Author: roger

27 September 2026 – Storyville Jass Band (Holland): With five players – Michael Muller (leader) on trumpet and vocals, Eugene Bruijn on clarinet and vocals, Dan Simon on double bass, Tom Stuip on banjo and Stef Geurts on drums this is by far and away the best band and best programme we have had in a long time. They opened with a couple of numbers which I missed (doing two things at once does not always pay!!) but went on with ‘High Society’, ‘Oh Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You’, ‘Seratoga Shout’, ‘Trying To Find The Carolines’, ‘Nile Love Songs’ (a solo on banjo), ‘Well Alright, Okay, You Win I’m In Love With You’, ‘Stranger on the Shore’ and ‘Hindustan’. The opening of the second half was jaw droppingly lovely with an a cappella rendition of ‘Will The Circle Be Broken Dear Lord Bye And Bye’ and not just me but the whole audience was spellbound by the beauty of it. They continued with ‘Just A Walk With You Dear Lord’, ‘My Gal Sal’, ‘There Are Blues My Sweetie Gives To Me’ and ‘When It’s Sleepy Time Down South’. The remainder of part two I missed since I had to dash off without even letting anyone know they should take notes (☺) but I have it on good authority that when the end came the whole room was on it’s feet with rapturous applause. Can’t wait to see them again – and I am sure we will.

20 September 2026 – Harlem Jazz Orchestra: Well it will take some time listing all the musicians in this 12-piece orchestra: Bob Hunt (leader) on trombone, “Magic” Mike Henry on cornet, Lewis Taylor on trumpet and vocals, Charlie Manning on trumpet, Graham Woodhouse on valve & slide trombone, Nick Payton on reeds, Richard Exall on reeds, Michael Kilpatrick on clarinet/alto sax and baritone sax, Art Toper on piano, John Irwin on banjo and guitar, Geoff Tooley on bass and Nick Ward on percussion. They opened with ‘King Kong Stomp’ and continued with ‘Harlem Romance’, ‘I Never Knew’, ‘Throwing Stones At The Sun’, ‘Manchester Court’, ‘Walkin’ My Baby Back Home’, ‘Festivities at Grendon’, ‘Why Don’t You Get Lost’, ‘You Yer Willen’, ‘Doin’ What I Please’, Brick Lane Pt I’ and ‘Great Dane’ took us to the interval. In the second half we had ‘Balti Nights’, ‘The Rent Party Blues’, ‘Synthetic Rug’, ‘After You’re Gone’, ‘I Guess It Had To Be That Way’, ‘Big Man’, ‘Midnight, The Stars And You’ finishing with ‘Swanee Shuffle’. Great sound – a satisfying mix of big band and jazz. It would be great to see them back.

13 September 2026 – Swing Summit: This 5-piece jazz band played a selection of double reed arrangements with echoes of Bob Wilber and Kenny Davern’s Soprano Summit. The group is made up of Nik Payton on reeds, Zoltan Sagi on reeds, Andrzej Baranek on piano, Mike Green on bass and Graham Smith on drums. They opened with ‘Promenade Aux Champs Elysee’ and went on, in no particular order, with ‘No Moon At All’, ‘Vampin Miss Georgia’, ‘My Funny Valentine’, ‘Mountain Music’, ‘Swing 39’, ‘The Sage’, ‘Django’s Castle’, ‘One For The Duke’, ‘Tango A La Bechet’, ‘Arkansas Lullaby’, ‘Grenadilla Stomp’, ‘Meet Me In St Louis’ and finally ‘Cambridge Blue’. Some of these musicians have played with the Chris Barber Big Band and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. There is no doubt that they are fine musicians. We look forward to seeing them again in the future.

6 September 2026 – Baby Jools All-Star Jazzaholics: This six-piece band consisted of ‘Baby’ Jools Alderidge on drums, ‘Magic’ Mike Henry on cornet, Simon Smith on double bass, Bob Pearce on trombone, Brian Meller on banjo and Graham Woodhouse on saxophone and trombone. We looked forward to this wonderful group of musicians open Stafford Jazz Society’s 46th season and we were not disappointed. They opened with ‘The Old Spinning Wheel In The Parlour’ and following hard on its heels were ‘Dinah (Show Us Your Legs)’, Tin Roof Blues’, ‘At The Jazz Band Ball’, ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘Sheik Of Araby’ and ‘Panama’. The second half was no less impressive with ‘One Of These Days’, ‘So Just Relax’ (just love this tune), ‘Bourbon Street Parade’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Basin Street Blues’, ‘Savoy Blues’ and ending with ‘That’s A Plenty’. Good to see that they received a standing ovation – they certainly earned it. We look forward to seeing them again.

Being the last gig of the season a brolly parade took place.  Thanks to all who made the season such a brilliant one – Nick Balmforth (Chairman), all the bar staff, Lisa Perry and her helpers in Sunset Café, and especially all the jazzers who have supported and enjoyed the programme throughout.

