SEPTEMBER 2023
3 NO CONCERT
10 CHICAGO TEDDY BEARS 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.
17 JEFF BARNHART’S SWING SOPHISTICATES
“A ramekin of ragtime, a bowl of blues and a saucer of swing” all dished up with typical verve & virtuosity by top American visitors Jeff & Anne Barnhart on piano, flute & vocals respectively, & with two of their favourite UK musicians, Nick Ward on vintage percussion & the multi-faceted Wil Robinson on trumpet, flugelhorn & vocals. A rich musical menu to savour!
24 SARAH SPENCER’S TRANSATLANTIC BAND
A welcome return appearance at SJS for this all-star band led by Sarah Spencer who has been critically acclaimed as “the hottest tenor saxophonist on the jazz scene today”. Mike Owen is on trombone, Mike “Magic” Henry (trumpet), “Lord” Jim Swinnerton (string bass), Hugh Crozier (piano) and Graham Smith (drums).
OCTOBER 2023
1 DART VALLEY STOMPERS
“Taking traditional jazz by storm” is the band’s mission statement & how well they live up to it! Award-winning reedsman Jeremy Huggett leads with Kevin Grenfell (trombone) & Graham Trevarton (trumpet) joining him in a stellar front line. An equally strong rhythm section features Howard Williams (banjo/guitar), Keith Tolley (double bass) & Steve Street (drums).
8 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 (trumpet/cornet) and Kevin Grenfell on trombone.
15 SWING 23
Music of the Parisian cafés and Hot Club gypsy jazz & swing by five gifted musicians, two of whom, Julian Gregory (violin) & Matthew Compton (accordion), play in the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. They are joined by Peter Robinson (bass), Roger Keys (drums) & Paul Hartley (guitar). Julian is widely regarded as one of the UK’s top fiddle players and combines an effortless creative freedom with tremendous rhythmic drive. Ooh la la!
22 BATEMAN BROTHERS’ JAZZ BAND (SJS 43rd Anniversary Concert)
“NOW YOU HAS JAZZ” Tribute to Louis Armstrong & his All-Stars
A band that has made a meteoric rise to the heights of the UK jazz scene and beyond. Brimming with musicians of the famous Ball, Barber & Bilk bands we welcome Ian Bateman (trombone), Alan Bateman (trumpet & vocals), Trevor Whiting (clarinet), Craig Milverton (piano), Tom Clarke-Hill (bass) & Nick Millward (drums). In all a galaxy of current stars faithfully recreating the iconic music of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong and his All-Stars. This concert will feature a Brolly Parade.
29 SAVANNAH JAZZBAND
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 a real bounce and kick to it. Graham Smith is on drums, Tony Pollitt (bass) and Chris Marney (banjo) to complete the rhythm section. The front line is led by Richard Church (trumpet) with Brian “Sam” Ellis (trombone & occasional keyboard) and Roger Bird (reeds).
NOVEMBER 2023
5 NO CONCERT
12 GOLDEN EAGLE JAZZ BAND
The mission of this band is “to play New Orleans jazz in the way it was meant to be played, that is, with a powerful and melodic front line and a hard-driving rhythm section”. Kevin Scott leads on tenor banjo and tenor guitar, with Alan Cresswell (clarinet), Ray Bowden (drums) and Richard Church (trumpet). Roy Stokes (trombone) and Chris “thumper” Thompson on double bass.
19 RICHARD HUGHES’ FUGUE AND GROOVE TRIO with JEREMY HUGGETT
SJS is familiar with the versatile and seasoned rhythm section of Richard Hughes (keyboard), Steve Street (drums) and Simon Smith ((bass). Add the immensely popular and dexterous Jeremy Huggett on saxes and the result is an exciting new combo which combines both jazz and classical elements. Something familiar, something new – swinging jazz and unique twists on hits from the classical repertoire. Something for everyone!
26 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), Hugh Crozier (piano), and Marc Easener (sousaphone). Graham Collicott in the engine room on drums completes the line-up.
DECEMBER 2023
3 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 with his vintage percussion.
