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27 April 2025 – No Concert

20 April 2025 – Jane Williams Jazz Quintet featuring Andy Leggett:  What a jolly bunch of fine musicians we have today.  They comprise Jane Williams (leader) on ukulele and vocals, Andy Leggett on reeds and a few vocals, Mike Frost on guitar, Dave Deakin on string bass and Greg Evans on drum.   They opened with ‘Ain’t Misbehaving’ and continued with ‘I Thought About You’, ‘You’re Really Going to Like Having Me Around’ – composed by Jane, ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Beale Street Mama’, Well You Don’t Know Me’, ‘S’Wonderful’, ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love Baby’, ‘I Put A Spell On You’, ‘One Note Samba’, ‘It’s Almost Like Being In Love’, Pennies From Heaven’, ‘Cake Walking Baby From Home’, ‘Gee Baby Ain’t I Good For You’, ‘Sunny’, ‘Straighten Up And Fly Right, and finished with ‘Buona Sera’.  Thanks for a lovely concert.

13 April 2025 – Richard Leach Street Band:  Richard (leader) with trombone, Tony Pipkin on cornet, Zoltan Sagi on clarinet and alto sax, Dave Deakin on sousaphone, Mark Challinor on banjo and ukulele and Nick Ward on vintage percussion.  The opening number was ‘Black Cat On The Fence’ and they went on with ‘’There’s A Rainbow Round My Shoulder’, ‘That Da Da Strain’, ‘Buddy Boldens Blues’, ‘How Deep is the Ocean’, ‘Once In A While’, ‘Didn’t He Ramble’, ‘Someday Sweetheart’, ‘Baby Face’, ‘Petit Fleur’, ‘Louis-i-an-a’, ‘Too Busy For My Lovin’, ‘Blue Skies’, ‘September In The Rain’ and finished with ‘Redwing’.  Great concert, great musicality, what a great way to spend Sunday lunchtime.

6 April 2025 – Swing 25:  This band consists of Paul Hartley (leader) on guitar, Julian Gregory on violin, Matthew Compton on accordion, Peter ‘Pedro’ Robinson on double bass and Roger Keay on drums.  These five gifted musicians play mainly gypsy jazz and swing and both Julian and Matthew have played in the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.  They opened with ‘Bossa Dorado’ and went on with ‘After You’ve Gone’, ‘J’Attendrai’, ‘Swing 48’, ‘Sous Le Ciel De Paris’, ‘Lady Be Good’, ‘Melodie Au Crepescule’, ‘Swing 42’, ‘Made For Wesley’, ‘Minor Swing’, ‘Crazy Rhythm’, ‘Black Orpheus’, ‘Undecided’, ‘Fleur D’Ennui’, ‘Clardas’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ and finally ‘Honeysuckle Rose’.  The audience was on their feet applauding at the conclusion so I guess you could say they were well received.  A lovely programme by brilliant musicians and we all look forward to seeing them again.

30 March 2025 – Slide By Slide:  It’s always good to see this band back at the White Eagle Club.  They play a mixture of jazz, show songs, contemporary tunes and there is always plenty of humour.  Leading is trombonist, trumpeter, vocalist Kevin Grenfell with Richard Leach on his trombone, Simon Smith on String Bass, Richard Hughes on piano and Steve Street on the drums.  They opened with ‘Strike Up The Band’, followed by ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘Go To New Orleans’, ‘No Moon At All’, ‘My Little Suede Shoes’, ‘Sway’, ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter’, ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’, ‘Tea for Two’, ‘Georgie Girl’, one of my favourites ‘St James’ Infirmary’, ‘Girl Of My Dreams’, ‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’, ‘Blue Spanish Eyes’, ‘Jump, Jive And Wail’, ‘Blueberry Hill’ and finished, as always, with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’. The audience was on it’s feet to give them a standing ovation, richly deserved.  Looking forward to having them back again.