31 May 2026 – “Baby” Jools’ Jazzaholics:   Today Jools (leader and drummer) was joined by Mark Challinor on banjo/ukulele and vocals, Mike “Magic” Henry on cornet, Simon smith on bass, Ian Bateman on trombone and Richard Exall on reeds.  What a great line-up.  The opening number was ‘The Old Spinning Wheel In The Parlour’ which was followed by ‘Dinah’, ‘Down In New Orleans’, ‘Let The Light Of The Lighthouse Shine On Me’, ‘Muskrat Ramble’, ‘Till There Was You’, ‘Some Of These Days’ and for the second half we had ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Let’s All Go Down To New Orleans’, ‘It Ain’t No Sin To Take Off Your Skin And Dance Around In Your Bones’, ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’, ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘Black And Blue’ and ending with ‘That’s A Plenty’.  There was instantaneous jumping to the feet to give thanks for a belting concert.  And to top it all Baby Jools will be back again to open the season from September 2026!!

24 May 2026 – Three Bears Jazz Band:  Some changes in the band resulted in Tom Kincaid (leader) on the piano, John Hallam on reeds, “Lord” Jim Swinnerton on bass and Stuart Smith on drums.  They opened with ‘Dinah’ and continued with ‘Ain’t Misbehaving’, ‘Just A Little While To Stay Here’, ‘Ain’t She Sweet’, ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans’ and ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’.  After this cracking first half we were treated to ‘I’ve Got A New Baby’, ‘Keeping Out Of Mischief Now’, ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘Water From An Ancient Well’ (such a delight), ‘The Sheik of Araby’, ‘Oh! Lady Be Good’ and finishing with ‘St Thomas’.  The audience were on their feet with a most well-deserved standing ovation.  We will be delighted to see this group again.

17 May 2026 – Original Panama Jazz Band:  With leader Jon Crutchley on trumpet we had John Wallasey on reeds, Andrew MacKenzie on trombone and vocals, Isabel Toner on string bass, Bill Buck on drums and Peter ‘Pedro’ Robinson on guitar and banjo giving us a sextet of musicians.  They started with ‘Too Busy’ and went on with ‘Deed I Do’, ‘Rose Room’, ‘Satin Doll’, ‘Black & Tan Fantasy’, ‘Canal Street Blues’, ‘S’Wonderful’ and ‘Since You First Came My Way’.  The second half, just as good, was ‘China’ – played by Pete Robinson on his banjo, ‘Midnight in Moscow’, ‘China Town My China Town’, ‘Tangerine’, ‘I Love Paris’, ‘High Society’, ‘Sleepy Time Down South’, Arcadia Stomp’ and ‘Muskrat Ramble’.  Good music, some joking, lots of happy faces.  I am sure we will see them again.

10 May 2026 – Slide by Slide:  This group comprises Kevin Grenfell (leader) on trombone, occasional trumpet and vocals, Richard Leach on trombone, Richard Hughes on keyboard, Simon Smith on string bass and Steve Street on drums.  They opened up with ‘Strike Up The Band’ and went on to play – in no particular order – ‘Mean To Me’, ‘No Moon At All’, ‘Turkish March’ (keyboard feature), ‘Georgie Girl’, ‘Berkeley Square’, ‘Way Back Home In Indiana’, ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘Tea for Two’, ‘Mood Indigo’, ‘China Town’, ‘Girl of My Dreams’, ‘Little Suede Shoes’, ‘Do You Know What It Means’, ‘Sway’ and finished, as always with this band, with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.  Great band, great concert, much satisfaction on faces all around the room.  Look forward to seeing them again before too long.

3 May 2026 – Hugh Crozier’s Incomparables:  With Hugh Crozier (leader) at the keyboard there are Paul Taylor on trombone, “Magic” Mike Henry on cornet, Paula Jackman on reeds and “Lord” Jim Swinnerton on double bass.  A great line-up.  The opening number is ‘Ace In The Hole’ and going on with ‘Mary’, ‘New Wang Wang Blues’, ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘The Jones Law Blues’, ‘That, Too, Do’, ‘Keeping Out Of Mischief Now’, ‘Blue Blood Blues’ and then ‘Irish Black Bottom’ completes the first half.  In the second half there is ‘Dippermouth Blues’, ‘Margie’, ‘Midnight Mama’, ‘Si Tu Vois Ma Mere’, ‘Pearls’, ‘SOL Blues’, ‘Sheik of Araby’, ‘Once In A While’ and the final number ‘’Wild Cat Blues’.  This concert was well received and we do so look forward to their return visit in the next season.

26 April – No Concert

19 April – Debbie Arthurs’ Jazz Quintet:  With music essentially from 1920s and 1930s we saw, for the first time, this quintet.  Leader, Debbie Arthurs, was on saxophone and vocals, Dave Deakin on trombone (and a couple of vocals), Keith Little on piano, Rachel Haywood on guitar and Malcolm Sked on double bass gave us a concert to remember.  They opened with ‘St Louis Blues’ and continued the first half with ‘Goody Goody’, ‘When The World Is At Rest’, ‘Lady Be Good’, ‘The Very Thought Of You’, ‘It Had To Be You’, ‘My Blackbirds are Bluebirds Now’ and ‘’You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To’.  After the interval we had ‘Ain’t Cha’, ‘Travelling All Alone’, ‘Running Wild’, ‘Don’t Blame Me’, ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Any More’ and finished with ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’.  A couple of songs in there I had not heard before – always welcome to listen to something new.  Debbie Arthurs has a fine voice and the music was great.  We hope to hear them again in the next season.

