Long-time british jazz musicians

Subject: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 01:53 PM

Because of a new record by Chris Barber's Jazz Band I realized the long time he and his trumpet player Pat Halcox managed to stay active and successful for decades.
Seems so that both of them share the honour of being the longest-time british jazz musicians as to trombone resp. trumpet. That's true?

Do you know other veterans still playing? Please think of all istruments used in popular british jazz.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: David C. Carter
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 02:12 PM

I believe Stan Tracey is still doing it.
I'm sort of out of touch over here with the British jazz scene.

David

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: M.Ted
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 02:20 PM

Why limit the discussion to British jazz musicians?

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 02:31 PM

Because this is of special interest to me, M. Ted. Sorry for this restriction. Don't want to discriminate other countries, but even this limited approach will/might provide some interesting results if Mudcatters agree in taking part in this thread.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: The Sandman
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 02:47 PM

try acker bilk,johnny dankworth, kenny ball,and Nat Peck[EX GLENN MILLER BAND].

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: M.Ted
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 02:48 PM

No worries. As an American, it will take me some time to get over the fact that American jazz isn't as important a British Jazz, but I believe I'll live.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: fat B****rd
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 02:49 PM

Never forget Humph !! ISIRTA Humphrey Lyttleton.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: The Sandman
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 02:49 PM

Humphrey Lyttleton.Digby Fairweather.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 03:02 PM

Humph must be the winner in this! And, more parochially, Bournemouth/Poole's Gerry Brown who's been playing trumpet and leading the Mission Hall Jazzmen (among other names) for as long as Barber et al. I remember a young Pat Halcox sitting in with Gerry's band in the late 50s.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 03:04 PM

M. Ted: My thread does not imply unimportness of jazz where it really comes from. But please accept the restriction I try to make.
By the way, I'm german. I think you have noticed this because of my comparatively poor english.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: greg stephens
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 03:09 PM

Leadbelly is German? Blimey, all these years....

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 03:20 PM

Just try to accept it, Greg.

What about the other 2 of the great 3 B's: Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball (apart from Chris Barber)? They aren't active anymore?

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 03:21 PM

1/The great bassist Peter IND.(Not sure if he's still going, hope so)See MySpace...

2/The awesome percussionist, Pete Lockett, who has been playing a long time, but of a younger generation. And more of a force in world music/Jazz. Not to be missed. See YouTube...

bob

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: M.Ted
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 03:23 PM

I saw nothing. Carry on.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Nov 07 - 03:47 PM

Annie Hawkins

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 20 Nov 07 - 06:16 AM

Humph still playing well at 85 (on trumpet and clarinet), Dankworths are both 80. Kenny Ball still playing (his hair looks at leats 20 years younger)and Terry Lightfoot, too. I still manage to see Barber and Lyttelton at least once a year and have booked to see Lightfoot in 2008.

RtS

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 20 Nov 07 - 06:24 AM

Charlie Watts started out on the British Jazz scene

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 20 Nov 07 - 07:27 AM

In Britain there is any number of professional and semi-professional jazz musicians, who go back as far as the early 1950s and who are still very active.

Here's a list of some of the bands who have residencies in North West England.

Forest Jazz Band
Harlem Hot Stompers
Jazz Rag
John Hallam Jazztet
Mad Ed's Hot Five
Mike Carnie & His Jazz Allstars
Quayside Hot Stompers
Rioters Dixieland Jazz Band
Roy Potts 5 & A Penny
Roy Potts Five & A Penny
Sun Street Stompers
The Black Horse Jazz Band and Guests
The Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra
The Chicago Teddybears Society Jazz Band
The Dixie Kings
The Downtown Dixielanders
The High Society Jazz Band
The High Society Jazz Band
The Jazz Aces
The Merseysippi Jazz Band
The Original Panama Jazz Band
The Parade Jazz Band
The Peninsula Jazzmen
The River City Jazz Band
The Salt City Jazz Band
The Savoy Jazzmen
The Spirit of New Orleans Band
The Tame Valley Stompers
The Tuxedo Jazz Band
The Wabash Jazzmen
The Wirrorleans Jazz Band
Tony Davis Band
Wall City Jazz Band
Wyre Levee Stompers

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Edthefolkie
Date: 20 Nov 07 - 07:30 AM

It's wonderful that Chris Barber and Pat Halcox are still out there gigging, nice to see them get a name check.

