SEPTEMBER 2024
1 BABY JOOLS’ JAZZAHOLICS
A top-of-the-bill curtain-raiser to a new season! Led by UK’s leading New Orleans style drummer “Baby” Jools Aldridge this all-star line-up has Howard Worthington on string bass, Warren “Lonnie” James on banjo/guitar, “Magic” Mike Henry on trumpet/cornet, Karl Hird on reeds and Richard Leach on trombone. “Happy days are here again!”
8 JEFF & ANNE BARNHART (USA) present “AA’s Road Atlas to Jazz”
USA favourite flautist/vocalist Anne Barnhart teams up with UK reeds phenomenon Amy Roberts (making her club debut!) to bring an eclectic musical offering of ragtime, jazz, vintage pop tunes & swing. Aiding and Abetting them are Anne’s husband pianist/vocalist /raconteur Jeff Barnhart and the UK’s beloved troubadour/banjoist/guitarist/vocalist/storyteller Thomas “Spats” Langham. Ours is the first venue presenting this stunning new quartet and we know they will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face!
15 SARAH SPENCER’S TRANSATLANTIC BAND
featuring Jesper Capion Larsen (Denmark)
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, “Magic” Mike Henry (cornet), “Lord” Jim Swinnerton (string bass), Hugh Crozier (piano), Graham Smith (drums) and featuring star clarinettist from Denmark, the truly wonderful Jesper Capion Larsen.
Stafford Jazz Society’s ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will follow this concert at 2-45pm.
22 DART VALLEY STOMPERS
“Taking traditional jazz by storm” is the band’s mission statement and how well they live up to it! Award-winning reedsman Jeremy Huggett leads with Kevin Grenfell (trombone) & Tony Pipkin (trumpet) joining them in a stellar front line. An equally strong rhythm section features Vic Partridge (banjo), Mike Green (double bass) & Steve Street (drums).
29 KEITH LITTLE SWING FOUR
A debut appearance for this jazz quartet from the musical nation of Wales. Pianist and impresario Keith Little is joined by American bass player and vocalist Donnie Joe Sweeney, “The fabulous” Gethin Liddington is on trumpet & vocals & Greg Evans is on drums. The style will be 1930s/40s “deft & dazzling” jazz and swing and with some American Songbook included for good measure.
OCTOBER 2024
6 THREE BEARS JAZZ BAND
Two reeds-playing superstars, Amy Roberts and John Hallam, join Tom Kincaid, the Stockport-based jazz pianist with a truly international reputation. Jack Cotterill is in the engine room on drums and the “ace on the bass” SJS favourite “Lord” Jim Swinnerton completes the combo. Five-star musicians all!
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20 THE HARLEM JAZZ ORCHESTRA
A professional 13-piece ensemble drawn from across central England and specialising in authentic jazz classics from the late 1920s to the early 1930s. Directed by Bob Hunt on trombone the orchestra features Enrico Tomasso (trumpet), Wil Robinson (trumpet), Charlie Manning (trumpet), Graham Woodhouse (trombone), Zoltan Sagi (reeds), Richard Exall (reeds), Michael Kilpatrick (reeds), Art Toper (piano), Rachel Hayward (banjo/guitar), Tomas Pedersen (string bass), Nick Ward (drums) and Sarah Spencer (vocals).
27 SAVANNAH JAZZ BAND
SJS 44th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT with Brolly Parade
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. Ray Bowden is on drums, Tony Pollitt (bass) and Chris Marney (banjo) complete the rhythm section. The front line is led by Richard Church (trumpet) with Brian “Sam” Ellis (trombone & piano) and Roger Bird (reeds). A top band for our big occasion!
NOVEMBER 2024
3 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 with the renowned Jeremy Huggett (clarinet, saxophone & flute). Richard Hughes (piano), Simon Smith (double bass) & “Baby” Jools Aldridge (drums) complete the all-star line-up. Top quality jazz & swing, top quality entertainment.
10 WABASH JAZZMEN
featuring Nick Ward
Foot-tapping 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 as special guest, the award-winning Nick Ward with his vintage percussion.
