THE STAFFORD JAZZ SOCIETY (EST. 1981)
LIVE SUNDAY LUNCHTIME JAZZ AT STAFFORD’S WHITE EAGLE (POLISH) CLUB
SEPTEMBER 2026
6 BABY JOOLS ALL-STAR JAZZAHOLICS
Our regularly chosen band to raise the curtain on our new season of concerts with a real New Orleans bounce and kick. Led by power-house drummer “Baby” Jools Aldridge and with “Magic” Mike Henry (cornet), Simon Smith (double bass), Rob Pearce (trombone) & Brian Meller (banjo). Join us for what will be, without doubt, a great celebration of our wonderful music and a fitting opening to our 46th season.
13 SWING SUMMIT
Nik Payton and Zoltan Sagi have been friends and colleagues for over 30 years. They were both members of the Chris Barber Big Band and have toured with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Swing Summit plays a selection of double reed arrangements with echoes of Bob Wilber & Kenny Davern’s Soprano Summit. Nik was a student of Bob Wilber and toured the USA with him. One of his many other top musical achievements has seen him tour with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He has performed in Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and the US. Joining them today will be the wonderful pianist Andrzej Baranek, Mike Green (bass) & Graham Smith (drums); a formidable rhythm section.
20 HARLEM JAZZ ORCHESTRA
A professional 12-piece ensemble drawn from across central England and specialising in authentic jazz classics from the late 1920s to the early 1930s. Directed & arranged by Bob Hunt on lead trombone the orchestra features “Magic” Mike Henry (lead cornet), Wil Robinson (trumpet), Charlie Manning (trumpet), Graham Woodhouse (valve & slide trombone), Zoltan Sagi (lead reeds section), Richard Exall (reeds), Michael Kilpatrick (clarinet, alto sax & baritone sax), Art Toper (piano), John Irwin (banjo/guitar), Geoff Tooley (bass) & Nick Ward (drums).
27 STORYVILLE JASS BAND (Holland)
One of Holland’s oldest bands, founded in 1959, and a regular touring band in UK, they make their SJS debut with a reputation for playing “with great enthusiasm and a touch of humour”. One review reads: “…they were marvellous and exactly what our club loves: good old trad jazz”. The expected line-up is: Michael Muller (band leader & trumpet), Eugene de Bruijn (clarinet), Vincent Roerdink (trombone), Dan Simon (double bass), Tom Stuip (banjo) and Stef Geurts (drums).
OCTOBER 2026
4 FRET & FIDDLE
Featuring Sally Minchin on violin & vocals, husband Shankara Andy Bole (guitar & bouzouki guitar), Richard Hughes (piano), Simon Smith (string bass) & Steve Street (drums), this popular award-winning band is greatly influenced by their mutual enthusiasm for the iconic music of the Hot Club de France; therefore expect strong and authentic echoes of those gypsy jazz legends Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.
11 SARAH SPENCER’S LEVIATHAN N.O. PARADE BAND
“The Roots of the Revival”
Two bands within a single band! One to perform the music of the New Orleans Revival (with memories of Sam Morgan’s Jazz Band & A.J. Peron’s Creole Orchestra), the other to bring the music of the New Orleans ragtime era, all in one mouth-watering show! Featuring: “Magic” Mike Henry & Finlay Milne (trumpets); Mike Owen & Rob Pearce (trombones); Zoltan Sagi (alto sax); Sarah Spencer (tenor sax); Dickie White (banjo); Jim Swinnerton (sousaphone & string bass) and Graham Smith & Nick Ward (drums). New Orleans comes to Stafford’s White Eagle Club courtesy of the Stafford Jazz Society.
18 PAULA JACKMAN’S JAZZ MASTERS
Dixieland jazz with roots in New Orleans through to the trad-boom of the late 1950s, early 1960s. Paula leads on reeds with Paul Taylor (trombone), John Watson (drums), Hugh Crozier (piano & vocals), “Lord” Marc Easener (sousaphone) and special guest Gary Wood on trumpet. Masters of their instruments all!
Stafford Jazz Society’s ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will follow this concert at 2-45pm.
25 EASY STREET SPANKERS
Stafford Jazz Society’s 46th Anniversary Concert with Brolly Parade
Originally known as the New Toledo Jazz Band and based in Sheffield, Peter Childes and Wil Robinson have always been joint leaders. They changed their name to the Easy Street Spankers to give a very different and stand-out identity to other bands. The line-up is Wil Robinson (trumpet), Dave Deakin (trombone), Peter Childes (clarinet), Andy Bramall (banjo/guitar), Chris Bramall (bass) and Rob Cotterell (drums). A spanking good anniversary concert in prospect!