I came to the Barber band via Lonnie Donegan, a very old Ace of Clubs "Best of Barber" album I bought for 10 bob, and my mate Rod who was heavily into Barber's guitarist's playing (can't remember the chap's name - any ideas? It was around 1970). Barber's drummer at the time was Graham Burbage who had a touch of Ginger Baker about him (oh my God).

We used to go and see the band at the Dancing Slipper in West Bridgford - the audience was split between middle aged traddies and the younger element like us (sounds familiar). The older people did NOT like the guitarist. I remember the band had a sort of folk jazz fusion piece in a distinctly Balkan time signature on the setlist. It used to annoy the old chaps every time - "look, there he goes, turning up that **** amplifier again, why can't they do High Society instead". In fact they used to do High Society AS WELL, plus a lot of other New Orleans stuff, but there are hidebound folks in every musical area I guess.

I think Barber STILL doesn't get the credit he deserves. After all he has a good claim to have started skiffle in the UK amongst other things!

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Scotus
Date: 20 Nov 07 - 07:53 AM

The last thing (almost literally) I did before moving permanently here to the USA 4 years ago was attend a wonderful Chris Barber concert at the Burnley Mechanics in Lancashire. He had a young(ish) trumpet player in addition to Pat Halcox and it was a joy to watch how much respect the young guy was giving Pat. The concert was tremendous!

Jack

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,edthefolkie
Date: 20 Nov 07 - 09:58 AM

Further to my above, the guitarist who got up the nose of traditionalist Chris Barber fans was John Slaughter. How could I have forgotten him?

Chris's archives on his site confirm that I wasn't imagining the old blokes moaning.....just like folk eh (I'll get me coat).

http://www.chrisbarber.net/intro.htm

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 20 Nov 07 - 10:57 AM

What short memories you guys have. Just about the first if not THE first of the post WW2 revialist band leaders in the UK was George Webb; George Webb's Dixielanders in which band Humphrey Lyttelton started out at The Red Barn pub in Barnehurst, Kent. Just one month ago I had the pleasure of being at George's 90th birthday party and he is still very fit and well and still playing piano. Numerous other musicians (too many to mention) were there sitting in at various times with Hugh Rainey's band including Digby Fairweather who is but a callow youth. Also present was one of the stalwarts of Chris Barber's original band Monty Sunshine.

A great night

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 20 Nov 07 - 11:28 AM

Sir George Shearing

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Flash Company
Date: 21 Nov 07 - 10:19 AM

I have probably seen just about every version of the Chris Barber Band since 1955, I have always reckoned that Pat Halcox is one of most underated trumpeters on the scene. I have a CD of The Pat Halcox All Stars, a pick-up band of Pat, John Crocker, Campbell Burnap, Johnny Parker, John McCallum, Vic Pitt & Pete York.
Recorded in 1978/9 and issued on Lake LACD84. Great stuff, ranging from Fidgety Feet through Ellington and Johnny Mercer to Johnny Parker originals and the Flintstones Theme.
By the by, I hear Monty Sunshine has had to give up playing, due to diabetes

FC

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 21 Nov 07 - 11:44 AM

Indeed, Pat was excellent. For example, I do remember an early live-recording recorded at the Royal Festival Hall, London in 1954 when they played "Tight like that".
Apart from all others (Monty, Lonnie, Chris aso) he made a great job on his cornet.

