September 2022
4 SARAH SPENCER’S TRANSATLANTIC JAZZ BAND
A return appearance at Stafford for this all-star band led by Sarah Spencer who has been critically acclaimed as “the hottest tenor saxophonist on the jazz scene today”. Rob Pearce is on trombone, Mike “Magic” Henry (trumpet), “Lord” Jim Swinnerton (string bass), Hugh Crozier (piano) and “Baby” Jools Aldridge (drums).
11 TAME VALLEY STOMPERS
Firm favourites, the Stompers play with a sense of fun but never at the expense of their highly skilled musicianship, top entertainment value and quality presentation. Terry Brunt on trombone directs the show and Roger Wimpenny (trumpet) & Paul Broomhead (reeds) complete the front line. Peter Smith (bass guitar), John Gordon (banjo & guitar) provide a strong supporting rhythm section.
18 WABASH JAZZMEN featuring NICK WARD
Traditional New Orleans jazz rooted in the revivalist styles of Ken Colyer and early Chris Barber. Mark Challinor leads on banjo, guitar and occasional ukulele, with Mike Hayler (reeds), Richard Leach (trombone), Tony Pipkin (cornet), Richard Vernon (string bass) and special guest Nick Ward on drums and percussion.
25 BABY JOOLS’ JAZZAHOLICS
A band brimming with established stars of the current jazz scene and certainly one of the most popular. “Baby” Jools Aldridge leads on drums, “Lord” Jim Swinnerton (string bass), Warren “Lonnie” James (banjo & guitar), Karl Hird (reeds), Mike “Magic” Henry (ex Chris Barber) (trumpet/cornet) and Ian Bateman (ex Acker Bilk) on trombone. The Jazzaholics “are full of vitality and musicality to ensure a fantastic traditional jazz experience”.
October 2022
2 NO CONCERT
9 CHICAGO TEDDYBEARS SOCIETY JAZZBAND
Four times winner of SJS’s Band of the Year Award, this concert presents traditional, New Orleans and Dixieland jazz at its infectious foot-tapping best & always laced with good humour. The all-star line-up features Brian Singleton on drums, Rae Owens (banjo/guitar), John Padfield (reeds), Jim Lucas (trumpet), Andy Mackenzie (trombone) & Dean Revera on bass.
16 MIKE OWEN’S SCARLETTE’S SERENADERS, with special guest CHRISTINE TYRRELL
A return visit by this very popular band featuring Mike Owen (trombone), Sarah Spencer (reeds), Richard Vernon (string bass), Nick Ward (drums & percussion) with Ian Wynne on piano. And adding to this all-star attraction is Jamaican-born celebrity jazz vocalist Christine Tyrrell, loved by SJS audiences and a very special guest!
23 ANDY LEGGETT’S CENTENARY SERENADERS(SJS Anniversary Concert)
Top quality band founded by renowned Bechet-style reedsman Andy Leggett (clarinet + soprano, alto & tenor saxes). Joining Andy in the front line will be Lewis Taylor (trumpet) and Dave Deakin (trombone). The rhythm section features Rachel Hayward (guitar & banjo), Bill Frampton (string bass), & Dave Andrews (drums).
30 JEREMY HUGGETT’S JAZZ & BOOGIE BAND
This band does exactly what it says on the tin by playing all your jazz & boogie favourites. The line-up features Jeremy Huggett (piano & vocals), Alex Clarke (saxophones), Kevin Grenfell (trombone, trumpet & vocals), Simon Smith (bass) and Alex Goodyear (drums). A lively & swinging combo, great for both listening and dancing and guaranteed to give a foot tapping session of classic jazz & boogie.
November 2022
6 SAVANNAH JAZZ BAND
There’s never a shortage of fun, excitement and great foot-tapping jazz from the Savannah. This Yorkshire-based band plays New Orleans jazz with real bounce and kick. Band leader John Meehan (drums), Tony Pollitt (bass), & Chris Marney (banjo) form the rhythm section. The front line is led by Richard Church (trumpet) with Brian “Sam” Ellis (trombone & keyboard) & Roger Myerscough (reeds & “beautiful voice”).
13 BOB DWYER’S BIX & PIECES
A London based band presenting a mix of the traditional styles of jazz and, as its name suggests, influenced by the legendary Bix Beiderbecke. Bob Dwyer leads on trombone with Paula Jackman on reeds. Mike “Magic” Henry (trumpet/cornet), Hugh Crozier (piano), Marc Easener (sousaphone) and Graham Collicott in the engine room on drums.
20 SAX SHACK BIG BAND
An SJS debut for this Potteries-based big band which blends some of the Midlands’ most established musicians with a raft of rising young stars. The band presents an engaging mix of classic tunes and contemporary numbers along with vocals and ensemble features, and its tight, big sound is not to be missed. The Sax Shack band takes its name from the woodwind shop of the same name in Fenton, run by co-founder Rob Paramore.
27 RICHARD LEACH’S STREET BAND
A debut SJS appearance for this band but packed with familiar, star-studded names. Richard leads on trombone and is joined in the front line by Tony Pipkin (cornet) and Hungarian-born Zoltan Sagi (clarinet & alto sax). With Dave Deakin (sousaphone), Mark Challinor (banjo & ukulele) & Nick Ward (drums & percussion) the Street Band is guaranteed to excite.
December 2022
4 JAKE LEG JUG BAND
A hugely popular annual concert bringing authentic, nostalgic sounds of America in the 1920s/1930s era and displaying expert instrumental virtuosity to superb musical arrangements laced with good humour. Duncan Wilcox leads on double bass, Bryony Rose on vocals & washboard, Neil Hulse (guitar), Liam Ward (harmonica & jug), Warren James (banjo) & Alex Clarke (clarinet/sax). Complete entertainment.
11 NO CONCERT
18 KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ GIANTS(Christmas Concert)
One of the most sought-after bands for major jazz events. Formed in 2012, the Giants are the creation of Kevin Grenfell who leads on trombone, trumpet (and cheeky humour!), with the renowned Jeremy Huggett on reeds, Richard Hughes (piano), Simon Smith (double bass) & “Baby” Jools Aldridge (drums & percussion). Top quality jazz & swing, top quality entertainment – a cracker of a Christmas concert in prospect!
25 NO CONCERT