12 April – Jane Williams’ Jazz Quintet featuring Andy Leggett:  Jane Williams (leader) was on Ukulele and Vocals – but we know she also is pretty good on the piano and indeed performed n this in a recent Channel 4 TV series of ‘The Piano’, Mike Frost on Guitar, Bill Lynnn Double Bass, Greg Evans on drums and lovely to see again Andy Leggett on reads.  They opened with ‘All Of Me’, ‘I Thought About You’, ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’, ‘You Don’t Know Me’, ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’, S’Wonderful’, Andy Leggett singing with ‘The River And Me’ and ended the first half with a rousing ‘I Put A Spell On You’.  Second half began with ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’ and went on with ‘One Note Samba’, ‘Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby’, ‘It’s Almost Like Being In Love’, ‘Strangers On The Shore’, Andy again sang and played ‘Everything But The Blues’ (and confided he and Jane had recorded this during lockdown), ‘Straighten Up and Fly Right’ and finished with ‘Buona Sera’.  Standing ovation followed.  See you all soon.

5 April – Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants:   The band comprised of Kevin Grenfell (leader) on trombone and vocals, Paul Harrison (from Denmark) on reeds, Soren Stausbol (Danish and from Denmark) on piano and vocals, Simon Smith on double bass and “Baby” Jools Aldridge on drums.  They opened with ‘Boogaloosa Strut’ and continued with ‘Dinah’, ‘Creole Jazz’, ‘Stranger on the Shore’, ‘Sugar Babe’, ‘Fidgetty Feet’, Sweet Sue’ and then played happy birthday to Lisa Perry in English and in Danish.  In the second half we heard ‘Mr Sandman’, ‘Red Roses for a Blue Lady’, Petite Fleur’, ‘Swing 24’, ‘Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby’, ‘The King’, ‘Rondo’ and as always finished up with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’  I am given to understand that we may well see them again later in the year!

29 March 2026 – Golden Eagle Jazz Band:   This band consisted of Kevin Scott (leader) on tenor banjo and with vocals, Alan Cresswell (I think and then I wonder if it was him so forgive me if I have got the name wrong), Ray Bowden on drums and vocals, Robin Woolhams on trumpet, Simon Wyld on trombone and John Sirett on double bass.  They opened with ‘Mary Wore A Golden Chain’ and continued with ‘I’m Confessing That I Love You’, ‘Over The Waves’ (better known as ‘The Loveliest Night of The Year’), ‘You’re Driving Me Crazy’, ‘Girl Of My Dreams’, ‘Tin Roof Blues’ ‘Bei Mir Bist Du Schon’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’ and ‘Dr Jazz’.  The second half opened with ‘Old Grey Bonnet’ followed by ‘Apple Blossom Time’, ‘Crazy’, ‘The Sheik Of Araby’, ‘Up A Lazy River’, ‘I Pray Every Day We’ll Meet Again’, ‘Dinah’ and last song of the session was ‘A Thousand Goodnights’.  This New Orleans-style band met with approval and evident enjoyment.  Thank you gentlemen of the band.

22 March 2026 – Richard Hughes’ Trio “Fugue & Groove” featuring Amy Roberts:  What a lovely surprise – classical music played in a jazzy way.  The band consisted of Richard Hughes (leader) on keyboard, Steve Street on drums and Simon Smith on double bass.  To make it even better Amy Roberts on sax, base flute and clarinet joined them for the concert.  They started with a medley of Gershwin tunes and went on with ‘Prelude in C Minor’ (Bach), ‘Softly’, ‘Air On A G String’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Jesu Man’s Desire’, ‘Faure Pavane’, with ‘Humeresque’ rounding off the first half.  In the second set they started with ‘Strangers in Paradise’ from Prince Igor, ‘The Man I Love’, ‘Fascinating Rhythm’, ‘Who Could Ask For Anything More (all Gershwin pieces), Chopin’s ‘Imprmptu’, Prelude in E Minor, Puccini’s ‘Nessun Dorma’, Mozart’s ‘Turkish March and ending with ‘After You’ve Gone and Left Me Crying’.  What a concert to remember.  Fab-u-lous!  Look forward to their next visit.

15 March 2026 – Andy Leggett’s Centenary Serenaders:  This band was founded by Andy Leggett, a top reeds player and renowned exponent of the Bechet style.  Along with Andy the band consists of Gethin Liddington on trumpet, Dave Deakin on trombone, Rachel Hayward on guitar and banjo, Jo Trudgeon on string bass and vocals and Rod Cotterell on drums.  They opened with ‘Some of These Days’ and continued with ‘Sweet Emmalina’, ‘Savoy Blues’, ‘Pattes de Mouche’, ‘I Get The Blues When It Rains’, ‘Si Tu Vois Ma Mere’, ‘Aunt Hagar’s Children’s Blues’, ‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ and ‘My Blue Heaven’.  In the second half they gave us ‘Ory’s Creole Trombone’, ‘As-Tu Le Cafard’, ‘Poor Papa’, ‘Grizzly Bear Rag’, ‘The Mooch’, ‘Millenberg Joys’, ‘Original Dixieland One-Step’ and finished with the ever popular ‘Petite Fleur’.  Smashing band, smashing concert – look forward to seeing them next time.