Manfred

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 21 Nov 07 - 11:59 AM

Chris Barber and Kenny Ball are two favorites of mine. I don't care where jazz is performed, or what country the band calls home. If the music is good, bravo! I was in the army in 1961 or 62 when I first heard "Midnight in Moscow." I still like it.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Flash Company
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 10:59 AM

Leadbelly... yes, I've got that version of Tight like that on a CD release of all the early Decca tracks (including Rock Island Line & Diggin' my Potatoes).
Think my favourite early Pat Halcox track was on 'Echoes of Harlem', a tune called 'Baby'.

FC

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 12:04 PM

It should be added that Chris Barber's band has had a lot of success in Germany with titles like Ice Cream,(flipside: The World is waiting for the Sunrise), When the Saints..., Petite Fleur (Monty), Old rugged cross (Monty again), Sweet Georgia Brown (Chris!),Wild Cat Blues (Monty) and Pretty Baby (Otti, pressed on A- and B-side because of version was too long). Even more unknown things like Whistling Rufus were pressed on singles and Germans bought them.
Barber and Co. are well recognized even today but especially in Northern Germany.
Mentioning Ottilie Patterson remembers me of the fact that we didn't talk about long-time british jazz- singers which are resp. belong to jazz musicians, too. Don't know very much about them. Apart from Otti I do remember the names of Beryl Bryden, Cleo Laine (husband: bandleader Johnny Dankworth) and A. Ross. That's right? So sorry, but I cannot remember names of british male jazz-singers.

Manfred

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 07:17 PM

Terry Lightfoot still around, last known living in Redbourn in Hertfordshire

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 07:38 PM

The old Crane River Jazzband , led by Ken Colyer , hit a problem when Ken shipped out to see New Orleans ! Chris took over running the band and brought Pat in to replace Ken - And I THINK that was about 1949 !
Virtually EVERY muso except Pat H from The Chris Barber Jazzband from 1950 to 1970 was running his own band at some point !
IMHO the 1954 line up was as good as it gets , Barber , Halcox , and Sunshine in the front , with Ron Bowden , Mickey Ashman and Donegan , and Otilie Patterson occasionally on piano and vocals !

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 10:10 AM

Me.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 10:43 AM

Leadfingers,

I don't think it was quite like that. Did Chris really take over the Crane River? I believe he put together a co-operative band for when Ken returned. Ken wasn't happy with the band exactly and wanted to sack some-one. Chris explained to him that it was a co-operative and that he couldn't sack any-one so the band sacked Ken and then brought in Pat Halcox.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 01:11 PM

Leadfingers,

I would like to add, that in 1954 Jim Bray was on bass or sousaphone. Moreover, sometimes Bertie King (as) joined the band.
Maybe I'm mistaken, but cannot see Mickey Ashman in 1954 line up. Later on, he belonged to Lonnie's group.

Manfred

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Jim Ward
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 03:43 PM

Jim Bray played bass in the post Colyer(1954)Barber band and left in 1955 to go to India I believe. He's now retired from playing and sold his bass. Mickey Ashman then joined on bass and left the next year to go with Lonnie. Mickey is in his eighties and still playing. Ottilie Patterson was not actually in the 1954 line-up. She made her debut with the band at the Royal Festival Hall in January 1955.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 23 Nov 07 - 04:47 PM

I bought a weird cd off a market stall, Ottilie Patterson - live album in a pub somewhere singing something like Irish trad. folk - the only title I can remember was Hello Patsy Fagan!

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 05:07 AM

Jim Bray returned on bass and sousaphone for the Barber Band's 40th Anniversary tour (as did Monty Sunshine & Lonne Donegan) one concert of which I saw. When I saw the Barber band a couple of years ago in Reading ,Monty Sunshine was in the audience and Barber had the spot put on him and introduced him to the audience- as has been said, ill health made him give up playing. The latest Barber Big Band adds a new dimension. He's always kept developing, someone mentioned the Balkan phase in the '70s, I remember Battersea Rain Dance from this period- happy days at the 100 Club. Humph also keeps young with new lineups and new compositions, latest band with 2 young female sax players: Jo Fooks and Karen Sharp. Our favourite band in those days was Alex Welsh. Three survivors of that band: Roy Williams, Johnny Barnes and Jim Douglas still performing with Great British Jazz Band, Pizza Express Allstars and other bands.

