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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.

The programme has now been compiled for next season, and you can find it here!

25 May 2025 – Baby Jools’ Jazzaholics:   With ‘Baby’ Jools Aldridge as leader on drums were Warren ‘Lennie’ James on banjo, guitar and vocals, ‘Lord’ Jim Swinnerton on string bass, John Hallam on reeds, ‘Magic’ Mike Henry on cornet and Mike Owen on trombone and vocals.  Their opening number ‘Old Spinning Wheel In The Parlour’, continuing with ‘Dinah’, ‘Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor’, ‘The Girls Go Crazy ‘bout The Way I Walk’, ‘Dundee Street Blues’, ‘Jesus On The Mainline’, ‘Panama’, ‘Some Of These Days’, ‘Bourbon Street Parade’, ‘Muskrat Ramble’, ‘Over The Waves’ – which I knew better as It’s The Loveliest Time Of The Year, ‘Ol’ Riley’, ‘When The Sun Goes Down’, Sweet Georgia Brown’ and finally ‘Those Were The Days My Friend’.  The room were on their feet and it is not surprising.  The talent of these musicians is awesome.  We look forward to hearing them again in the coming season.

18 May 2025 – Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants:  Always good to have this group play for SJS.  With Kevin Grenfell (leader) on trombone, trumpet and vocals were Soren Stausbol from Denmark on piano and vocals, Simon Smith on double bass, ‘Baby’ Jools Aldridge on drums and featured Paul Harrison on reeds.   They opened with ‘Boogalusa Strut’ and went on with ‘Cabaret’, ‘Dinah’, ‘St James’ Infirmary’, ‘Creole Jazz’, ‘Sentimental Journey’, ‘How Can You Leave Me’, ‘Panama Rag’, ‘The King’, ‘Mr Sandman’, ‘The History of Everything (theme tune from The Big Bang Theory), ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter’, ‘ Fidgetty Feet’, ‘Blueberry Hill’ and as always they finished with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.  As always a great concert.

11 May 2025 – Chicago Teddy Bears Society Jazz Band:   It was so lovely to see this four times winner of the SJS’s Band of the Year Award.  In the band, as always, were Brian Singleton on drums, Rae Owen (leader) on banjo/guitar and vocals, John Padfield on reeds, Jim Lucas on trumpet, Andy MacKenzie on trombone and vocals and lastly Dean Revera on string bass.  They opened with an all-time favourite of mine, ‘That Da Da Strain’ and continued with ‘Nobody’s Sweetheart Now’, ‘Creole Love Call’, ‘Way Down Upon The Swannee River’, ‘I Want A Little Girl’, ‘Shout ‘em Aunt Tillie’, ‘Christopher Columbus’, ‘I Found A New Baby’, ‘China Town’, ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’, ‘New Orleans’, ‘That’s A Plenty’, ‘Leaning On A Lamp-post’, ‘Jazz Me Blues’ and finishing with ‘Sweet Chariot’.  The audience were on their feet and the applause was deafening.  See you soon guys.

4 May 2025 – Fret & Fiddle:   The band consists of Sally Minchin (leader) on violin and vocals, Andy Bole on guitar, Richard Hughes on piano, Steve Street on drums and Jodie Carey on double bass.  There was a delightful surprise guest in the second half when Sally’s 10 year old son, Freddie, sang ‘Let’s Face The Music And Dance’.   The band opened with ‘I’ve Found A New Baby’ and went on with ‘2.19 Blues’, ‘Bossa Dorado’, ‘He’s Just My Size’, ‘Dream A Little Dream Of Me’, ‘I’m Ready’, ‘Minor Swing’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Dark Eyes’, ‘Tico-Tico’, ‘Misirlou’, La Cumparsita’, ‘Dance Me To The End Of Love’, ‘Chocolate Jesus’, ‘Tiger Rag’, ‘Csardas De Monti’ and not forgetting Freddie’s rendition of ‘Let’s Face The Music And Dance’.  We look forward to welcoming this popular group back again perhaps next season.