NOTE: “Brolly Parades”, when participants march to a live jazz band waving and dancing with decorated umbrellas are rooted in the historic "Second Line" parades of New Orleans. We especially remember Gwen Kenyon in our brolly parades; she introduced them to our concerts in January 1997, bought & hand-decorated most of our greatly admired collection of brollies herself and led our parading around the room with high kicks for many years. Thanks Gwen, this, and all our Brolly Parades are for you.
NOVEMBER 2026
1 REGENERATION BIG BAND
Back by popular demand! The big band that brings together 17 of the North West’s finest big band and jazz musicians and is led by Nigel Ashworth who formerly toured with the famous Syd Lawrence Orchestra for a decade. Expect “amazing” vocals by Lydia Rae and enjoy bebop and swing music of the 1940’s and 1950’s. The Director of the Wigan International Jazz Festival writes: “…sounds like a big band should sound”. Having heard them last season, no-one would disagree!
8 NO CONCERT
15 CHICAGO TEDDYBEARS SOCIETY JAZZBAND
Four times winner of SJS’s Band of the Year Award, the “Chicago Teds” perform New Orleans based 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/ukulele), John Padfield (reeds), Jim Lucas (trumpet), Andy MacKenzie (trombone) & Deano Revera on string bass. Without doubt one of the most successful and enduring bands on the UK jazz circuit!
22 HUGH CROZIER’S INCOMPARABLES
Named after Jelly Roll Morton’s Incomparables, Hugh Crozier, - one of the best exponents of that style of piano playing and a brilliant “boogie” player – brings and leads a quintet of top quality musicians playing the music of Morton, the Hot 5 and other music of that legendary era. “Magic” Mike Henry leads the front line on cornet, Chris Lowe plays trombone and Paula Jackman is on reeds. “Lord” Jim Swinnerton completes the combo on double bass.
29 SWING 26
Music of the Parisian cafés making their fourth SJS appearance. Julian Gregory, former violinist with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra plays fiddle, Matthew Compton, who plays viola with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, is on accordion, with Paul Hartley on guitar. Peter “Pedro” Robinson will be on bass with Paul Turner, the percussionist of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra on drums. Julian is critically acclaimed as one of the UK’s top fiddle players “combining an effortless creative freedom with tremendous rhythmic drive”. Nobody who has heard him would disagree. Outstanding exponents of gypsy jazz and firm SJS favourites.
DECEMBER 2026
6 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 & vocals, Warren “Lonnie” James (guitar, banjo & vocals), Phil Shotton (clarinet & saxophone) Andy Henderson (trumpet) and Richard Leach (trombone & jug). Complete entertainment.
13 JIMBINO VEGAN’S JAZZ CANNIBALS
Jimbino Vegan (Jimmy Monahan) is a New Orleans inspired composer who sings and plays clarinet & guitar – “and loves to dress up and dance” -. He spent five years in New Orleans and offers an eclectic range of styles: classic N.O. jazz, trad, folk, and performs them with his band the Jazz Cannibals. Created in 2013, the band includes top talent from across Europe. “Interesting, “amusicing”, moving, fun and beautiful songs played with energy and love!” Expect Tim Fairhall (contrabass), Slava Lobadov (guitar & vocals) & Lewis Taylor (trumpet & vocals).
20 KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ FALCONS
Christmas Concert with Brolly Parade
Super showman Kevin’s 6-piece traditional jazz band rapidly high flying on the UK jazz scene. Gethin Liddington (trumpet & vocals) and John Hallam (reeds) join trombonist and vocalist Kevin in the front line. Vic Partridge is on banjo, guitar and vocals, Simon Smith plays double bass and Steve Street is on drums. A cracker of a concert in prospect and top quality entertainment assured.
27 NO CONCERT
JANUARY 2027
3 SARAH SPENCER’S TRANSATLANTIC BAND
Formed by Sarah when living in the USA, their music is from the New Orleans dance halls of the 1920’s, the New Orleans Revival and the legendary New Orleans, Rhythm & Blues, Rock & Roll performers. Generally out of the ‘standards’ repertoire but with swing and with the trademark New Orleans feel and bounce. The Band is a high-energy combo and today we expect: "Magic" Mike Henry (cornet), Rob Pearce (trombone), Jim Swinnerton (double bass), Graham Smith (drums), and Dickie White (Banjo).