23 March 2025 – Original Panama Jazz Band:  This Wirral-based Jazz band is currently led by Jon Critchley on trumpet with John Padfield on reeds, Andrew MacKenzie on trombone and vocals, Isabel Toner on string bass, Bill Buck on drums and Alan Jeffs on guitar.  They opened with ‘Too Busy’ and went on with ‘South’, ‘The Jeep is Jumpin’, ‘Baby Doll’, ‘Empty Ballroom Blues’, ‘Rose Room’, ‘Time After Time’, ‘Midnight in Moscow’, ‘Dapper Dan’, ‘My Mother’s Eyes’, ‘Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea’, ‘Memories Of You’, ‘Special Delivery Stomp’, ‘Since You First Came My Way’, ‘Satin Doll’, ‘Talking Picture’, ‘One Two Buckle My Shoe’, ‘How High The Moon’, ‘Chinatown My Chinatown’, and they finished with a rousing ‘O Tannenbaum’.  Throughout the entire concert Jon Critchley added his own gentle humour such that it was more than a concert, it was a performance.  Lovely.  Looking forward to welcoming them back soon.

16 March 2025 – Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz & Boogie Band:  There is always great excitement when this band appears because you can expect the unexpected with the leader, Kevin Grenfell (trumpet, trombone and vocals) giving us full value for money in both music and comedy.  The rest of the band comprised Steve Street on the drums, Alex Clarke on saxophone, Simon Smith on string bass and Richard Hughes on keyboard.  They opened with ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’ and went on with ‘Buena Serra Senorita’, ‘The Gypsy’, ‘Stafford Jazz Club Boogie Woogie’ (specially for us ☺), ‘Sentimental Journey’, ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘Back Home In Indiana’, ‘Pennies From Heaven’, ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’, ‘Stardust’ (played by the lovely Alex), ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’, ‘Up A Lazy River’, ‘A Train’, ‘Girl Of My Dreams I Love You’, ‘There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’ and finally ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.  Smashing.  We look forward to seeing them again later this year.

9 March 2025 – Hot Teapots Jazz Band (Italy):  This band, formed in Northern Italy as a street performance band, has their main focus on North American early jazz, blues and ragtime along with popular tunes.  They are led by Michele Berfoldi on guitar and vocals and have David Vincenzi on clarinet and saxophone, Glauco Benedetti on trombone and tuba and Ryan Baer on tenor banjo and vocals.   They opened with ‘Weary Blues’ and continued with ‘’Winin’ Boy’, ‘Louisiana’, ‘Who’s Sorry Now’, ‘Thriller’, ‘She’s Crying For Me’, ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘Blue And Lonesome’, ‘Shine On Harvest Moon’, ‘When I Grow Too Old To Dream’, ‘Wabash Blues’, ‘El Rado Scuffle’, ‘Yes, I’m In The Barrel’, ‘Lonesome Blues’, ‘Humming To Myself’, ‘Old Fashioned Love’, ‘My Gal Sal’, ‘Am I Blue’, ‘Tiger Rag’ and finished with ‘Jazz Me Blues’.  A lovely performance with some numbers new to me and the concert was greeted with rapturous applause and the audience took to their feet to show their appreciation.  We look forward to them coming back to perform for us any time.

2 March 2025 – NO CONCERT

23 February 2025 – Bill Bailey All-Stars:  This band is led by trumpeter Richard “Bill” Bailey and he described his band’s style as happy, foot-tapping, cheerful music for any occasion and he was spot on.  He was joined on stage by Roger Keay on saxophone, Dave Deakin on trombone and sousaphone, Peter “Pedro” Robinson on banjo and guitar, Steve Peters on string bass and once more Keith Chaplin on drums.  They opened with ‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ and this was followed by ‘Indiana’, ‘Trouble In Mind’, ‘Moon Over Naples (which I know as Spanish Eyes), ‘I’ve Found A New Baby’, ‘Satin Doll’, ‘China Girl’, ‘My Little Suede Shoes’’, ‘In The Mood’, ‘Tequila’, ‘Lester Leaps In’, ‘Suki Yaki’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Raining In My Heart’, ‘Downtown Strutters Ball’, ‘When The Saints Come Marching In’, ‘Idle Moments’ and ended with ‘The Royal Garden Blues’.  Along with the foot-tapping I distinctly heard the sound of people humming or joining in quietly with the numbers which most of us recognised immediately.  Not only did Bill give us some vocal renditions but he also gave us a bit of light hearted humour and some interesting facts throughout the concert which went down well.  