17 MATT PALMER’S EAGLE JAZZ BAND
One of the UK’s longest established traditional jazz bands, this Midlands based combo is always entertaining. Led by gifted reeds player Matt Palmer, with Pete Brown on trumpet & valve trombone, Terry McGrath (trombone), Brian Mellor (banjo & guitar), guest Rae Owens (double bass) and Tim Jones on drums. “Bring me Sunshine” is their signature closing number – and they always do!
24 JEREMY HUGGETT’S JAZZ & BOOGIE BAND
This band does exactly what it says on the label – 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 – guaranteed to give a foot tapping and thoroughly entertaining session.
DECEMBER 2024
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8 PAULA JACKMAN’S JAZZ MASTERS
A welcome return for last season’s debut band the Jazz Masters. Paula leads on clarinet and alongside her in the front line are “Magic” Mike Henry (trumpet) and Dave Lalljee (trombone). An equally strong rhythm section features “Lord” Marc Easener (sousaphone), Graham Collicott (drums) and Hugh Crozier on piano. Dixieland jazz with roots in New Orleans through to the UK trad boom of the late 1950s, early 1960s.
15 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, Cohen Wilcox (washboard), Warren “Lonnie” James (guitar & banjo), Richard Leach (trombone) & Alex Clarke (clarinet/sax). Complete entertainment.
22 DEBONAIRES LITTLE BIG BAND
CHRISTMAS CONCERT with Brolly Parade
The Committee’s unanimous choice for this year’s Christmas concert. Led by trumpeter Max Debon and featuring Sarah Eastwood on clarinet and vocals, Austin Ralphson (Trombone), Rick Halliwell (alto sax), Anne Holder (tenor sax), Jon Burr (bass), Peter Wilson (piano) & Rob Turner (drums). Jump-jive & swing music laced with generous helpings of traditional festive favourites. A cracker of a concert in prospect.
JANUARY 2025
5 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, with Alan Cresswell (clarinet), Ray Bowden (drums) and Richard Church (trumpet). Simon Wyld (trombone) and John Sirett on double bass complete the combo.
12 TRUDGEON’S TRAD JAZZ TROUBADORS
“Bringing the sounds of the good old days back” – the aim of Joseph Trudgeon who leads on guitar and vocals and who started the band as a cross-generational combo bringing old and young generations of jazz musicians together. Enjoy a repertoire of early swing, New Orleans jazz and traditional jazz from the 1920s to 1940s with Ceri Williams (trumpet), Mike Owen (trombone), Mike Kennedy (bass), Andy Leggett (reeds) and “Baby” Jools Aldridge (drums).
19 MATT PALMER’S GATSBY GO-GETTERS
Classic jazz with all the sophistication and feel of the 1920s/1930s, evoking all the fun and frivolity of that bygone era and with band hats to match! Matt leads the Go-Getters on reeds with Joe Nutman on ragtime piano, Dave Leithead on trumpet, Al Harris on string bass and Nick Ward on his full range of vintage percussion.
26 WARREN “Lonnie” JAMES’ SKIFFLE BAND
A Lonnie Donegan inspired “Skiffle” concert is now a regular and hugely popular feature of our annual programme. 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. Mind the Cumberland Gap!
FEBRUARY 2025
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9 BOB DWYER’S CELEBRITY SIX
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 “bixophile” trumpeter Malcolm Walton. All invited and led by Bob Dwyer (trombone).
16 DAVE HARMER’S NEW ORLEANS HOTSHOTS
A Leicester based traditional New Orleans style band first formed in 1993. Led by Dave Harmer on trombone with Dave Leithead (trumpet) & Kelvin Smith (reeds) completing the front line. The rhythm section features Al Harris (string bass), Keith Chaplin (drums) & well-known ragtime specialist Joe Nutman on piano keyboard.
23 BILL BAILEY ALL-STARS
Playing a wide range of jazz this East Midlands based band has been delighting trad jazz fans for many years. Led by the incorrigible Richard “Bill” Bailey – famous for his Santa Claus appearances in December shopping stores – on trumpet, with Roger Keay (saxophone), Dave Deakin (trombone), Peter “Pedro” Robinson (banjo/guitar), Steve Peters (string bass) & Keith Chaplin (drums), expect foot-tapping jazz well laced with a sense of fun!