8 March 2026 – Regeneration Big Band:  This is the first time Regeneration has visited Stafford Jazz Society.  This 17 piece band, headed by leader and conductor Nigel Ashworth, also has Lydia Rae as their delightful vocalist.  They opened with ‘No Pressure’, and went on to play ‘A Gal in Calico’, ‘There’ll Never Be Another You’, ‘Polka Dots and Moonbeams’, ‘Three Landlords And A Guinness’, ‘Can You Read My Mind’ (love theme from Superman), ‘But Not For Me’, ‘Amanda’ and finished the first half with a Folk Song medley.  The second half opened with ‘The Carioca’, and continued with ‘I Don’t Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You’, ‘It’s A Most Unusual Day’, ‘Sunday Kind of Love’, ‘There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’, ‘I Found A New Baby’, ‘I Won’t Send Roses’, ‘Easy To Love’, ‘At Last’, ‘He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother’ and finishing with ‘Mountain Greenery’.  Lots of smiling faces and people jumping to their feet.  Look forward to seeing them back another time.

1 March 2026 – No Concert

22 February 2026 – Matt Palmer’s Gatsby Go-Getters:  My my, how smart the band looked with dicky bows and hats and matching waistcoats.  How very professional they looked.  Playing music mainly classical numbers from the 20s and 30s jazz scene in 1900s it has all the fun and frivolity of a bygone era.  Leader, Matt Palmer, plays clarinet, sax and provides vocals, Joe Nutman is their ragtime pianist, Dave Leithead was on trumpet and vocals, Al Harris on string bass and vocals and the incomparable Nick Ward on vintage percussion.  They opened with ‘Lover Come Back To Me’ and continued with ‘Varsity Drag’, ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’, ‘Sunday’, ‘Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby’, ‘Louisiana’, ‘Love Is The Sweetest Thing’, ‘A Fine Romance’ and ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me’.  In the second half we had ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’, ‘New Orleans Stomp’, When You Wish Upon A Star’, ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’, ‘How Can You Face Me?’, a solo Scott Joplin piece by Joe with ‘The Magnetic Rag’, ‘Vo-Do-Do-De-O Blues’, ‘Am I Blue?’, ‘Charleston’ and finishing with ‘Goodnight Sweetheart.  What a great Sunday offering.  See you soon chaps.

15 February 2026 – “Baby” Jools’ Jazzaholics:  Although musicians change in this band the one thing you can be sure of is that they are always fine musicians – what more can you ask for.  “Baby” Jools Aldridge (leader) on the drums, Simon Smith on double bass, Peter Robinson on guitar and banjo, Graham Woodhouse on Saxophone, trombone and vocals, Alan Bateman on trumpet and vocals and his brother, Ian Bateman on trombone.  Opening number was ‘Just A Little While To Stay Here’ followed by ‘Isle of Capri’, ‘Some Day Sweetheart’, ‘Panama Rag’, ‘The Old Spinning Wheel’, ‘All The Girls Go Crazy ‘bout The Way I Walk’ and when you’re Smiling’.  Good first half and then it got even better with ‘You Always Hurt The One You Love’, Dippermouth Blues’, ‘Maryland’, ‘Yes Sir That’s My Baby’, ‘The Tin Roof Blues’, ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me and ‘That’s A Plenty’.  Well done Jools et al – made my Sunday.

8 February 2026 – Jake Leg Jug Band:  This band has always produced a programme laiden with authentic nostalgic sounds of America in the ‘20s and ‘30s, all interspersed with good humour.  Leader, Duncan Wilcox, plays the double bass and much of the vocals, Warren “Lonnie” James on the guitar, banjo and vocals, Danny Blythe on clarinet, mandolin and harmonica, Gabriel Garrick on trumpet and percussion and finally Mike Owen on trombone.  Their first number was ‘Railroad Bill’ and they went on with ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘Joshua Fit The Battle of Jerico’, ‘Ella Speed’, ‘Sales Tax’, ‘Goodbye Booze’, ‘On The Road Again’, ‘Ezekiel Saw The Wheel’, ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’ and ‘Down By The Riverside’.  After the interval we had ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business But My Own’, ‘Buffalo Girls’, ‘I Had To Give Up Gym’, ‘Your Feet’s Too Big, ‘I’m Gonna Walk And Talk To Jesus’, ‘Let The Light from the Lighthouse’, ‘Jake Leg Blues’, ‘Beedle Um Bum’, ‘Muleskinner Blues’ and ending with ‘Gloryland’.  Well the whole thing was downright glorious.