27 April 2025 – No Concert

20 April 2025 – Jane Williams Jazz Quintet featuring Andy Leggett:  What a jolly bunch of fine musicians we have today.  They comprise Jane Williams (leader) on ukulele and vocals, Andy Leggett on reeds and a few vocals, Mike Frost on guitar, Dave Deakin on string bass and Greg Evans on drum.   They opened with ‘Ain’t Misbehaving’ and continued with ‘I Thought About You’, ‘You’re Really Going to Like Having Me Around’ – composed by Jane, ‘Autumn Leaves’, ‘Beale Street Mama’, Well You Don’t Know Me’, ‘S’Wonderful’, ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love Baby’, ‘I Put A Spell On You’, ‘One Note Samba’, ‘It’s Almost Like Being In Love’, Pennies From Heaven’, ‘Cake Walking Baby From Home’, ‘Gee Baby Ain’t I Good For You’, ‘Sunny’, ‘Straighten Up And Fly Right, and finished with ‘Buona Sera’.  Thanks for a lovely concert.

13 April 2025 – Richard Leach Street Band:  Richard (leader) with trombone, Tony Pipkin on cornet, Zoltan Sagi on clarinet and alto sax, Dave Deakin on sousaphone, Mark Challinor on banjo and ukulele and Nick Ward on vintage percussion.  The opening number was ‘Black Cat On The Fence’ and they went on with ‘’There’s A Rainbow Round My Shoulder’, ‘That Da Da Strain’, ‘Buddy Boldens Blues’, ‘How Deep is the Ocean’, ‘Once In A While’, ‘Didn’t He Ramble’, ‘Someday Sweetheart’, ‘Baby Face’, ‘Petit Fleur’, ‘Louis-i-an-a’, ‘Too Busy For My Lovin’, ‘Blue Skies’, ‘September In The Rain’ and finished with ‘Redwing’.  Great concert, great musicality, what a great way to spend Sunday lunchtime.

6 April 2025 – Swing 25:  This band consists of Paul Hartley (leader) on guitar, Julian Gregory on violin, Matthew Compton on accordion, Peter ‘Pedro’ Robinson on double bass and Roger Keay on drums.  These five gifted musicians play mainly gypsy jazz and swing and both Julian and Matthew have played in the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.  They opened with ‘Bossa Dorado’ and went on with ‘After You’ve Gone’, ‘J’Attendrai’, ‘Swing 48’, ‘Sous Le Ciel De Paris’, ‘Lady Be Good’, ‘Melodie Au Crepescule’, ‘Swing 42’, ‘Made For Wesley’, ‘Minor Swing’, ‘Crazy Rhythm’, ‘Black Orpheus’, ‘Undecided’, ‘Fleur D’Ennui’, ‘Clardas’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ and finally ‘Honeysuckle Rose’.  The audience was on their feet applauding at the conclusion so I guess you could say they were well received.  A lovely programme by brilliant musicians and we all look forward to seeing them again.

30 March 2025 – Slide By Slide:  It’s always good to see this band back at the White Eagle Club.  They play a mixture of jazz, show songs, contemporary tunes and there is always plenty of humour.  Leading is trombonist, trumpeter, vocalist Kevin Grenfell with Richard Leach on his trombone, Simon Smith on String Bass, Richard Hughes on piano and Steve Street on the drums.  They opened with ‘Strike Up The Band’, followed by ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘Go To New Orleans’, ‘No Moon At All’, ‘My Little Suede Shoes’, ‘Sway’, ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter’, ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’, ‘Tea for Two’, ‘Georgie Girl’, one of my favourites ‘St James’ Infirmary’, ‘Girl Of My Dreams’, ‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’, ‘Blue Spanish Eyes’, ‘Jump, Jive And Wail’, ‘Blueberry Hill’ and finished, as always, with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’. The audience was on it’s feet to give them a standing ovation, richly deserved.  Looking forward to having them back again.

23 March 2025 – Original Panama Jazz Band:  This Wirral-based Jazz band is currently led by Jon Critchley on trumpet with John Padfield on reeds, Andrew MacKenzie on trombone and vocals, Isabel Toner on string bass, Bill Buck on drums and Alan Jeffs on guitar.  They opened with ‘Too Busy’ and went on with ‘South’, ‘The Jeep is Jumpin’, ‘Baby Doll’, ‘Empty Ballroom Blues’, ‘Rose Room’, ‘Time After Time’, ‘Midnight in Moscow’, ‘Dapper Dan’, ‘My Mother’s Eyes’, ‘Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea’, ‘Memories Of You’, ‘Special Delivery Stomp’, ‘Since You First Came My Way’, ‘Satin Doll’, ‘Talking Picture’, ‘One Two Buckle My Shoe’, ‘How High The Moon’, ‘Chinatown My Chinatown’, and they finished with a rousing ‘O Tannenbaum’.  Throughout the entire concert Jon Critchley added his own gentle humour such that it was more than a concert, it was a performance.  Lovely.  Looking forward to welcoming them back soon.