MARCH 2025
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9 HOT TEAPOTS JAZZ BAND (ITALY)
An ensemble dedicated to early 20th century dance music. Formed in Northern Italy as a street performing band their main focus is on North American early jazz & blues, ragtime & popular tunes. Davide Vincenzi plays clarinet & saxophone, Glauco Benedetti, trombone & tuba, Federico Zaltron, violin, Michele Bertoldi, guitar & vocals, and Ryan Baer (of Frog & Henry fame), tenor banjo & vocals. Bravissimo!
16 JEREMY HUGGETT’S JAZZ & BOOGIE BAND
Multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Huggett returns with a second programme of jazz and boogie. Launched in 2020, this all-star combo has thrilled audiences with its swinging sound and diverse repertoire. Jeremy on keyboard is joined by Alex Clarke (saxophone), Kevin Grenfell (trombone & trumpet), Simon Smith (string bass) and Steve Street (drums).
23 ORIGINAL PANAMA JAZZ BAND
A Wirral based Dixieland/Chicago style jazz band, first established in 1954 and currently led by Jon Critchley on trumpet, with Jonny Spall (reeds). Andrew MacKenzie (trombone), Isabel Toner (string bass) Bill Buck on drums and Alan Jeffs on guitar. Expect a broad and entertaining repertoire of both classical jazz and contemporary tunes.
30 SLIDE BY SLIDE
featuring Kevin Grenfell & Richard Leach
Two of the UK jazz circuit’s very best trombonists, side by side, with Kevin adding some fine trumpet playing and featuring Simon Smith (string bass), Richard Hughes (piano), and Steve Street (drums). Expect a diverse repertoire from show songs & ballads to jazz of varying styles together with some contemporary tunes. One of the most entertaining of bands and a firm SJS favourite.
APRIL 2025
6 SWING 25
Music of the Parisian cafés and what a great debut concert they gave us last season! Hot Club gypsy jazz & swing by five gifted musicians, two of whom, Julian Gregory (violin) & Matthew Compton (accordion), play violin & viola respectively in the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. Peter “Pedro” Robinson plays double bass, Roger Keay (drums) & Paul Hartley (guitar). Julian is critically acclaimed as one of the UK’s top fiddle players “combining an effortless creative freedom with tremendous rhythmic drive”.
13 RICHARD LEACH 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) & 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 to entertain.
20 JANE WILLIAMS JAZZ QUINTET
featuring Andy Leggett
Welsh vocalist and ukulele player Jane returns by popular request. Joining her will be guitarist Mike Frost, Dave Deakin on string bass & trombone, Greg Evans on drums and the greatly admired Andy Leggett on a full range of reeds, including a bass saxophone (of Harry Gold fame), seldom heard at jazz concerts. Jazz music of top quality from the “Land of Song”.
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MAY 2025
4 FRET & FIDDLE
Featuring Sally Minchin on violin & vocals, Andy Bole (guitar), Richard Hughes (piano), Simon Smith (string bass) & Steve Street on drums, this award-winning band originated from their mutual enthusiasm for the music of the Hot Club de France, therefore expect strong and authentic echoes of gypsy jazz legends Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.
11 CHICAGO TEDDY BEARS SOCIETY JAZZ BAND
Four times winner of SJS’s Band of the Year Award, the “Chicago Teds” present 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 string bass.
18 KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ GIANTS
featuring Paul Harrison
Heralded in the European jazz press as a “refreshing, world class player”, renowned British-born but Denmark based reeds player Paul Harrison makes a long-awaited tour visit to the UK and to SJS. Kevin Grenfell is on trombone & trumpet, Soren Stausbol (piano/vocals), Simon Smith (double bass) and “Baby” Jools Aldridge (drums). A great opportunity to see and to hear a virtuoso international performer in an all-star band.
25 BABY JOOLS’ JAZZAHOLICS
Our chosen band to open and close our season of concerts with a real New Orleans bounce and kick, led by “Baby” Jools Aldridge on drums and with Warren “Lonnie” James on banjo & guitar and adding skiffle to the programme, “Lord” Jim Swinnerton on string bass, Karl Hird on reeds, Richard Leach on trombone and “Magic” Mike Henry on cornet. A grand finale is guaranteed!