1 February 2026 – Fret & Fiddle:   With strong, authentic echoes of those iconic gypsy jazz legends – Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt  – Stafford Jazz Society always look forward to a visit from this band.  Sally Minchin on violin and vocals leads with Shankara Andy Bole on guitar, Richard Hughes on piano and Simon Smith on string bass.  They opened with ‘All Of Me’ and followed on with ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Dance Me To The End Of Love’, ‘Bossa Dorado’, ‘I’m Ready’, ‘Fleur De Lavende’, ‘2.19 Blues’, ‘I’ve Found A New Baby’, ‘Tchavolo Swing’ and ‘Dark Eyes’.  In set two we had ‘Minor Swing’, ‘J’Attendrai’, ‘Misirlou’, ‘Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise’, ‘Ridin’ The Rails’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ and ‘Chocolate Jesus’.  My only wish was they had stayed a bit longer and played one of my favourites – ‘Jeeves And Worcester’ – but perhaps next time?

25 January 2026 – Graham Smith’s ‘Shades of Jazz’:  This was this band’s debut at SJS today.  The band consisted of Graham Smith (leader) on drums, Gary Wood on trumpet and vocals, John Hallam on reeds, Martin Veasey on trombone, Simon Smith on string bass and Richard Hughes on keyboard – all very talented musicians so we looked forward to this concert with much enthusiasm and they did not let us down.  They opened with ‘Hindustan’ and continued with ‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’, ‘Autumn Leaves’, a reeds feature with a number by Fats Waller, ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’, ‘The Nearness of You’, ‘Panama’ and ‘St Thomas’.  The second half opened with ‘Lester Leaps In’, ‘Route 66’, ‘Tico Tico’ – a piano solo, ‘Fidgety Feet’,  ‘That’s Life’, ‘ Take The A Train’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ and ending with ‘ Hey Barbaree Bop’.  I don’t need to tell you that the audience was on its feet to applaud a first rate concert.  We will see them again I feel sure.

18 January 2026 – Sarah Spencer’s Sax ‘N’ Bone Band:  It was delightful to see Sarah back at The White Eagle Club along with her Sax ‘n’ Bone Band.   Sarah Spencer (leader) was on tenor sax, Mike Owen on trombone and vocals, Zoltan Sagi on alto sax, “Lord” Jim Swinnerton on bass, Thomas “Spats” Langham on guitar and banjo and Graham Smith on drums.   This is this band’s second appearance for SJS and greatly appreciated it was.  They opened with ‘The Old Spinning Wheel In The Parlour’, and went on to play ‘Maisie (aka Martha)’, ‘Where The River Shannon Flows’, ‘Cap’s Blues’, ‘My Gal Sal’ and ‘The Mobile Stomp’.  For the second half we had ‘Say Si Si’, ‘My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It’, ‘Rose of Washington Square’, ‘My Little Girl’ and ending with ‘Panama’.  An appreciative audience were on their feet at the conclusion of this well received concert.

11 January 2026 – Dave Harmer’s New Orleans Hotshots:  This traditional New Orleans-style band, formed in 1993, is always welcome at SJS.  With Dave Harmer (leader) on trombone and vocals, Dave Leithead on trumpet and vocals, Kelvin Smith on clarinet, Al Harris on double bass and vocals, Keith Chaplin on drums and Joe Nutman on keyboard, we enjoyed their concert last week.  They opened with ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’ and went on with ‘ Beale Street Blues’, ‘Button Up Your Overcoat’, ‘Buona Sera’, ‘Yes Sir, That’s My Baby’, ‘Summer Time’, ragtime piano solo ‘Magnetic Ride’, ‘Please Don’t Talk About Me’, and ‘Stranger On The Shore’ completed the first half.  After the interval we had ‘Darktown Strutters Ball’, ‘A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square’, ‘King Of The Swingers’, ‘Just A Gigolo’, ‘Exactly Like You’, second keyboard ragtime solo ‘Ragtime Waltz’, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Any More’, ‘What A Wonderful World’, ‘Dr Jazz’ and ‘So Do I’.  Naturally the audience was on its feet even as the last notes were played.  Due to the weather there was a smaller attendance than usual but none the less appreciative.  Thanks Dave and company – see you again.

4 January 2026 – Warren James & His Lonesome Travellers:  With a few changes to the published cast of musicians this band played it’s socks off for SJS.  The band consisted of Warren James (leader) on guitar, banjo and vocals, Duncan Wilcox on double bass, Richard Exall on reeds,Malcolm Thorne on guitar and Stephen Fry on skiffle washboard and percussion.  The band describes itself as purveors of fine roots music including jazz, blues, skiffle and gospel.  They opened, appropriately enough, with  ‘Lonesome Traveller’ and continued with ‘Memories Are Made Of This’, ‘I’m Ragged But I’m Right’, ‘Deliah’s Gone’, ‘Salty Dog Rag Blues’, ‘Jenny’s Ball’, ‘Some Of These Days’, ‘Nagasaki (on the Isle of Wicki, Wacki Woo)’, ‘Putting On The Style’, ‘On A Dreamer’s Holiday’.  The second half then went on with ‘San Francisco Bay Blues’, ‘Nobody Wants You When You’re Down And Out’, ‘Home (When Shadows Fall)’, ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me’, ‘It’s Times Like That’ and finished with the extremely funny ‘Have A Whiff On Me’ based on the Cocaine Habit Blues and often played as Have A Drink On Me).  Just goes to show there is nothing new in life, just bits recycled.  The audience was on its feet at the conclusion of two hours of enjoyable music.  We look forward to their return.