16 February 2025 – Dave Harmer’s New Orleans Hotshots:  This traditional New Orleans style band is led by Dave Harmer on trombone, with Dave Leithead on trumpet and vocals, Kelvin Smith on reeds, Al Harris on string bass and vocals, Keith Chaplin on drums and the incomparable Joe Nutman on piano.  They opened with ‘Georgia Camp Meeting’ and went on with ‘Up A Lazy River’, ‘Mr Sandman’, ‘Basin Street Blues’, the first of two Scott Joplin rags by Joe, ‘Deed I Do’, ‘New Orleans’, ‘Nagasaki’, ‘Marching Through Georgia’, ‘Brother Can You Spare A Dime’, ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’, ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’, ‘The Gypsy’, ‘Me and Jane in a Plane’, the second Scott Joplin Rag by Joe, ‘Old Rockin’ Chair’ and finally ‘Dr Jazz’.  Terrific programme and the band was well received.  Looking forward to their next visit.

9 February 2025 – Bob Dwyer’s Celebrity Six:  This band comprises Bob Dwyer (leader) on trombone, Jon Penn on piano, Marc Easener on sousaphone, Nick Ward on vintage percussion, Matt Palmer on reeds and in place of Malcolm Walton was Gary Wood on trumpet and vocals.  They opened with ‘Indiana’ and went on with ‘South’, ‘Wolverine Blues’, ‘Bad Penny Blues’, ‘Davenport Blues’, ‘S’Wonderful’, ‘All Alone’, ‘Weary Blues’, ‘Undecided’, ‘Apex Blues’, ‘Mr Joe (previously called Buffalo Blues), ‘Purdido Blues’, ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘Royal Garden Blues’ and finished with ‘So Do I’.  Who knew there were so many tunes under the title ‘blues’!!!  Altogether a very good concert which was well received.   We look forward to their next visit.

2 February 2025 – No Concert

Warren “Lonnie” James’ Skiffle Band – 26 January 2025:  With Warren James (leader) on guitar, banjo and vocals, were Jim “Lord” Swinnerton on bass, “Baby” Jools Aldridge on drums, Mike Owen on trombone and Malcolm Thorne on guitar (playing for Stafford Jazz Society for the first time).  They opened with ‘Buddy Better Get On Down The Line’, ‘Hard Travelling’, ‘Keep On The Sunny Side Of Life’, ‘Won’t You Bring Me A Little Water Sylvie’, ‘In Them Cotton Fields’, ‘Wreck Of Old 97’, ‘My Bitsy Darlin’, ‘Take My Hand Precious Lord’, ‘Jesse James Had A Wife’, ‘Steam Line Trains’, ‘Gonna Ride Old Railroad Bill’, ‘I’m Not Gonna Be Treated This-a-way’, ‘Cumberland Gap’, ‘Lost John’, Rocks In My Bed’, ‘Blues Stop Knocking At My Door’, ‘It Takes A Worried Man’, ‘Have A Drink On Me’, ‘Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It’s Flavour’, ‘Freight Train’, ‘Goin’ Down The Road Feeling Bad’ and finally ‘Rock Island Line’.  Yes, there were certainly a lot of trains today …!  The audience were singing along and indeed leapt to their feet to applaud at the end of the concert.  We so look forward to seeing them back again soon. 