RtS

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 05:11 AM

Thanks for correcting my faulty memory ! Its FAR too long since I got out of playing Jazz !!

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 06:17 AM

weelittledrummer. "I bought a weird cd off a market stall, Ottilie Patterson - live album in a pub somewhere singing something like Irish trad. folk - the only title I can remember was Hello Patsy Fagan!"

I vaguely remember that album. It came out on LP, presumably sometime in the 1950s. I recall a PYE Golden Guinea reissue in the early 1960s at any rate, and it was called Ottilie's Irish Night. Ottilie was Irish, from Co. Tyrone I think, and the LP represented an attempt to recreate the kind of songs the family would have sung round the fire on a Saturday night back home.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,G.
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 07:24 AM

Thanks for the update on Monty Sunshine-I saw him a lot in the 70/80's.I used to get apopolexy just watching him blow & I've got a 45 of Petite Fleur-I hear it in black and white and smell steam coal!

Does anyone know if Mickey Ashman is still playing?

Note to Leadbelly-the personnel of these outfits were,and probably still are,interhangeable.

Cheers

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 07:57 AM

Talking about long-time british jazz musicians, I think Nat Gonella (1908-1998),an Armstrong alike trumpet-player resp. singer should be mentioned. Humphrey Lyttleton characterized Nat of having been his first jazz hero.Source: http://www.jazzhouse.org/gone/lastpost2.php3?edit=920541698

GUEST,G: Do you mean "interchangeable"?,

Manfred

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,G.
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 08:13 AM

Yes Manfred,well observed.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 11:57 AM

If you are now going to include British Jazz men that are no longer with us then I guess Harry Gold would win hands down he was well in his nineties and still playing. Stateside of course Eubie Blake would be hard to beat, reached a hundred and complained that if he knew he was going to live so long he would have looked after himself a lot better!

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 12:03 PM

Theres a terrific newboy on the block, Richard Brown of Nottingham. Really classy jazz guitarist. Catch him alternate Monday Nights at The Bulls Head on the loscoe denby Rd, derbyshire.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 12:58 PM

GUEST, Hootenanny: You're completely right, because in the beginning of this thread I asked for "veterans still playing".

Nevertheless, let's broaden the formulation of this thread out on all british jazz-musicians since this kind of music started in Britain. I think there's no need for a new thread,

Manfred

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 02:46 PM

Jazz started in Britain ?

I'm getting out of here.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 24 Nov 07 - 03:02 PM

Has this really been a misleading formulation, Hootenanny? Please try to be fair. Almost everybody is informed about from where jazz comes from. It wasn't Britain, all right?

Manfred

Don't know whether you are british or not. But I have some doubts about this. They wouldn't make such kind of statements resp. "jokes" to germans interested in their music. Their jokes are a lot better than yours.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Duderino
Date: 01 Dec 07 - 04:02 AM

Taking advantage of the broader format, mention must be made of George Chisholm, who died 10 years ago. Whilst he later became well known more for his manic comic tv performances, he was rated by many to be the first Britsh world-class jazz musician.

Back to the living, the British music scene since the 1960's owes a tremendous debt to Chris Barber for having brought so many US blues and gospel singers over to the UK, which has a direct link to the rise of R'n'B (in its original meaning!)in Britain.

A lot of old Barber recordings are now available on the likes of iTunes, which is wonderful for an expat like me, whose original vinyl stuff is in London. The live recordings retain all their tension and freshness, and what other woman in the UK (Beryl Bryden apart) was singing lyrics 40/50 years ago with the suggestiveness of "Georgia grind" or "There'll be a hot time..."?