28 December – No Concert

21 December – Wabash Jazzmen featuring Nick Ward: What’s That I hear you say, same band, different outfit.  Well you are half right and half wrong.  Yes four of last week’s musicians are in the band but with two different members.  Mark Challinor (leader) on banjo, guitar, ukulele and vocals was joined by Tony Pipkin on cornet, Richard Leach on trombone and Nick Ward on vintage percussion and these four were joined by Mike Hayler on clarinet and tenor sax and Richard Vernon on Bass.  The show was a great blend of jazz and Christmas numbers jazzed up.  They opened with ‘Georgia Camp Meeting’ and then came ‘East Coast Trot’, ‘When A Child Is Born’ and ‘Mary’s Boy Child’, followed by ;Savoy Blues’, ‘Down Home Rag’, ‘Silent Night’ and Wolverine Blues’.  The second half started with ‘Ol’ Miss Rag’, followed by ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ (Merry Christmas in Hawaiin for those who do not know), ‘Weary Blues’, ‘Maryland’ – with a festive brolly parade, ‘Isle Of Capri’ and ending up with ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’.  Fab-u-lous!

14 December – Richard Leach’s Street Band:  With Richard Leach (leader) on trombone, Tony Pipkin on cornet, trumpet and vocals, Zoltan Sagi on clarinet and alto sax, Dave Deakin on sousaphone, Mark Challinor on banjo, ukulele and vocals and Nick Ward on vintage percussion those present at this gig sat back safe in the knowledge that they would have a good couple of hours of music.  And they weren’t wrong.  The band opened with ‘Should I Reveal’ and went on to play ‘Linger A While’, ‘That’s A Plenty’, ‘Buddy Bolden’s Blues’, ‘Dark Eyes’, ‘Black Cat On The Fence’, ‘There’s A Rainbow Round My Shoulder’, ‘Sweethearts On Parade’, ‘Blame It On The Blues’, ‘New Orleans’, ‘Carry Me Back To Old Virginia’, ‘Midnight, The Stars And You’, ‘Give Me Your Telephone Number’, ‘September In The Rain’, ‘Just Because’, and finishing up with ‘Redwing’.  Great band, great music – what more’s to be said.

7 December – Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band featuring Jesper Capion Larsen (Denmark):  This all-star band is led by Sarah Spencer, critically acclaimed “the hottest tenor saxophonist on the jazz scene today”.  Also in the band are Rob Pearce on trombone, ‘Magic’ Mike Henry on cornet, ‘Lord’ Jim Swinnerton on string bass, Rachel Hayward on banjo and guitar, Graham Smith on drums and Jesper Capion Larsen on clarinet.  In the second half of the concert Rob was joined by Mike Owen, also on trombone.  Sadly I failed miserably to take much by way of notes of all the songs being played but I do recall a few that stuck in my mind – such as ‘S’il Vous Plait’, ‘Memories’, ‘The Old Ragged Cross’, ‘It’s The Loveliest Time of The Year’, ‘The Titanic Man Blues and ‘Poppa’s Got The Jim Jams’.  So at least you have some idea of the kind of music being played.   I will try to pay more attention next concert.  As always the SJS audience were highly appreciative of the band and they received a well-deserved standing ovation.  We shall be listening to Sarah again on 18 January when she brings her Sax ‘N’ Bone Band so if you want to listen to some good jazz put this in your calendar.

30 November 2025:  NO CONCERT

23 November 2025 – Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Falcons:  It was good to see Kevin Grenfell bring his new ensemble, Jazz Falcons, to play.  As well as Kevin on trombone and vocals this consisted of Gethin Liddington on trumpet, John Hallam on reeds, Vic Partridge on banjo and guitar, Simon Smith on double bass and Steve Street on drums.  They opened with ‘Hindustan’ and continued with ‘New To Me’, ‘Girl Of My Dreams’, ‘I Found A New Baby’, ‘My Blue Heaven’, ‘If I Had You’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Sentimental Journey’, ‘Shine’, ‘Sugar’ ‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’, ‘Swing That Music’ and ended with ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’.  The whole programme was interspersed with the jokes that Kevin seems to pull out of nowhere and which we all enjoy.  It’s a pleasure to see this band in action and we now look forward to Christmas 2026 when Kevin will be coming again to visit us.  Can’t wait.

16 November 2025 – Swing 25:  Good to see this band again with Julian Gregory on the violin, Matthew Compton on the accordion, Paul Hartley on the guitar, Ken Marley on bass and Paul Turner on percussion.  The heat in the room rose instantly once they started playing, opening with ‘Bossa Dorado’, and going on with ‘After You’ve Gone’, ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Manoir De Mes Reves’, Daphne’, ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘Mambo Influenciado’ and ‘La Vie En Rose’ bringing us to the interval.  Second half opened with ‘Minor Swing’, ‘All Of Me’, ‘Flambee Montalbanaise’ (the accordion left you in no doubt you were sitting in the sunshine near the Seine with a glass of wine in one hand), ‘Broadway’, ‘A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square’, ‘Johnny and Mary’, ‘Dark Eyes’ and ending with ‘Honeysuckle Rose’.  The room was on its feet and the applause went on and on.  Certainly this band is a bit hit with Stafford Jazz Society.  Looking forward to Swing 26 next year.