10 AIRMAIL SPECIAL
A debut appearance for a classic 10-piece swing band created by Richard Exall & John Watson and playing great music of the jazz stars of the 1940s & early 1950s. Joining Richard (reeds) & John (drums) will be Andy Hodley (alto sax & clarinet), Mike Hope (tenor sax & clarinet), Peter Rudeforth (trumpet), Bruce Adams (trumpet), Alastair Allen (trombone), Graham Roberts (guitar), Art Toper (piano) and Mark Adams (double bass). Echoes of Ellington, Goodman, Glen Miller, the Dorsey Brothers & Count Basie to name but a few.
17 ROGER BIRD’S LOUISIANA NIGHTS
Following the retirement of the Savannah Jazz Band in November 2025, several of the members decided they wanted to continue playing and have formed, together with some new faces, ‘Louisiana Nights’. This new band aims to follow the ‘Savannah’ tradition, playing in the New Orleans revivalist style. They hope to achieve this aim and are looking forward to meeting the friends and supporters who have followed the ‘Savannah’ over the years. The new line up will be Simon James (trumpet), Roger Bird (reeds), Derek Galloway (of the Temperance Seven) (trombone), Chris Marney (banjo), Mike Kennedy (bass) and Graham Smith (drums).
24 RICH BENNETT’S NEW ORLEANS ALL STARS
Rich Bennett has been playing trumpet at jazz clubs and festivals for around 35 years. He has toured the UK and Europe extensively and excites fans with his honest approach to the music along with his fiery trumpet playing. Having spent 3 years in Barbados where he fronted the hottest Dixieland on the Island he has now returned to UK and is already in strong demand. Rich grew up in a musical household, where his father Martin Bennett was the trombone player with the highly acclaimed Phil Mason band. New Orleans music is ingrained within Rich and when he turns up at jazz venues the audiences know they are in for a treat. His All Stars will feature Richard Exall (reeds), Graham Woodhouse (trombone), Warren James (banjo, guitar & vocals), Simon Smith (double bass) & Nick Ward (drums).
31 STICKY WICKET’S SWINGTET
featuring CHRIS GUMBLEY
Alan “Sticky” Wicket(t), widely regarded as UK’s No.1 swing drummer and earning the title of “drummer extraordinaire” for his entertaining “drumnastic” solos, makes a welcome return to SJS with his critically acclaimed Swingtet and featuring Stafford’s own top reedsman and jazz educator, Chris Gumbley. Jim Wynne will be on piano, Mike Green (double bass) and Serena Howard-Douglas (vocals).
FEBRUARY 2027
7 KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ ‘N BOOGIE BAND
All your jazz & boogie favourites. The line-up features James Clemas (piano), 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.
14 RICHARD EXALL’S SHOOTING STARS
Making their SJS debut, an all-star 6-piece band playing vintage jazz, jump jive & swing and led by former Chris Barber Band reedsman Richard Exall. Formed in 2008, The Shooting Stars perform the beautiful melodies and stomping jazz from the '20s, '30s and '40s with exciting solos and tight ensemble passages. The band members are Peter Rudeforth (trumpet, flugelhorn & vocals), Alastair Allen (trombone & vocals), Graham Roberts (banjo/guitar), Mark Adams (double bass) and John Watson (drums).
21 LYDIA RAE QUINTET
Hugely talented local singer Lydia made her SJS debut with the Regeneration Big Band. She has performed all over UK and Europe as a solo artist, with jazz ensembles and with big bands. A highly versatile voice with an extensive repertoire she brings her own Quintet to entertain us with gems from the Great American Songbook. Sam Lightwing (saxophone), Ben Lawrence (keys), Thomas Marsh (double bass) and John Bradford (drums), the expected line-up.
28 WARREN JAMES & HIS LONESOME TRAVELLERS
“Purveyors of fine roots music including jazz, blues, skiffle and gospel“. That’s what it says on the label and to provide it are some truly stellar minstrels: Warren “Lonnie” James on guitar & banjo, Rich Bennett (trumpet), Phil Shotton (clarinet & saxophone) “Lord” Jim Swinnerton (“the ace on the bass”). “Travellers” for sure, having such a very busy schedule; but they won’t feel “lonesome” at Stafford!
MARCH 2027
7 RICHARD HUGHES’ TRIO
Fugue & Groove featuring John Hallam
SJS is familiar with the stellar rhythm section of Richard Hughes (keyboard), Steve Street (drums) and Simon Smith ((bass). Add the brilliant John Hallam with his sensitive and innovative playing on a range of reed instruments and the result is an exciting combo which combines both jazz and classical elements. Something familiar, something new – swinging jazz and unique twists on hits from the classical repertoire. A magically melodic musical mix! Mmmmmmmmm!