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Ed Jackson
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 04:33 AM

Going back to the original question, the distinction about Chris and Pat is that they formed the longest continuous partnership in jazz. It came to an end two nights ago, when Pat played his last gig before retiring at the age of 78. He was a permanent member of the band from May 31, 1954 to July 16, 2008.

Not to be critical, but many of the above posts contain inaccuracies, particularly about the early Barber band and its formation. I refer you to the Chris Barber website (www.chrisbarber.net) which I have the privilege to maintain.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: fat B****rd
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 03:10 PM

I must mention a gig at The South Bank Jazz Club, Grimsby, where our resident soul band supported the guest Chris Barber Band. We even had a tune in common - Mercy, mercy, mercy - and afterwards Chris and Pat were friendly and complimentary. The band in it's various forms had been playing in and around Grimsby for years and were, and probaly still are, always well received.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 03:52 PM

Saxophonist Lox Coxhill is one of the real veterans of British Jazz, and he even played on a seminal British folk-rock album too...

Here he is with two other veterans of British jazz, Mike Cooper and Roger Turner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWKj-HtZoSc

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 03:11 AM

Sadly we've lost Humph and Campbell Burnap, among others, since this thread was started. I've seen Terry Lightfoot this year with Roy Williams (ex-Alex Welsh) both in mid 70s. Also the Big Chris Barber Band just before Pat Halcox retired. Vic Pitt, long time bassist with Chris, had also given up touring but replaced with well known veteran Brit bassist Dave Green. Strange to us that John Slaughter is now the longest serving Barber sidesman, we always think of him as the new boy, even if he's lost his bubble perm and wears glasses and sits down to play a lot of the time. Herself had quite a "thing" for him in the early 70s! (and now she has a bus pass!).

RtS

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Stringsinger
Date: 20 Jul 08 - 01:38 PM

I think that the recognition of internationally known jazz musicians from other countries
is fair. One of my favorite British musicians who has influenced the world of jazz is the
composer/songwriter and conductor Ray Noble who has penned classic jazz standards.

I think in fairness that Britain was foremost to appreciate American jazz while it was
being denigrated here in the US in the Twenties and early thirties. The skiffle movement in England brought to prominence and recognition of early African-American musicians who were forgotten in their own country.

George Shearing was an accomplished British born jazz musician. Marion McPartland born in a small English village near Windsor Castle is one of the internationally established jazz pianists as well.

How about the controversial Leonard Feather, a British-born jazz pianist, composer, and producer who was best known for his music journalism and other writing?

Dis Disley might have been mentioned as an exponent of Django-style "Hot Club jazz".

Jazz has transcended national boundaries and because of emissaries such as Louis Armstrong, it now belongs to the world.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 01:22 PM

Does anyone remember guitarist Terry Smith - he used to play with the morrisey Mullen band at The Bulls head Barnes - for all I know , he's still there!

And there was that black guy who hung around Camden - sax player - Dudu P'ckwana did a gig with a singer called....... Zila? Harry Beckett played with them for a while.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Dave Illingworth
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 02:49 PM

Sadly, Dudu Pukwana died in 1990, age 51.

As well as Zila, he was also an original member of Chris McGregor's Blue Notes and The Brotherhood of Breath. Most of the Blue Notes have passed on - I think drummer Louis Moholo and tenor man Ronnie Beer are still with us. The records (many recently reissued) still sound exciting after 40 years.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Donna Ashman
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 05:24 PM

Yep, Micky Ashman is still playing.

Living down by the coast these days and is well.

Any more information please contact me, his daughter, as he hasn't got a clue about this internet stuff (bless him).

Have to add that it always feels quite surreal to see people asking after Dad - he is one of the the countries finest bass players and has been for the past 40 odd years, but to me (and the family) he is just Dad.

He sends his very best wishes to all who remember him or enquire after him and hopes to see you out there at some gig or another.

Cheers!

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadfingers
Date: 10 Aug 08 - 07:03 PM

Frank H = Diz Disley is still with us , but following MAJOR Heart surgery is no longer playing !