Matt Palmer’s Gatsby Go-Getters – 19 January 2025:  With Matt Palmer (leader) on reeds and vocals, Joe Nutman on Ragtime Piano, Dave Leithead on trumpet and vocals, Al Harris on string bass and vocals and Nick Ward on vintage percussion we knew we were in safe hands.  They opened with ‘Lover Come Back to Me’, and went on with ‘The Downtown Strutters Ball’, ‘Our Love Is Here To Stay’, ‘Stringport Stomp’, ‘Love is the Sweetest Thing’, ‘Vo De Dodio Blues’, ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’, ‘Varsity Drag’, ‘Crazy Rhythm’, ‘It Aint No Sin To Take Off Your Skin And Dance Around In Your Bones’ (only in jazz would you find a title like that!), ‘Is You Is Or Is You Aint My Baby’, ‘Paddling Madeline Home’, ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’, ‘Sunday’, ‘Pink Swans’ (a solo from Joe Nutman), ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’, ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘Charleston’, and closed with ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’.  Lovely music, lovely programme, no wonder people left with big smiles on their faces.

Trudgeon’s Trad Jazz Troubadors – 12 January 2025:  This band was new to Stafford Jazz Society so it was with much pleasure that we looked forward to hearing them play.  The band consists of Joseph Trudgeon (leader) on guitar and vocals, Alan Bacon on trumpet, Mike Owen on trombone,. Mike Kennedy on bass, Andy Leggett on reeds and “Baby” Jools Aldridge on drums.  They opened with ‘Algiers Strut’ and continued with ‘Old Fashioned Love’, ‘I’ve Got A New Baby’, ‘Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘When You and I Were Young Maggie’, ‘’Dr Jazz’, ‘September’, ‘Wabash Blues’, ‘If You’ve Never Been To New Orleans’, ‘Tiger Rag’, ‘When You Grow Too Old To Dream’, ‘The Washington and Lee Swing’, ‘Once I Married A Tattooed Lady’ (completely new to me but fun) and ‘Royal Garden Blues’.  We look forward to having them back to play for us again at some time in the future.

Golden Eagle Jazz Band – 5 January 2025:  It was good to see and hear the Golden Eagle again.  This band, which plays New Orleans jazz, is made up of Kevin Scott (lead) on tenor banjo and vocals (and humour), Ray Bowden on drums, Richard Church on cornet and vocals, Brian Butler on trombone and John Sirett on double bass.  They opened with ‘On the Road To Home Sweet Home’ and went on with ‘Mother’s Gone, Goodbye’, ‘The Roses of Picardy’, ‘Moose March’, ‘Give  Me That Old Time Religion’, ‘The Streets of the City, ‘After You’ve Gone’, ‘The Highways Are Happy Ways’, ‘In The Good Old Summertime’, ‘Tie Me To Your Apron Strings Again’, ‘Bogalusa Strut’, ‘My Old Sal’, ‘Louisiana Fairytale’, ‘In The Shade of The Old Apple Tree’ and finished with ‘Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler’ (Let The Good Times Roll in English).  What a great programme played beautifully by five talented musicians.  I am sure we will see them again.

No Concert – 29 December 2024:

Debonaires’ Little Big Band – 22 December 2024:  As befits Christmas this was a ‘cracker’ of a concert of traditional festive favourites.  The band is made up of Max Debon (leader) on trumpet and vocals, Sarah Eastwood on clarinet and vocals, Austin Ralphson on trombone, Rick Halliwell on alto sax, Anne Holder on tenor sax, Jon Burr on bass, Peter Wilson on piano and Rob Turner on drums.  They opened with ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’, and went on to offer ‘Winter Wonder Land’, ‘My Blue Heaven’, ‘God Bless The Child’, ‘Skyliner’, ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’, ‘Why Don’t You Do Right’, ‘Let It Snow’, ‘You’re Driving Me Crazy’, ‘Frosty The Snowman’, ‘Darktown Strutters Ball’, ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’, ‘I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm’, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Any More’, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’, ‘Boogie Blues’, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, ‘Bring Me Sunshine’, ‘Santa Baby’, ‘Cool Yule’ and finished with ‘I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas’.  This very festive fare was well received with the audience singing along and a definite feeling of Christmas being just around the corner – which of course it is!  Well done Debonaires.