16 March 2025 – Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz & Boogie Band:  There is always great excitement when this band appears because you can expect the unexpected with the leader, Kevin Grenfell (trumpet, trombone and vocals) giving us full value for money in both music and comedy.  The rest of the band comprised Steve Street on the drums, Alex Clarke on saxophone, Simon Smith on string bass and Richard Hughes on keyboard.  They opened with ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’ and went on with ‘Buena Serra Senorita’, ‘The Gypsy’, ‘Stafford Jazz Club Boogie Woogie’ (specially for us ☺), ‘Sentimental Journey’, ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘Back Home In Indiana’, ‘Pennies From Heaven’, ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’, ‘Stardust’ (played by the lovely Alex), ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’, ‘Up A Lazy River’, ‘A Train’, ‘Girl Of My Dreams I Love You’, ‘There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’ and finally ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.  Smashing.  We look forward to seeing them again later this year.

9 March 2025 – Hot Teapots Jazz Band (Italy):  This band, formed in Northern Italy as a street performance band, has their main focus on North American early jazz, blues and ragtime along with popular tunes.  They are led by Michele Berfoldi on guitar and vocals and have David Vincenzi on clarinet and saxophone, Glauco Benedetti on trombone and tuba and Ryan Baer on tenor banjo and vocals.   They opened with ‘Weary Blues’ and continued with ‘’Winin’ Boy’, ‘Louisiana’, ‘Who’s Sorry Now’, ‘Thriller’, ‘She’s Crying For Me’, ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘Blue And Lonesome’, ‘Shine On Harvest Moon’, ‘When I Grow Too Old To Dream’, ‘Wabash Blues’, ‘El Rado Scuffle’, ‘Yes, I’m In The Barrel’, ‘Lonesome Blues’, ‘Humming To Myself’, ‘Old Fashioned Love’, ‘My Gal Sal’, ‘Am I Blue’, ‘Tiger Rag’ and finished with ‘Jazz Me Blues’.  A lovely performance with some numbers new to me and the concert was greeted with rapturous applause and the audience took to their feet to show their appreciation.  We look forward to them coming back to perform for us any time.

2 March 2025 – NO CONCERT

23 February 2025 – Bill Bailey All-Stars:  This band is led by trumpeter Richard “Bill” Bailey and he described his band’s style as happy, foot-tapping, cheerful music for any occasion and he was spot on.  He was joined on stage by Roger Keay on saxophone, Dave Deakin on trombone and sousaphone, Peter “Pedro” Robinson on banjo and guitar, Steve Peters on string bass and once more Keith Chaplin on drums.  They opened with ‘At The Jazz Band Ball’ and this was followed by ‘Indiana’, ‘Trouble In Mind’, ‘Moon Over Naples (which I know as Spanish Eyes), ‘I’ve Found A New Baby’, ‘Satin Doll’, ‘China Girl’, ‘My Little Suede Shoes’’, ‘In The Mood’, ‘Tequila’, ‘Lester Leaps In’, ‘Suki Yaki’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Raining In My Heart’, ‘Downtown Strutters Ball’, ‘When The Saints Come Marching In’, ‘Idle Moments’ and ended with ‘The Royal Garden Blues’.  Along with the foot-tapping I distinctly heard the sound of people humming or joining in quietly with the numbers which most of us recognised immediately.  Not only did Bill give us some vocal renditions but he also gave us a bit of light hearted humour and some interesting facts throughout the concert which went down well.  

16 February 2025 – Dave Harmer’s New Orleans Hotshots:  This traditional New Orleans style band is led by Dave Harmer on trombone, with Dave Leithead on trumpet and vocals, Kelvin Smith on reeds, Al Harris on string bass and vocals, Keith Chaplin on drums and the incomparable Joe Nutman on piano.  They opened with ‘Georgia Camp Meeting’ and went on with ‘Up A Lazy River’, ‘Mr Sandman’, ‘Basin Street Blues’, the first of two Scott Joplin rags by Joe, ‘Deed I Do’, ‘New Orleans’, ‘Nagasaki’, ‘Marching Through Georgia’, ‘Brother Can You Spare A Dime’, ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’, ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’, ‘The Gypsy’, ‘Me and Jane in a Plane’, the second Scott Joplin Rag by Joe, ‘Old Rockin’ Chair’ and finally ‘Dr Jazz’.  Terrific programme and the band was well received.  Looking forward to their next visit.