9 November 2025 – Sticky Wicket’s Swingtet featuring Chris Gumbley:  It was good to see this band again and with the addition of Sarah Cartwright on vocals the musicians were Alan ‘Sticky’ Wicket (leader) on drums, Jim Wynne on piano, Nick Wiltshire on vocals and Chris Gumbley on saxophone and clarinet.  Opening number was ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, followed by ‘Boogie Blues’, ‘China Boy’, ‘Petite Fleur’, ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘After You’ve Gone’, ‘Cry Me A River’, ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’, ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘That Old Devil Called Love’, ‘Nice Work if You Can Get It’, ‘In A Sentimental Mood’ (played with Chris on a bass clarinet), ‘Caravan’, ‘I’m Beginning To See The Light’ and ending with ‘When The Saints Come Marching In’.  Although all players and the lovely Sarah were great the real steal of the show was Sticky Wicket and his drumnastics.  Brilliant.  See you again I hope.

2 November 2025 – Keith Little’s Red Hot & Blue:  The was a premier performance by this band, although we know each of the musicians from other arrangements.  Keith Little (leader) plays the piano, Zoltan Sagi plays clarinet & saxophone, Rachel Hayward plays guitar and Bill Lynn completes the quartet on double bass.  The opening number was ‘Bourbon Street Parade’.  This was followed by ‘Pennies From Heaven’, ‘Moonglow’, ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘If I Had You’, ‘Stardust’, ‘Lullaby’, ‘All Of Me’, ‘C Jam Blues’, a piano boogie number, ‘Si Tu Vois Ma Mere’, ‘Crazy Rhythm’, ‘Ain’t Misbehaving’, ‘Blue Skies’ and ‘S’Wonderful’.  An enthusiastic audience sprung to their feet at the conclusion of the show to express their appreciation of a great Sunday concert.  Hope to see you again people.

26 October 2025 – Savannah Jazz Band:   To celebrate the Society’s 45^th anniversary the Savannah Jazz Band come for their final visit.  Yes, this well-loved Yorkshire-based band is shutting shop this year.  The band, consisting of Richard Church (leader) on trumpet, Brian ‘Sam’ Ellis on trombone and keyboard, Roger Bird on reeds and vocals, Chris Pendlebury on drums, Tony Pollitt on bass and Chris Marney on banjo and vocals gave us a “reet” good show at the end of October.  They opened with ‘Smiles’ and continued with ‘Wabash Blues’, “I Can’t Escape From You’, ‘Rose Room’, ‘One Sweet Letter’, ‘See See Rider’, ‘Down in Honky Tonk Town’, ‘1919 March’ (with a brolly parade), ‘Let’s Go To New Orleans’, ‘Franklin Street Blues’, ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’, ‘Washington and Lee’, and as always ended up with ‘Going Home’.  We shall miss them but we thank them for all the years they have come along and played for us.  Enjoy your retirement gentlemen of the band.

19 October 2025 – Matt Palmer’s Rhythmic Reeds:   Phil Shotton makes his SJS debut with a very impressive reputation preceding him as he joins the ever-popular Matt Palmer in a pairing that first played together successfully at the Nottingham Rhythm Club.  This five piece band consists of Matt Palmer (leader), reeds and vocals, Phil Shotton on reeds, Roger Browne on keyboard, Rae Owen on double bass and Nick Ward on vintage percussion.  They opened with ‘I’ve Found a New Baby’, and continued with ‘How Can You Face Me Now?’, ‘Blue Drag’, ‘The Jeep Is Jumpin’’, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore’, ‘Deed I Do’, ‘Tea For Two’ and ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me’.  The second half opened with ‘Honeysuckle Rose’ and continued with ‘Blue And Broken Hearted’, ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’, ‘Creole Love Call’, ‘Stealin’ Apples’, ‘Button Up Your Overcoat’, ‘Black and Blue’ and ending with ‘China Boy’.  Such a concert deserved the standing ovation it received.  Looking forward to seeing you back soon.

12 October 2025 – Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters:   With its roots in New Orleans Dixieland from its roots to the 1960s, this band is amazing.  With Paula Jackman (leader) on reeds (and with a broken arm!!), Hugh Crozier on piano and vocals, Mike ‘Magic’ Henry on cornet, John Watson on drums, ‘Lord’ Marc Easener on sousaphone and euphonium, Paul Taylor on trombone and Jimmy Monahan on reeds they opened with ‘Ole Miss Rag’ and continued with ‘I’m Crazy About My Baby’, ‘Apex Blues’, ‘Sanctuary of the Heart’, ‘Move The Body Over’, ‘Hard Hearted Hannah’ and ‘New Orleans Shuffle’ making up the first half and ‘Blueberry Hill’, ‘The Thin Red Line’, a feature on cornet by Mike ‘Magic’ Henry gave us ‘New Orleans’, ‘I’ve Got My Captain Working For Me Now’, ‘I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate’, ‘Midnight in Moscow’, ‘Struggin’ with Some Barbecue’, and ending with ‘’Leven Thirty Saturday Night’, there was rapturous applause from the room after each number.  This was followed at the conclusion by a standing ovation – well deserved.  Look forward to them coming to us again.