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 12:04 PM

Harry Beckett is still about. Dave Moses, Dave Silk, Phil Mead, paul Zec and a host of others are all drawing pesions but still flying the Jazz flag high in London and South East!!!

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 12:12 PM

Pleased to know that Diz is still with us, I am still awaiting re-payment of the two bob I loaned him in 1962 when he was sharing a flat with John Martin. I'd almost given up on getting that back.

Sorry to know that he has had to give up playing.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST,Ed Jackson
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 11:09 PM

Donna,
It would be great if you could contact me ([e-mail]). I run Chris Barber's website and I'd like to do something re Micky. I met him in the early 60s when he had his own band, and he was very kind to me.
Ed Jackson

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 07 Dec 14 - 02:53 PM

...refresh...
Any changes since 2008?

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 04:33 AM

going to Bournemouth trad jazz club tonite!

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 05:07 AM

Have much fun, Al! Jazz seems to be still alive in UK.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 07:02 AM

I didn't see Tubby Hayes mentioned anywhere.

Saw Chris Barber last week, he's 84 and still plays a full part in the line-up. Great evening's entertainment. Recent acquisition Bert Brandsma was a highlight.

g

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 14 - 07:04 AM

Of course Tubby died long ago, so maybe why nobody mentioned him!

g

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Dec 14 - 02:42 AM

fabulous night! A local band. The Panama Hat Jazz Band - plus local musicians. not one musician who was not fabulous. but a special mention for pianist Dave Lewin who played and sang my request Winding Boy - Jelly Roll Morton Classic.

Up to nine musiciams onstage at one point plus a vocalist. A guest appearance by a bass saxophonist!

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Will Fly
Date: 09 Dec 14 - 03:55 AM

Good to hear that jazz is alive and well here and there, and sounds like you had a great night, Al. New Orleans in style, I would guess from the name of the band. Out of interest, what was the average audience age like? I haven't been to much jazz in the last few years but, when I did, the audience was mostly (like me) grey-haired and definitely on the pensioner age of the spectrum!

My jazz band days were back in Brighton in the late '70s/early '80s, when there was a flourishing scene down here. Our band played with a number of the people mentioned in this thread - Humph, George Chisholm and, on many occasions, Nat Gonella. Nat's brother, Peter lived in Hove and used to drive over to bring Nat over from his home in Portsmouth to hear our band at the old Adur pub in Hove lagoon - Sunday lunchtime session. Nat couldn't play trumpet then - his lip had gone - but he was still an engaging singer - and a highly rated player in his day.

The scene is not what it was, but there's a flourishing "jazz manouche" gypsy-style jazz scene here now - plenty of good, young players.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Dec 14 - 05:51 AM

sadly i was the youngest one there. the Panamas , i am reliably informed, aren't what purists called 'real trad'. so there were a few people missing. plus it was cold cold night.

the jazz world seems to have its Jim Carrolls!

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Will Fly
Date: 09 Dec 14 - 08:51 AM

Oh, the jazz "purists" of one persuasion or another are still alive and kicking, are they? Our band never paid any attention to all that purist crap - we just played what we liked. We'd follow a nice, old-fashioned version of "Beale Street", say, with Duke Ellington's "East St. Louis Toodle-ooh" and then perhaps a really heavy, guitar-riff based version of Mongo Santamaria's "Watermelon Man" - and then "Shake Your Money Maker" with me blasting away on blues harp with a brass line behind me!

Unlike many of the band of the period, we had a 4-piece front line - trombone, alto sax, trumpet and tenor/baritone - so we could vary the sound considerably.

Good days.

Subject: RE: Long-time british jazz musicians
From: Leadbelly
Date: 09 Dec 14 - 09:33 AM

Because of still being active in 1990 and over, without a doubt Nat Gonella belongs to long-time british jazz musicians. Since today I didn't know, that he was british,Will. Thanks for mentioned him.