9 February 2025 – Bob Dwyer’s Celebrity Six:  This band comprises Bob Dwyer (leader) on trombone, Jon Penn on piano, Marc Easener on sousaphone, Nick Ward on vintage percussion, Matt Palmer on reeds and in place of Malcolm Walton was Gary Wood on trumpet and vocals.  They opened with ‘Indiana’ and went on with ‘South’, ‘Wolverine Blues’, ‘Bad Penny Blues’, ‘Davenport Blues’, ‘S’Wonderful’, ‘All Alone’, ‘Weary Blues’, ‘Undecided’, ‘Apex Blues’, ‘Mr Joe (previously called Buffalo Blues), ‘Purdido Blues’, ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘Royal Garden Blues’ and finished with ‘So Do I’.  Who knew there were so many tunes under the title ‘blues’!!!  Altogether a very good concert which was well received.   We look forward to their next visit.

2 February 2025 – No Concert

Warren “Lonnie” James’ Skiffle Band – 26 January 2025:  With Warren James (leader) on guitar, banjo and vocals, were Jim “Lord” Swinnerton on bass, “Baby” Jools Aldridge on drums, Mike Owen on trombone and Malcolm Thorne on guitar (playing for Stafford Jazz Society for the first time).  They opened with ‘Buddy Better Get On Down The Line’, ‘Hard Travelling’, ‘Keep On The Sunny Side Of Life’, ‘Won’t You Bring Me A Little Water Sylvie’, ‘In Them Cotton Fields’, ‘Wreck Of Old 97’, ‘My Bitsy Darlin’, ‘Take My Hand Precious Lord’, ‘Jesse James Had A Wife’, ‘Steam Line Trains’, ‘Gonna Ride Old Railroad Bill’, ‘I’m Not Gonna Be Treated This-a-way’, ‘Cumberland Gap’, ‘Lost John’, Rocks In My Bed’, ‘Blues Stop Knocking At My Door’, ‘It Takes A Worried Man’, ‘Have A Drink On Me’, ‘Does Your Chewing Gum Lose It’s Flavour’, ‘Freight Train’, ‘Goin’ Down The Road Feeling Bad’ and finally ‘Rock Island Line’.  Yes, there were certainly a lot of trains today …!  The audience were singing along and indeed leapt to their feet to applaud at the end of the concert.  We so look forward to seeing them back again soon. 

Matt Palmer’s Gatsby Go-Getters – 19 January 2025:  With Matt Palmer (leader) on reeds and vocals, Joe Nutman on Ragtime Piano, Dave Leithead on trumpet and vocals, Al Harris on string bass and vocals and Nick Ward on vintage percussion we knew we were in safe hands.  They opened with ‘Lover Come Back to Me’, and went on with ‘The Downtown Strutters Ball’, ‘Our Love Is Here To Stay’, ‘Stringport Stomp’, ‘Love is the Sweetest Thing’, ‘Vo De Dodio Blues’, ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’, ‘Varsity Drag’, ‘Crazy Rhythm’, ‘It Aint No Sin To Take Off Your Skin And Dance Around In Your Bones’ (only in jazz would you find a title like that!), ‘Is You Is Or Is You Aint My Baby’, ‘Paddling Madeline Home’, ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’, ‘Sunday’, ‘Pink Swans’ (a solo from Joe Nutman), ‘Everybody Loves My Baby’, ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘Charleston’, and closed with ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’.  Lovely music, lovely programme, no wonder people left with big smiles on their faces.

Trudgeon’s Trad Jazz Troubadors – 12 January 2025:  This band was new to Stafford Jazz Society so it was with much pleasure that we looked forward to hearing them play.  The band consists of Joseph Trudgeon (leader) on guitar and vocals, Alan Bacon on trumpet, Mike Owen on trombone,. Mike Kennedy on bass, Andy Leggett on reeds and “Baby” Jools Aldridge on drums.  They opened with ‘Algiers Strut’ and continued with ‘Old Fashioned Love’, ‘I’ve Got A New Baby’, ‘Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘When You and I Were Young Maggie’, ‘’Dr Jazz’, ‘September’, ‘Wabash Blues’, ‘If You’ve Never Been To New Orleans’, ‘Tiger Rag’, ‘When You Grow Too Old To Dream’, ‘The Washington and Lee Swing’, ‘Once I Married A Tattooed Lady’ (completely new to me but fun) and ‘Royal Garden Blues’.  We look forward to having them back to play for us again at some time in the future.