14 PAULA JACKMAN’S JAZZ MASTERS
Dixieland jazz with roots in New Orleans through to the trad-boom of the late 1950s, early 1960s. Paula leads on reeds with Ian Bateman (trombone) and Mike “Magic” Henry (cornet).Rod Brown (drums), Hugh Crozier (piano) and “Lord” Marc Easener (sousaphone). “Masters” of their instruments all!
21 RICHARD LEACH’S STREET BAND
The Street Band started life in 2012 as a strolling jazz ensemble at the various town festivals in Richard’s home town of Droitwich. A host of experienced professional jazz musicians make up the personnel of the band and Richard himself has picked up three awards for his musicianship during his career. Expected line-up is Richard Leach (trombone); Tony Pipkin (cornet); Zoltan Sagi (clarinet & saxes); Mark Challinor (banjo, guitar & ukulele); Dave Deakin (sousaphone); and Nick Ward (percussion).
28 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), James Clemus (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 2027
4 MATT PALMER’S GATSBY GO-GETTERS
Classic jazz with all the sophistication and feel of the 1920s/1930s, evoking the fun and frivolity of that bygone era and with band hats to match! Matt leads the Go-Getters on clarinet, saxophones and vocals with Joe Nutman on ragtime piano, Dave Leithead on trumpet, Al Harris on string bass and vocals and Nick Ward on his full range of vintage percussion.
11 ANDY LEGGETT’S CENTENARY SERENADERS
A band founded and led in 2021 by Andy Leggett, top reedsman & arranger and an internationally renowned exponent of the Sidney Bechet style of playing. The band is proudly named to celebrate the centenary of the birth of jazz. Gethin Liddington heads the front line on trumpet with Dave Deakin (trombone) and a rhythm section of Rachel Hayward (guitar & banjo) Bill Lynn (string bass) & Dave Andrews (drums). Music from the classic jazz repertoire.
18 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. “Traditional jazz played with a “swagger” that feels as fresh today as it did a century ago”.
25 MATT PALMER’S RHYTHMIC REEDS with PHIL SHOTTON
An exciting and supremely talented reeds duo: Phil Shotton returns with the ever-popular Matt Palmer in a pairing that first made music together at the Nottingham Rhythm Club, and that made its debut at SJS last season, a performance that proved a great success. And there’s an equally talented rhythm section with Roger Browne (piano), Rae Owens, (double bass), & Nick Ward on his vintage percussion.
MAY 2027
2 SAUCE CITY JAZZ
An SJS debut for this Worcestershire based traditional & Dixieland band, formed in 1992 when a group of musician friends got together to welcome home a local soldier from the Gulf War. They enjoyed it so much a six-piece jazz band was formed. Agriculturist and farmer Geoff Sansome, who acquired his first cornet aged 11 and was banished to the cowshed to practice, leads the band and regular players have included David Wood (reeds), Geoff Goodwin (trombone), Vic Partridge (banjo & guitar), John Edgar (sousaphone) and Dave Andrews (drums).
9 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.
16 GRAHAM SMITH’S SHADES OF JAZZ
The Shades of Jazz is a UK-based, top-tier ensemble formed around 2015, playing a mix of Dixieland, Revivalist, Trad and Swing. They perform popular jazz in their own style at festivals and clubs across the UK. An all-star band comprised of some of the biggest names on the UK jazz circuit and beyond. Drummer Graham Smith leads with a front line of Gary Wood (trumpet & vocals), John Hallam (reeds) and Martin Veasey (trombone). Simon Smith (string bass) and Rich Hughes (keyboard) complete the stellar line-up.
23 JANE WILLIAMS JAZZ QUINTET
featuring Andy Leggett
Originally from Cardigan in West Wales and now residing in Cardiff, Jane has been critically acclaimed as “a true gem of the Welsh music scene”. Her journey in music has seen her playing with various bands and she returns to SJS with vocals and ukulele to lead her Jazz Quintet, featuring: bluesy guitarist Mike Frost, Bill Lynn (double bass) – listen out for his unexpected snatches of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in his bass breaks - Greg Evans (drums) and the Bechet inspired Andy Leggett on a wide range of reeds. Jazz music of top quality.
30 BABY JOOLS ALL-STAR JAZZAHOLICS
Our regularly chosen band to bring the curtain down on our season of concerts with a real New Orleans bounce and kick. Led by power-house drummer “Baby” Jools Aldridge, and with “Magic” Mike Henry (cornet), Richard Exall (reeds), Rob Pearce (trombone), Simon Smith (double bass) & Brian Meller (banjo), join us for what will be, without doubt, a great celebration of our wonderful music and a fitting finale.