6 October 2025 – No concert

27 September 2025 – The Harlem Jazz Orchestra:  What a band – what a concert – smashing!  Bob Hunt (leader) was on trombone, Mike Henry on cornet, Wil Robinson and Charlie Manning on trumpet, Graham Woodhouse on valve trombone, Zoltan Sagi on clarinet and alto sax, Richard Exall on clarinet, alto sax and baritone sax, Art Toper on piano, John Irwin on guitar and banjo, Tomas Pederson on bass, John Watson on drums and Sarah Spencer was vocalist and compere. They opened with ‘King Kong’, and went on with ‘Harlem Romance’, ‘I Never Knew’, ‘Passing Time’, ‘Sweet and Lovely’, ‘’Leven-Thirty Saturday Night’, ‘Dinah’, ‘You’re Lucky To Me’, ‘Memories of Mish (short for Michelle)’, ‘Manchester Court’, ‘Have You Changed?’, ‘The Town Town Camp Meeting’, ‘Harlem Bound’, ‘Balti Nights in Birmingham’, ‘Mystery Song’, ‘Empty Chair’, ‘After You’ve Gone’, ‘When’, ‘Keep A Song In Your Soul’, ‘When a Black Man’s Blue’ and ‘Swanee Shuffle’.  This orchestra goes from strength to strength with authentic jazz classics from the 20s and 30s.  They rightly received a standing ovation.  We look forward to seeing them back with us again soon.

21 September 2025 – Chicago Teddybears Society Jazz Band:  How lovely to see this favourite band back at the White Eagle Club.  The line-up remains the same with leader, Rae Owens, on banjo/guitar/ukulele and vocals, Brian Singleton on drums, John Padfield on reeds, Jim Lucas on trumpet and baritone, Andy MacKenzie on trombone and vocals and Deano Revera on string bass.  This is New Orleans-based Dixieland jazz laced with a lot of good humour.  They opened with ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ and continued with ‘Hindustan’, ‘Savoy Blues’, ‘Gate-Mouth’, ‘Everybody Loves My Baby but My Baby Don’t Love Nobody But Me’, ‘Just a Little While To Stay’, ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’ (played on the string bass with good effect), ‘Milenburg Joys’, ‘When You And I Were young Maggie’, ‘Ain’t Misbehaving’, Strutting With Some BBQ’, ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie’, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, ‘Sunday’, High Society’ and finishing with ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’.  Feet tapping, many singing along to their favourites and an ovation at the end – doesn’t get any better.

14 September 2025 – Lazy River Festival Jazz Band:  This is the first time this band has played for us at the White Eagle Club, other some of them have appeared with other bands from time to time.  Chris Perrin on clarinet and saxophone is leader, Veronica Perrin on cornet, vocals and an amazing wind instrument called the melodia, Phil Ruthergford on sousaphone, Brian Mellor on banjo and guitar, John Penn on piano, Richard Leach on trombone and Nick Ward on percussion make up this lively band.   Their opening number was ‘Why Don’t You Go To New Orleans’, followed by ’Canal Street Blues’, ‘Mama’s Gone – Goodbye’, ‘Let The Light in The Lighthouse Shine On Me’, ‘Savoy Blues’, ‘Corazon’ (and sung in Spanish with a beautiful accent), ‘I Never Knew’ and the first half ended with ‘It Ain’t No Sin To Take Off Your Skin and Dance About In Your Bones’.  Second half was equally good with ‘You Meet The Nicest People In Your Dreams’, ‘Some Day Sweetheart’, ‘Some Of These Days’, ‘Tiger Rag’, ‘My Dear Mr Shane’, ‘Out Of Nowhere’, ‘Ham and Eggs’ and ‘We’ll Meet Again’.  And maybe we just might.

7 September 2025 – Trudgeon’s Trad Jazz Troubadors:   What a lovely opening band.  With Joseph Trudgeon on guitar as their leader and James Guilford on trumpet, Mike Kennedy on bass, Hugh Roberts on reeds and Nick Ward on percussion they presented a programme to please everyone in the room.  Their opening number was ‘Apex Blues’ and this was followed in no particular order by ‘Dear Old Girl’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Oh How I Miss You Tonight’, ‘Strutting With Some Barbecue’, ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘Dream Your Troubles Away’, ‘The Tattooed Lady’, ‘I’ve Found A New Baby’, ‘All I Do The Whole Day Through Is Dream Of You’, ‘When My Dreamboat Comes Home’, ‘The Royal Garden Blues’ and they ended with ‘Dr Jazz’.  This cross-generational combo brings old and new generations of jazz musicians together.  Their repertoire is from the 1920s to the 1940s.  The room was in full jazz mode and enjoyed every last minute of this concert.  We look forward to seeing them again at some point in 2026.