Golden Eagle Jazz Band – 5 January 2025:  It was good to see and hear the Golden Eagle again.  This band, which plays New Orleans jazz, is made up of Kevin Scott (lead) on tenor banjo and vocals (and humour), Ray Bowden on drums, Richard Church on cornet and vocals, Brian Butler on trombone and John Sirett on double bass.  They opened with ‘On the Road To Home Sweet Home’ and went on with ‘Mother’s Gone, Goodbye’, ‘The Roses of Picardy’, ‘Moose March’, ‘Give  Me That Old Time Religion’, ‘The Streets of the City, ‘After You’ve Gone’, ‘The Highways Are Happy Ways’, ‘In The Good Old Summertime’, ‘Tie Me To Your Apron Strings Again’, ‘Bogalusa Strut’, ‘My Old Sal’, ‘Louisiana Fairytale’, ‘In The Shade of The Old Apple Tree’ and finished with ‘Laissez Le Bon Temps Rouler’ (Let The Good Times Roll in English).  What a great programme played beautifully by five talented musicians.  I am sure we will see them again.

No Concert – 29 December 2024:

Debonaires’ Little Big Band – 22 December 2024:  As befits Christmas this was a ‘cracker’ of a concert of traditional festive favourites.  The band is made up of Max Debon (leader) on trumpet and vocals, Sarah Eastwood on clarinet and vocals, Austin Ralphson on trombone, Rick Halliwell on alto sax, Anne Holder on tenor sax, Jon Burr on bass, Peter Wilson on piano and Rob Turner on drums.  They opened with ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’, and went on to offer ‘Winter Wonder Land’, ‘My Blue Heaven’, ‘God Bless The Child’, ‘Skyliner’, ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’, ‘Why Don’t You Do Right’, ‘Let It Snow’, ‘You’re Driving Me Crazy’, ‘Frosty The Snowman’, ‘Darktown Strutters Ball’, ‘Here Comes Santa Claus’, ‘I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm’, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Any More’, ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’, ‘Boogie Blues’, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, ‘Bring Me Sunshine’, ‘Santa Baby’, ‘Cool Yule’ and finished with ‘I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas’.  This very festive fare was well received with the audience singing along and a definite feeling of Christmas being just around the corner – which of course it is!  Well done Debonaires.

Jake Leg Jug Band – 15 December 2024:  This very popular band tends to lean towards the authentic and nostalgic sounds of the USA n the 20s and 30s.  Not only do they have instrumental virtuosity but their concert is interspersed with good humour.  The band consists of leader, Duncan Wilcox, on double bass and vocals, Liam Ward on washboard, harmonica, jug, saw and kazoo – to name but a few – along with vocals, Warren “Lennie” James on guitar and banjo (sadly no vocals as not able to sing at present), Mike Owen on trombone and Danny Blyth on guitar, mandolin and bass clarinet.  They opened with ‘Light From The Lighthouse’, and went on with ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘Killing Jive’, ‘Fogyism’, ‘I Belong To The Band Allelujah’, ‘The Sale Tax Is On It’, ‘Goodbye Blues’, ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’, ‘Sweet Hole’, ‘He’s In The Jailhouse’, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’, ‘Making Whoopee’, ‘Christmas In Jail’, ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘I Just Got Over A Lass’, St James Infirmary’ and rounding the whole thing off with ‘Gloryland’.  Such a good concert no wonder the room was on its feet.  See you again soon I hope.

Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters – 8 December 2024:  This band consists of Paula Jackman (leader) on clarinet, “Magic” Mike Henry on trumpet, Ian Bates on Trombone, “Lord” Marc Easener on sousaphone, Graham Collicott on drums and Hugh Crozier on keyboard and vocals.  The music is Dixieland jazz with its roots in New Orleans around the late 1950s.  The opening number was ‘While We Dance At The Mardi Gras’, and this was followed by ‘Got A Brand New Suit’, ‘New Orleans Shuffle’, ‘Hymn To Freedom’, ‘Chilli Bom Bom’, ‘Creole Love Call’, ‘King Porter Stop (a keyboard rag)’, ‘The Fat Man’, ‘Down To New Orleans’, ‘Muskrat Stomp’, ‘Silent Night’, ‘The Birth Of The Blues’, ‘Maryland My Maryland’, ‘Black Bottom’ and rounded off with ’11.30 Saturday Night’.  They were much appreciated by the audience of the day and we hope to see them again soon.

Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz & Boogie Band – 24 November 2024:  Taking over the band following the loss of Jeremy Huggett, Kevin’s band proved a great success with us at Stafford.  The band consisted of Kevin Grenfell (leader) on trombone, trumpet, vocals and jokes, Simon Smith on double bass, Matt Palmer on reeds, Richard Hughes on keyboard, Steve Street on drums and Alan Bradbury on guitar they were thoroughly entertaining throughout the session.  They opened with ‘Jump Jive and Wail’, and continued with ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Aint Got That Swing’, ‘The Preacher’, ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Hindustan’, ‘Walk Don’t Run’, ‘Stafford Jazz Club Boogie Woogie’, ‘Childhood Boy’, ‘China Town’, Gonna Take A Sentimental Journey’, ‘On A Slow Boat To China’, ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’, ‘Stranger On The Shore’, ‘Caravan’, ‘When Your Smiling’, ‘Apple Blossom Time’, ‘There Aint Nobody Here But Us Chickens’ and finished with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.  What a great programme.  

Matt Palmer’s Eagle Jazz Band – 17 November 2024:  It was good to see this band again, comprising Matt Palmer (leader) on reeds and vocals, Pete Brown on trumpet, Terry McGrath on trombone, sax and tin whistle, Brian Mellor on banjo and guitar, Rae Owens on double bass and vocals, Tony Pipkin on cornet and Nick Ward on percussion.   They opened with ‘Bourbon Street Parade’ and went on with ‘Porter’s Love Song to a Chambermaid’, ‘The Creole Love Call’, ‘The Coffee Grinder’, ‘The Blues You Can Get’, ‘Sweet Sue, Just You’, ‘Red Sails in the Sunset’ and ‘Gate Mouth’.  The second half just as good as the first was ‘Harlem Hound’, ‘Old Fashioned Love’, ‘My Little Bimbo Down on the Bamboo Isle’. ‘Go Up The River’, ‘Swing That Music’, ‘Goodnight Sweet Prince’, ‘That’s A Plenty’ and ending, as always with ‘Bring Me Sunshine’.  What a smashing concert.

Wabash Jazzmen – 10 November 2024:  This band consists of Mark Challinor (leader) on banjo, guitar, ukulele and vocals, Mike Hayler on reeds, Richard Leach on trombone, Tony Pipkin on cornet, Richard Vernon on string bass and Nick Ward on percussion.  This band plays traditional foot-tapping New Orleans jazz rooted in early Chris Barber.  There is always a warm welcome for this band here in Stafford.  They opened with ‘Black Cat On The Fence’ and went on with ‘Papa Dip’, ‘Far Away Blues’, ‘Get On Board Little Children (The Gospel Train)’, the Samoan folk song ‘Mauga de Atudo’, ‘Buddy Habits’,  ‘Sarie Marais (march of the Royal Marine Commandos)’ ‘Weary Blues’, ‘Muskrat Ramble’, ‘Let The Light From The Lighthouse Shine On Me’, ‘Harlem Bound’, ‘Russian Lullaby’, Blame it on the Blues’, ‘New Orleans’, ‘Ay Mama Ines (Cuban rumba)’ and finishing with ‘Wolverine Blues’.  A veritable smorgasbord of music.  Looking forward already to the next time we see them.

Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants – 3 November 2024:  This quality band has played at SJS on many occasions in the past and is always well received.  The band consists of Kevin Grenfell (Leader) on trombone, trumpet and vocals, John Hallam on reeds, Richard Hughes on piano, Simon Smith on double bass and Jools Aldridge on drums.  They opened with ‘Running Wild’, and followed up the first half with ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love’, ‘Girl of My Dreams’, ‘Honky Tonk Train Blues’, ‘Going to New Orleans’, ‘The Gypsy’ and ‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’.  In the second half we had ‘Dolly’, ‘Careless Love’, ‘Stealing Apples’, ‘Jump Jive an’ Wail’, ‘Bad Penny Blues’, ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’, ‘There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’ (which always makes me smile) and strangely enough ended with ‘When You’re Smiling’.   I feel sure they will be back before too long.