy Williams. Teddy was later to visit Merseyside for a concert at the hold Picton Hall, now of course – and alas – the Library.

Those youngsters included the late, great Bruce Bakewell on clarinet (he sold me my first one!) and Ken Binns, already at 15 a great pianist who now plays with me in a band we co-lead. Bruce became a stalwart of the first Wirral-based jazz band The Original Panama Jazz Band, still playing today with a new line-up, whose history would fill a whole edition of The Wirral Champion! The Panama may be heard every Wednesday at Upton Tennis Club so why not make a visit your treat for next week?

For an unrivalled source of information about Traditional Jazz, in particular in the North West, if you have internet access try www.jazznorthwest.co.uk or perhaps Fred’s Traditional Jazz Pages. Fred Burnett has listings, news, gossip – you name it! He also has "links" to many other sites both here and overseas (AND he’s a very nice guy!).

Don’t forget, support your local jazz band / club – or it won’t be there for your progeny!

Tony Davis

WIRRAL CHAMPION JUNE 2005.

Wirral Jazz (2.) with Tony Davis

Well! No sooner do I accept John’s invitation to contribute this column than I’m hauled into hozzy to have my hips sorted out.

Perhaps when they’ve finished here at Wrightington Hospital I’ll be able to get up and dance – although I never could before…..!

First a couple of points about the Tony Davis Band who have just put on a great show up in the Lake District – without me.

There’s NO Jazz Brunch at Fort Perch Rock on 19th June, owing to a previous booking at the fort. However the last Sunday in July, the 31st, will be a special "Gala Brunch" – details in next month’s column. The band will also be at The Albert in Southport on Wednesday 13th July.

The wonderful Albion Jazz Band - consisting of musicians from the USA, Canada and Britain playing very much in the New Orleans style and led by Wallasey exile Tony Pringle, now living in the USA - were to appear in concert at Victoria Hall, Bebington, on 17th July. BUT it seems the hall is not licensed for music on a Sunday. The band will now be at the Whitewater Hotel in the Lake District on that day and the nearest gig for Wirral fans is Widnes RUFC on Tuesday 19th July. Let’s hope for better luck next time the band is over here!

As I wrote last month, listings of regular local jazz events are supplied by Wirral Jazz Friends – alias Clive Edwards – to the local papers. The Globe is particularly good at printing these, as is Phil Kay in the weekend Daily Post. However, many of you would - and many do – enjoy visiting more far-flung festivals in our glorious summer weather. Very good listings of festivals are found in "Just Jazz" magazine, which is just about the only publication catering solely for traditional jazz lovers. For details ring 020 8317 3837

and ask for Mike or Sylvia or write to Just Jazz Magazine, 29 Burrage Place, Woolwich, London, SE18 7BG.

Back in the Forties, a great character known as Bud or Cap Armstrong helped at Belvedere Youth Club in Wallasey. Although a Conservative councillor, Cap was always controversial and famously was once thrown out of Liscard Palace Cinema. "Rock Around the Clock" was showing and Cap went along to see what the fuss was about. He stood up to quieten a noisy bunch of rock rioters and was promptly evicted by the manager and attendants. However, Cap’s greatest contribution to Wirral jazz was to encourage a gang of youngsters to take up instruments and play jazz. With his wife Molly he had a fine collection of 78 rpm records including such gems as the Original Dixieland Jazzband playing "Clarinet Marmalade" and "Mourning Blues", Louis Armstrong’s "West End Blues" and Billie Holiday singing "Easy Living", accompanied by the great Teddy Williams. Teddy was later to visit Merseyside for a concert at the hold Picton Hall, now of course – and alas – the Library.

Those youngsters included the late, great Bruce Bakewell on clarinet (he sold me my first one!) and Ken Binns, already at 15 a great pianist who now plays with me in a band we co-lead. Bruce became a stalwart of the first Wirral-based jazz band The Original Panama Jazz Band, still playing today with a new line-up, whose history would fill a whole edition of The Wirral Champion!

The Panama may be heard every Wednesday at Upton Tennis Club so why not make a visit your treat for next week?

For an unrivalled source of information about Traditional Jazz, in particular in the North West, if you have internet access try www.jazznorthwest.co.uk or perhaps Fred’s Traditional Jazz Pages. Fred Burnett has listings, news, gossip – you name it! He also has "links" to many other sites both here and overseas (AND he’s a very nice guy!).

Don’t forget, support your local jazz band / club – or it won’t be there for your progeny!

Tony Davis

Hello there Wirral Jazz lovers - or even those of you who “don’t like Jazz”. I found, during nine years of presenting “Tony’s Tradtime” on Jazz F.M 100,.4, that many people of ahem, mature years? have a strange idea of what is - or isn’t - Jazz. Anyway, for me it’s a broad church, encompassing songs by Fats Waller, small group swing by Benny Goodman, “Revival” era music from Humphrey Lyttelton and other British artists and most important, the Classic Jazz of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver and many many others.

Since we don’t have a means of reproducing on the printed page any of this, I hope, in the coming months to be able to steer open minded Wirralians towards some of the many different bands who are producing Jazz in - or near - our lovely peninsula so you can hear for yourselves some of this great music called Jazz.

Recently the BBC put out a television series called “Jazz Brittania” which completely ignored the great contributions to Jazz of most provincial bands in this country.

Notably, from our point of view, an event occurred in Wallasey some fifty odd years back which had great importance for British Jazz. Seven guys got together to play the sort of music which had only previously been available on gramophone records, played mostly by Americans. They put on a “Jazz Band Ball” at Wallasey’s Grovenor Ballroom, and realised they didn’t have a name for their band. Pianist Frank Robinson, a quiet, retiring sort of chap, diffidently suggested “The Merseysippi Jazz Band” - and when the hoots of laughter died away it was realised that here was a brilliant idea, combining the two ideas of the river which ran through the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans, with our very own waterway.

Now, to this day, The Merseysippi Jazz Band are recognised both here in Britain and in the U.S.A. As one of the finest bands to have arisen from Britain’s Jazz revival. Cornet player John Lawrence, lives here in Oxton and the band may be heard every Monday evening in Sam’s Bar, Tithebarn Street, “over the water”. Admission is free and there’s a great Hot Pot laid on!

Listings of “Jazz on Wirral” are supplied by “Wirral Jazz Friends” and may be found each week in the Wirral Globe and I’d be delighted to welcome you to Fort Perch Rock for my own band’s monthly “Jazz Brunch”at 12.30 on Sunday 29^thMay and/or 19^th June.