10 DEBONAIRES LITTLE BIG BAND
A vintage, lively and highly sophisticated dance band led by trumpeter Max Debon and featuring Sarah Eastwood on clarinet and vocals, Rick Halliwell (alto sax), Anne Holder (tenor sax), Austin Ralphson (trombone), Peter Wilson (piano), Jon Burr (bass) & Rob Turner (drums). Jump-jive & swing music from the early jazz and swing era.
17 MIKE OWEN’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER BAND
Sarah Spencer (reeds), Mike Owen (trombone), Ian Wynne (piano), Richard Vernon (double bass) & Graham Smith (drums) are this year’s Festive Five, specially assembled to spice up the Christmas spirit and to send us off with a New Orleans bounce. And yes, there will be a Brolly Parade, so get into training! A cracker of a concert in prospect!
24 NO CONCERT
31 NO CONCERT
JANUARY 2024
7 NO CONCERT
14 PAULA JACKMAN’S JAZZ MASTERS
A Stafford debut for the Jazz Masters but with familiar and distinguished names in the band. Paula leads on clarinet and alongside her in the front line are “Magic” Mike Henry (trumpet) and Alistair Allan (trombone). An equally strong rhythm section features Marc Easener (sousaphone), Graham Collicott (drums) and Hugh Crozier on piano. Dixieland jazz with roots in New Orleans through to the UK trad boom.
21 ANDY LEGGETT’S CENTENARY SERENADERS
Second visit of the band founded and led by top reedsman and renowned exponent of the Bechet style, Andy Leggett. Ceri Williams leads the front line on trumpet with Dave Deakin (trombone) and a rhythm section of Rachel Hayward (guitar & banjo) Joe Trudgeon (string bass), & Dave Andrews (drums). Music from the classic jazz repertoire.
28 THAT BIG BAND
Formerly branded the Sax Shack Big Band this Potteries-based 19-piece combo blends some of the Midlands’ most established musicians with a raft of rising young stars. Their repertoire is an engaging mix of classic tunes and contemporary numbers. Baritone Sax player Chris Davies is Bandleader, Tez Smith (Musical Director & lead trumpet), Matt Horner (lead trombone), Kev Smith (lead alto) & Aidan Goldstraw leads the rhythm section on piano. A tight, big sound not to be missed!
FEBRUARY 2024
4 JEREMY HUGGETT’S JAZZ & BOOGIE BAND
This band does exactly what it says on the label 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 Steve Street (drums). A lively & swinging combo, great for both listening and dancing and guaranteed to give a foot tapping session of classic jazz & boogie.
11 WARREN “Lonnie” JAMES & HIS SKIFFLE BAND
So successful was Warren’s guitar, banjo and vocals tribute to Lonnie Donegan last year there was an immediate call to have more of the same hence this very popular return visit. Joining Warren again will be “The Ace on the Bass” Jim “Lord” Swinnerton, top New Orleans style drummer “Baby” Jools Aldridge, and special guests lead guitarist Howard Gregory and Mike Owen on trombone.
18 SARAH SPENCER’S SAX ‘N’ BONE BAND
A new but individually familiar combination of musicians created and powerfully led by top saxophonist Sarah. Zoltan Sagi (ex Chris Barber Band) (reeds) and Mike Owen (trombone) join Sarah in the front line whilst Jim Swinnerton (bass), Graham Smith (drums) and Rachel Hayward (banjo) form an equally stellar supporting rhythm section.
25 BOB DWYER’S CELEB 6
An all-star celebrity band featuring some of the most well-known and highly acclaimed musicians of the UK traditional jazz scene: Jon Penn (piano), Marc Easener (string bass & sousaphone), Nick Ward (vintage percussion), Matt Palmer (reeds) and Pete Rudeforth (ex Chris Barber) (trumpet). All invited and led by Bob Dwyer (trombone).
MARCH 2024
3 FRET & FIDDLE
Featuring Sally Whitham on jazz violin & voice, Andy Bole (guitar), Richard Hughes (piano), Simon Smith (string bass) & Steve Street on drums, this award-winning band originated from a mutual enthusiasm for the music of the Hot Club de France; therefore expect strong and authentic echoes of Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.
