Year: 2021

Chicago Teddybears Society Jazzband:  This four times winner of the SJS Band of the Year Award was welcomed back to the White Eagle Club with enthusiasm, even on such a murky day.  In the line-up were leader Rae Owen (banjo, guitar and vocals), Deano Revera (bass), Brian Singleton (drums), John Padfield (reeds), Jim Lucas (trumpet) and Andy Mackenzie (trombone and vocals).  The concert was a mix of new Orleans and Dixieland jazz flavoured with a few Christmas carols.  Some of the numbers were: ‘Apex Blues’, ‘Hello Central This is Dr Jazz’, ‘China Boy’, ‘Ain’t Misbehaving’, ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’, ‘Canal Street Blues’ and ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’.  Of course it would not be Christmas without ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’.  We look forward to a return visit.

Matt Palmer’s Eagle Jazz Band:  What a cracking line-up and concert.  The band consisted of leader Matt Palmer (reeds & vocals), Pete Brown (trumpet), Terry Williams (trombone), Mark Challinor (banjo, ukulele and vocals), Brian Lawrence (double bass & sousaphone) and Tim Jones (drums).  They opened with ‘Red Wing’ and closed with their regular ‘Bring Me Sunshine’.  In between we had assorted music, some of which were ‘Good Night Sweet Prince’, ‘Passport to Paradise’, ‘That’s a’plenty’, ‘Birth of the Blues’, ‘Precious Lord Take My Hand’ and ‘You Made me Love You’.  There was delight on every face in the packed room and you could really not have wished for a better concert.

Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band:  With some changes in the line-up the Band consisted of Sarah Spencer – leader and reeds/vocals, Mike Owen – trombone/vocals, “Magic” Mike Henry – trumpet, “Lord” Jim Swinnerton – string bass, Hugh Crozier – piano and finally Graham Smith on drums (in place of Rod Brown).  The music was lively, and occasionally wistful, and brought back many memories such as the Inkspot number ‘Someone’s Rocking my Dream Boat’.  Amongst the other numbers were ‘New Orleans Hopscotch Blues’, ‘Yes It’s Me and I’m in Love with Him’, ‘If I didn’t Care for You’ ‘My Dear Mr Shane’ and the wonderfully named ‘Papa’s Got the Jim-Jams’.  The whole concert went down well and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2022.

28 November 2021 – No Concert.

21 November 2021 – Bob Dwyer’s Bix & Pieces:   Such a treat to see this London-based band again.   With leader Bob Dwyer on trombone, Paula Jackman on reeds, Mike Henry on trumpet, Hugh Crozier on piano, Marc Easener on tuba and Graham Collicott on drums the band swung into action by opening with ‘Avalon’.  Many smiling faces and feet tapping through the rest of the programme with numbers such as ‘Struttin’ with Some Barbecue’, ‘I’m Looking at the World Through Rose Coloured Glasses’, ‘West End Blues’, ‘The Original Dixieland One Step’ and ‘I Believe in Miracles’ to name but a few.   Most people in the room were sorry to hear the words “… and our last number is”.   I am sure we will see this band again soon.

14 November 2021 – Matt Palmer’s Rhythmic Reeds:  It was lovely to see Matt and his band today and to learn that Matt had recently got married.  We wished him felicitations.  Along with Matt (leader) on reeds was George Huxley also on reeds, John Penn on Piano, Brian Lawrence on string bass and Nick Ward on drums, or should we say the band’s percussionist in view of his SJS Musician of the Year Award – the only percussionist to be voted for and win.   The opening number was ‘I’ve Found a New Baby’ and included numbers such as ‘Creole Love Call’, ‘Coffee Grinder’, ‘Louisiana’, ‘It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie’, ‘Old Fashioned Love’ and ‘Weary Blues.   Not only was the music great but the band overcame adversity with problems with the sockets in the White Eagle Club and still they put on a great concert.  The only thing we missed out on was the dulcet tones of Matt Palmer.   Perhaps next time!

7 November 2021 – Steve King Big Band:  Hello and welcome to the big band.  With around 20 players there was great excitement to hear this band as it is a nine times prize winner of the annual Musicians’ Union’s Big Band Award, winning the title on two occasions.  Along with the Band was vocalist, USA’s Lynn Dawes who sang several numbers (‘Who’s Sorry Now’, ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter’, ‘Hard Hearted Hannah’ and a fantastic ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ to name just a few.   Throughout both halves there is commentary from leader, conductor and trumpet player Steve King, to give background to each number.   So much energy is produced by the sound of this band it’s like being plugged into the electric supply!   Some of the other numbers played by the Band were: ‘Poor Little Butterfly’, ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’,  ‘Dark Town Strutters Ball’, and ‘Chicago’ were some of the numbers and ending with ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ – just wonderful.  I am looking forward to seeing them back in Stafford again.

31 October 2021 – Robin Mason’s Apex Jazz & Swing Band:  The turnout was a little down – maybe changing the clocks had caught some folk out.  It was so nice to see one of our favourite bands.   There was the leader, Robin Mason, on reeds, Jon Stone on trumpet and vocals, Ron Hills on trombone, Jim Harney on drums, Bob Boucher on bass and Nick Wiltshire on keyboard.  Some of their numbers included: ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Any More’, ‘Beale Street Blues’, ‘Blue Bossa’, ‘Whispering’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Farewell Blues’, ‘Somebody Stole my Gal’ and ‘Stevedore Stomp’  The one that got the biggest applause was Ron Hills singing ‘Take The A Train’.   I am sure we will see them again.