Jake Leg Jug Band – 15 December 2024:  This very popular band tends to lean towards the authentic and nostalgic sounds of the USA n the 20s and 30s.  Not only do they have instrumental virtuosity but their concert is interspersed with good humour.  The band consists of leader, Duncan Wilcox, on double bass and vocals, Liam Ward on washboard, harmonica, jug, saw and kazoo – to name but a few – along with vocals, Warren “Lennie” James on guitar and banjo (sadly no vocals as not able to sing at present), Mike Owen on trombone and Danny Blyth on guitar, mandolin and bass clarinet.  They opened with ‘Light From The Lighthouse’, and went on with ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘Killing Jive’, ‘Fogyism’, ‘I Belong To The Band Allelujah’, ‘The Sale Tax Is On It’, ‘Goodbye Blues’, ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’, ‘Sweet Hole’, ‘He’s In The Jailhouse’, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’, ‘Making Whoopee’, ‘Christmas In Jail’, ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘I Just Got Over A Lass’, St James Infirmary’ and rounding the whole thing off with ‘Gloryland’.  Such a good concert no wonder the room was on its feet.  See you again soon I hope.

Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters – 8 December 2024:  This band consists of Paula Jackman (leader) on clarinet, “Magic” Mike Henry on trumpet, Ian Bates on Trombone, “Lord” Marc Easener on sousaphone, Graham Collicott on drums and Hugh Crozier on keyboard and vocals.  The music is Dixieland jazz with its roots in New Orleans around the late 1950s.  The opening number was ‘While We Dance At The Mardi Gras’, and this was followed by ‘Got A Brand New Suit’, ‘New Orleans Shuffle’, ‘Hymn To Freedom’, ‘Chilli Bom Bom’, ‘Creole Love Call’, ‘King Porter Stop (a keyboard rag)’, ‘The Fat Man’, ‘Down To New Orleans’, ‘Muskrat Stomp’, ‘Silent Night’, ‘The Birth Of The Blues’, ‘Maryland My Maryland’, ‘Black Bottom’ and rounded off with ’11.30 Saturday Night’.  They were much appreciated by the audience of the day and we hope to see them again soon.

Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz & Boogie Band – 24 November 2024:  Taking over the band following the loss of Jeremy Huggett, Kevin’s band proved a great success with us at Stafford.  The band consisted of Kevin Grenfell (leader) on trombone, trumpet, vocals and jokes, Simon Smith on double bass, Matt Palmer on reeds, Richard Hughes on keyboard, Steve Street on drums and Alan Bradbury on guitar they were thoroughly entertaining throughout the session.  They opened with ‘Jump Jive and Wail’, and continued with ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Aint Got That Swing’, ‘The Preacher’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Hindustan’, ‘Walk Don’t Run’, ‘Stafford Jazz Club Boogie Woogie’, ‘Childhood Boy’, ‘China Town’, Gonna Take A Sentimental Journey’, ‘On A Slow Boat To China’, ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’, ‘Stranger On The Shore’, ‘Caravan’, ‘When Your Smiling’, ‘Apple Blossom Time’, ‘There Aint Nobody Here But Us Chickens’ and finished with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.  What a great programme.  