10 KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ GIANTS
One of the most sought-after bands for major jazz events, the Giants are the creation of Kevin Grenfell who leads on trombone, trumpet (and cheeky humour!), with the renowned Jeremy Huggett (reeds), Richard Hughes (piano), Simon Smith (double bass) & “Baby” Jools Aldridge (drums). Top quality jazz & swing, top quality entertainment.
17 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, Liam Ward (harmonica, jug, saw, kazoo & washboard), Warren James (guitar & banjo), Richard Leach (trombone) & Alex Clarke (clarinet/sax). Complete entertainment.
24 RICHARD LEACH’S STREET BAND
A return appearance for this band packed with familiar, star-studded names. Richard leads on trombone and is joined in the front line by Tony Pipkin (cornet) and Zoltan Sagi (clarinet & alto sax). With Dave Deakin (sousaphone), Mark Challinor (banjo & ukulele) & Nick Ward (vintage percussion) the Street Band is guaranteed to excite and entertain.
31 JANE WILLIAMS’ JAZZ QUINTET featuring ANDY LEGGETT
Following her highly successful debut at SJS last year, Welsh vocalist and ukulele player Jane returns by popular request. Joining her will be guitarist Mike Frost, Don Sweeney on string bass, Greg Evans on drums and the greatly admired Andy Leggett on reeds that includes a bass saxophone, seldom heard at jazz concerts. Jazz music from the “Land of Song”.
APRIL 2024
7 NO CONCERT
14 THE PEDIGREE FIVE
“Mardi Gras Memories” is the theme of Chris Walker’s new show offering an entertaining selection of well-known traditional jazz standards. Chris leads on reeds (clarinet, baritone & alto saxophones) with Andy Chislett (trumpet & flugelhorn) completing the front line. The rhythm section comprises John Noddings (banjo & guitar), Tomas Pedersen (double bass) and Sy Gorelick (drums).
21 NEW ORLEANS HOTSHOTS
A Leicester based traditional, New Orleans style jazz band led by Dave Harmer on trombone with Dave Leithead (trumpet) & special guest Matt Palmer (reeds) completing the front line. The rhythm section features Al Harris (bass), Keith Chaplin (drums) & well-known ragtime specialist Joe Nutman on piano keyboard.
28 STICKY WICKET & HIS SWINGTET featuring CHRIS GUMBLEY
Alan “Sticky” Wicket, widely regarded as UK’s No.1 swing drummer and earning the title of “drummer extraordinaire” for his entertaining “drumnastic” solos, makes a long-awaited return to SJS with his critically acclaimed Swingtet. Also expected are Mike Kemp (piano), Geoff Tooley (guitar), Mike Green (double bass), Linda Gelernter (vocals) and Stafford’s very own top jazz reedsman and educator Chris Gumbley (alto sax & clarinet). Music from the “Swinging ‘40s”.
MAY 2024
5 KEVIN GRENFELL & RICHARD LEACH SLIDE BY SLIDE
Two of the very best trombonists on today’s jazz circuit with Kevin adding some fine trumpet playing and featuring Simon Smith (string bass), Richard Hughes (piano), and Jack Cotterill (drums). Slide by Slide – without question one of the most musical and entertaining of bands and a firm favourite at SJS.
12 JEFF BARNHART’S INTERNATIONAL SWING QUARTET
US piano wizard Jeff Barnhart crosses the big pond again with his jazz flautist/vocalist wife Anne. Joining them today are top UK drummer Graham Smith and ace reeds player John Hallam who makes a long-awaited return; in all a thrilling quartet of stellar jazz musicians. “Fireworks will surely fly as Anne and John flaunt facile fingering and florid filigrees while Jeff and Graham hang on for dear life! Fasten your seatbelts!”
19 NO CONCERT
26 BABY JOOLS’ JAZZAHOLICS
What a grand finale band for our season! “Baby” Jools Aldridge leads on drums, “Lord” Jim Swinnerton (string bass), Warren “Lonnie” James (banjo & guitar), Karl Hird (reeds), Mike “Magic” Henry (trumpet/cornet) and Kevin Grenfell on trombone. Guaranteed to send us into the summer break with a true New Orleans bounce in our step!