24 October 2021 – Savannah Jazz Band:  Such excitement around the room as Savannah Jazz Band strike up.  With leader, John Meehan, on the drums, Roger Myerscough on reed and vocal, Chris Marney on banjo, Tony Pollitt on bass, Brian “Sam” Ellis on trombone and keyboard and Phil Lucas on trumpet they went straight into their opening number of ‘Washington & Lee Swing’.  During the course of the concert many numbers were played and to name a few we had ‘Davenport Blues’ (a trumpet solo), ‘The Lily of the Valley’, ‘Running Wild’, ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ (for the brolly parade), and one I did not know ‘I Want a Girl Just Like the Girl who married Dear Old Dad’.  The house was packed and feet tapped merrily throughout.  Roger had a few funnies up his sleeve and the whole concert was a delight.  See you again soon Savannah.

As it was the 40^th anniversary of Stafford Jazz Society Maurice Blisson very kindly provided a lovely anniversary cake (see picture).  Thanks Maurice.

17 October 2021 – Dave Moorwood’s Rascals of Rhythm:  This was the Band’s first performance for Stafford Jazz Society.  The band was led by acoustic guitar and vocals, Dave Moorwood, with multi-instrumental reedsmen Mike Wills and Tony Blinowe , Mike Bennett on bass and Geoff Barwell on piano.   I now have to confess I had not heard anyone play many of their numbers, from the 20’s and 30’s, but it may be because I have really only taken an interest in jazz about twelve years ago.   Their opening number was ‘Copenhagen’, followed by – in no particular order – ‘Indian Summer’, ‘Doggin’ Around’, ‘Candy Lips’, ‘Shake It and Break It’ and ‘When’.  I think my favourite was ‘Vo-Do-Do-De-O Blues’ and yes, that was one I did know. What a lovely concert and we look forward to seeing them again.

10 October 2021 – Sheila Fawkes’ Café Orchestra:  Due to traffic problems there was a late start whilst waiting for the arrival of George Huxley and Tim McGrath.  The opening number was ‘Crazy Rhythm’.  Sadly neither Sheila Fawkes nor Terry McGrath were able to come due to health problems but Richard Leach very ably stepped in to fill the gap.  Numbers included ‘Stardust’, ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘A Day in the Life of a Fool’, ‘Way Back Home in Indiana’, ‘ Moonglow’ and ‘Beautiful Girl of My Dreams’.   Lots of smiling faces and foot tapping took place, especially when George played ‘Petit Fleur’ – always a favourite.

3 October 2021 – No Concert

26 September 2021 – Slide by Slide

Leader, Kevin Grenfell, played trombone and trumpet along with the occasional vocals, Richard Leach was on trombone, Simon Smith played bass, Richard Hughes on piano and last but not least David Wilkes on percussion.  The temperature in the room went up several degrees when faced with cheeky Kevin and his endless jokes.   Some of the music included ‘Give Me a Kiss to Build a Dream On’, ‘Mood Indigo’, ‘Tea for Two’ and for the brolly parade we had ‘Bourbon Street Parade’.   In addition there was ‘Strike Up The Band’ (my personal favourite with a fantastic intro by David) which left nobody sitting without tapping hands or feet, ‘The Gypsy’ and ‘It Had To Be You’, finishing with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.   It was so lovely to see this band once more and we hope it won’t be too long before we see them once more.

19 September 2021 – Tame Valley Stompers

It was delightful to see this vibrant band in action.   With Norman Pennington on the drums (leader), Terry Brunt once more on trombone, Roger Wimpenny on trumpet, Paul Broomhead on reeds, John Gordon on banjo and guitar and Pete Smith on bass guitar the opening number was ‘Just a Little While to Stay Here’.   This was followed, in no particular order, by well known numbers such as ‘Stevedore Stomp’, ‘Blue Bossa’ and ‘Dark Town Strutters Ball’ (and for years I had thought it was Downton Strutters Ball!!) and Savoy Blues.  Terry gave a good rendition of ‘St James Infirmary Blues’ and the band also played ‘Hiawatha Rag’ and ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ amongst others.   The music was great, the band in good form and the audience highly delighted.

12 September 2021 – Eric Newton’s Jazz Band

How lovely to see Eric back to his old self again following his recent ill health.  This band was a delight to listen to with Eric Newton (clarinet), Terry Brunt (trombone), Pete Brown (trumpet), Mark Challinor (banjo), Jack Cotterill (drums) and Richard Vernon (bass).  They received a very warm welcome from SJS and the band opened with ‘Way Down Upon the Swanee River’.  Amongst others the programme included ‘Careless Love Blues’, ‘The Gospel Train’, ‘Lily of the Valley’ and the ‘Stevedore Stomp’.  They ended with ‘Going Home’, highly appropriate.

5 September 2021 – Mike Owen’s Celebration Jazz Band

With a name like this how could it not be first consideration for the band to kick start the season now that we can meet up again.  It was lovely to see so many people attending and the hope is that we go from strength to strength.   The band consisted of Mike Owen (leader and trombone), Tony Pipkin (trumpet), Jim Swinnerton (bass), John Irwin (banjo/guitar), Jack Cotterill (drums) and Jeff Matthews (reeds).   The music was varied and included ‘Should I Reveal Exactly How I Feel’, ‘Lily of the Valley’, ‘Linger a While’ and ‘Moose March’.   All that lovely music and Julie and Martin in Sunset Café.  Welcome back one and all.