Matt Palmer’s Eagle Jazz Band – 17 November 2024:  It was good to see this band again, comprising Matt Palmer (leader) on reeds and vocals, Pete Brown on trumpet, Terry McGrath on trombone, sax and tin whistle, Brian Mellor on banjo and guitar, Rae Owens on double bass and vocals, Tony Pipkin on cornet and Nick Ward on percussion.   They opened with ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ and went on with ‘Porter’s Love Song to a Chambermaid’, ‘The Creole Love Call’, ‘The Coffee Grinder’, ‘The Blues You Can Get’, ‘Sweet Sue, Just You’, ‘Red Sails in the Sunset’ and ‘Gate Mouth’.  The second half just as good as the first was ‘Harlem Hound’, ‘Old Fashioned Love’, ‘My Little Bimbo Down on the Bamboo Isle’. ‘Go Up The River’, ‘Swing That Music’, ‘Goodnight Sweet Prince’, ‘That’s A Plenty’ and ending, as always with ‘Bring Me Sunshine’.  What a smashing concert.

Wabash Jazzmen – 10 November 2024:  This band consists of Mark Challinor (leader) on banjo, guitar, ukulele and vocals, Mike Hayler on reeds, Richard Leach on trombone, Tony Pipkin on cornet, Richard Vernon on string bass and Nick Ward on percussion.  This band plays traditional foot-tapping New Orleans jazz rooted in early Chris Barber.  There is always a warm welcome for this band here in Stafford.  They opened with ‘Black Cat On The Fence’ and went on with ‘Papa Dip’, ‘Far Away Blues’, ‘Get On Board Little Children (The Gospel Train)’, the Samoan folk song ‘Mauga de Atudo’, ‘Buddy Habits’,  ‘Sarie Marais (march of the Royal Marine Commandos)’ ‘Weary Blues’, ‘Muskrat Ramble’, ‘Let The Light From The Lighthouse Shine On Me’, ‘Harlem Bound’, ‘Russian Lullaby’, Blame it on the Blues’, ‘New Orleans’, ‘Ay Mama Ines (Cuban rumba)’ and finishing with ‘Wolverine Blues’.  A veritable smorgasbord of music.  Looking forward already to the next time we see them.

Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants – 3 November 2024:  This quality band has played at SJS on many occasions in the past and is always well received.  The band consists of Kevin Grenfell (Leader) on trombone, trumpet and vocals, John Hallam on reeds, Richard Hughes on piano, Simon Smith on double bass and Jools Aldridge on drums.  They opened with ‘Running Wild’, and followed up the first half with ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love’, ‘Girl of My Dreams’, ‘Honky Tonk Train Blues’, ‘Going to New Orleans’, ‘The Gypsy’ and ‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’.  In the second half we had ‘Dolly’, ‘Careless Love’, ‘Stealing Apples’, ‘Jump Jive an’ Wail’, ‘Bad Penny Blues’, ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’, ‘There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’ (which always makes me smile) and strangely enough ended with ‘When You’re Smiling’.   I feel sure they will be back before too long.

27 October 2024 – Savannah Jazz Band:  To help us celebrate the 44^th anniversary of Stafford Jazz Society were this well-known Yorkshire-based group consisting of Ray Bowden on drums, Tony Pollitt on bass, Chris Marney on banjo. Richard Church on trumpet, Brian “Sam” Ellis (leader) on trombone and piano and Roger Bird on reeds play great foot-tapping New Orleans jazz with a real bounce and kick to it.  They started with ‘Smiles’ and continued with ‘Wabash Blues’, ‘When Your Hair Has Turned Silver’, ‘In The Upper Garden’, ‘My Gal Sal’, ‘In The Evening’, ‘When I Come To The End Of My Journey’ and the first half finished with ‘CC Rider’.  The second half opened with ‘Goin’ Back To New Orleans’ and went on with ‘St James Infirmary (plus lyrics to Albert and the Lion – love it)’, ‘Hiawatha Rag’, ‘Yes Yes In Your Eyes’, ‘Bluebells Goodbye’, ‘ The Old Rugged Cross’, ‘You Are My Sunshine’, ‘I Want To Be Happy’ and finishing with ‘Going Home’.  What a lovely concert.  See you again soon fellas.

20 October 2024 – The Harlem Jazz Orchestra:  This 13 piece band of 12 musicians and a vocalist (Sarah Spencer) were very professional and polished.  They specialise in authentic jazz classics from the early part of the 20^th century (1920s and 1930s).  With Bob Hunt, on trombone is the Director, Eric Tomasso on trumpet along with Wil Robinson and Charlie Manning, Graham Woodhouse on trombone, Zoltan Sagi and Richard Exall on reeds, Art Toper on piano, Rachel Hayward on banjo and guitar, Tomas Pedersen on string bass, Nick Ward on percussion and, as mentioned, Sarah Spencer being both announcer and vocalist they just managed to fit on stage.  They started with ‘The King Kong Stomp’, ‘The Harlem Romance’, ‘I Never Knew’, ‘Great Party Blues’, ‘That Rhythm Man’, Where The Black Men Blew’, ‘Dinah’, ‘Everybody Hittin’ The Bottle’, ‘Awful Sad’, ‘Feeling the Spirit’, ‘Persian Rug’ and ‘The Downton Camp Meeting’ completed the first half.  In the second half were: ‘Harlem Bound’, ‘All Goes’, ‘The Empty Chair’, ‘After You’ve Gone’, ‘Shoe Shine Boy’, ‘When’, ‘Rocking Chair’, ‘Three Little Words’, ‘The Swannee Shuffle’, ‘I’m Regular Crazy Now’ and ‘Swing Out.   Great music, great playing and great vocals.  Hope to see this group again at some time in the future.

6 October 2024 – Three Bears Jazz Band:  This is the first time this band has played at SJS, although their faces are all well known to us.  The Band comprises “Lord” Jim Swinnerton (leader) on double bass, John Hallam on reeds, Tom Kincaid on piano, Amy Roberts on reeds and Jack Cotterill on drums.  What a fabulous five-some.  They opened with ‘Rosetta’ and went on to play ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘On The Sunny Side Of The Street’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, ‘The Teddybears Picnic’ (well what else would they play!), ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘If I Have You’, ‘Lester Leaps In’, ‘I’ve Found A New Baby’, ‘Creole Love Call’, ‘Just A Little While To Stay Here’, ‘Pennies From Heaven’, ‘Water From An Ancient Well’ (don’t you just love that title – and the music was just as beautiful), ‘Out Of Your Way’ and they finished with ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’.  The room sprang to its collective feet in appreciation of a smashing concert.  I am sure they will be back again.

Following the sad death and great loss of Jeremy Huggett, Stafford Jazz Society announces that the previously publicised JEREMY HUGGETT’S JAZZ & BOOGIE BAND concerts scheduled for 4 November 2024 and 16 March 2025 will now be re-titled KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ & BOOGIE BAND.

Furthermore, John Hallam will now be on reeds for the KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ GIANTS concert on 3 November 2024.

29 September 2024 – Keith Little Swing Four:  This was the band’s debut in Staffordshire and we welcomed Keith Little – impresario and pianist, Donnie Joe Sweeney on bass and vocals, Gethin Liddington on trumpet and vocals and Greg Evans on drums – all the way from Wales.  Their music was 30s/40s jazz and swing with some American Songbook included for good measure.  Their opening number – ‘After You’re Gone’, ‘Tea For Two’, ‘A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘Just Squeeze Me’, ‘China Town’, ‘Night And Day You Are The One’, ‘Pick Yourself Up’, ‘Strutting At The BBQ’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, On The Sunny Side Of The Street’, ‘Keeping Out Of Mischief Now’, ‘The Polish Boogie’, ‘Memories Of You’, ‘Calypso Joe’ and ending with ‘Take The A Train’.  Good musicians and I am sure we will see them back at the White Eagle Club at some point in the near future.

22 September 2024 – Dart Valley Stompers:  What a lovely band today with Richard Leach (leader) on the trombone and vocals, Tony Pipkin on trumpet and vocals, Vic Partridge on banjo + guitar and vocals, Steve Street on drums and Matt Palmer on reeds and vocals.  A sextet of quality, although sadly without the man himself, Jeremy Huggett – who’s funeral takes place on 1 October.  They opened with ‘Algiers Stomp’ and went on with ‘My Blue Heaven’, ‘Basin Street Blues’, ‘Roses of Piccardy’, ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘China Boy’, ‘Dinah’ and ‘China Town My China Town’ in the first half and ‘The Bugle Boy March’, ‘Ain’t She Sweet’, ‘It Had To Be You’, ‘Sunday’, ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’, ‘I Want A Big Butter And Egg Man’, ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams’ and ending with ‘Hindustan’.  The band told us that Kevin Grenfell could not be with them today as he was in Denmark and tribute was paid to all the work Kevin had done in ensuring all concerts with Jeremy in continued playing at venues booked in his honour.  Our thanks were passed on both to the band for playing under such emotional stress and we asked that our thanks to Kevin for all his work be passed on.

15 September 2024 – Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band featuring Jesper Capion Larsen (Denmark):  There was a hugh welcome back to Sarah Spencer and her band as one of the most popular in the SJS calendar of gigs.  Sarah, on the saxophone and vocals, is the leader of the band.  In addition there was Mike Owen on trombone, “Magic” Mike Henry on cornet, Graham Smith on drums, Howard Worthington on double bass, Brian Mellor on banjo and Jesper Capion Larsen on a visit from Denmark on the clarinet.  Normally at this point I would tell you all the different numbers they played but I confess I was so busy on the day that I can name only four or five:  ‘First Choice’, ‘It’s Nights Like That’, ‘Sleepy Time Down South’, ‘The Yellow Dog Blues’ and ‘Smile’ (from Who Framed Roger Rabbit).  That does not detract from the great music we heard that lunchtime and hopefully next week it will be back on normal scribing duties.  We look forward to seeing this band again.

8 September 2024 – Jeff & Anne Barnhart (USA) present “AA’s Road Atlas to Jazz”:  It was a warm welcome back to SJS for Jeff and Anne, together with Thomas “Spats” Langham on his banjo and guitar and a new addition, Amy Roberts (reeds player), it was noted, played with Chris Barber in the day.   They opened with ‘Bye Bye Blues’ and went on with ‘Old Fashioned Love in My Heart’, ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter’, ‘Careless Love’, ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ and ‘Shine’.  In the second half they gave us ‘High Society’, ‘Summertime and the Living Is Easy’, ‘Sweet Sue’, ‘The Curse of An Aching Heart’, ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘Undecided’ and ‘Black Orpheus’.  A welcome addition was a collaboration between Nick Balmforth and Jeff Barnhart entitled ‘Same Differences’, a little number showing how although we speak the same language in the USA and the UK things aren’t always duplicated.  Throughout the whole there were jokes, comments, bits of history and all in all a most wonderful show – almost a cabaret rather than a simple gig.  

1 September 2024 – Baby Jools’ Jazzaholics:   Not only did we end the season for 23/24 with this group but we start the new 24/25 season with them.  I am pleased to say nothing has changed; Baby Jools is still the band leader on drums, Howard Worthington on string bass and vocals, Warren “Lonnie” James on guitar/banjo and vocals, “Magic” Mike Henry on trumpet/cornet, Karl Hird on reeds and Richard Leach on trombone and vocals.  Their opening number was ‘The Old Spinning Wheel in the Parlour’ and this was followed by ‘Hindustan’, ‘ Blue Turning Grey Over You’, ‘Jambalaya’, ‘Burgundy Street Blues’, ‘Some of These Days’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Sleepy Time Down South’, ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘Who’s Sorry Now’, ‘Railroad Bill’, ‘Jesse James’, ‘Goin’ Home’, ‘Royal Garden Blues’ and ending with ‘That’s a Plenty’.  Good programme, good playing, good balance – what a lovely concert.

The forthcoming programme is now available online!