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27 October 2024 – Savannah Jazz Band:  To help us celebrate the 44^th anniversary of Stafford Jazz Society were this well-known Yorkshire-based group consisting of Ray Bowden on drums, Tony Pollitt on bass, Chris Marney on banjo. Richard Church on trumpet, Brian “Sam” Ellis (leader) on trombone and piano and Roger Bird on reeds play great foot-tapping New Orleans jazz with a real bounce and kick to it.  They started with ‘Smiles’ and continued with ‘Wabash Blues’, ‘When Your Hair Has Turned Silver’, ‘In The Upper Garden’, ‘My Gal Sal’, ‘In The Evening’, ‘When I Come To The End Of My Journey’ and the first half finished with ‘CC Rider’.  The second half opened with ‘Goin’ Back To New Orleans’ and went on with ‘St James Infirmary (plus lyrics to Albert and the Lion – love it)’, ‘Hiawatha Rag’, ‘Yes Yes In Your Eyes’, ‘Bluebells Goodbye’, ‘ The Old Rugged Cross’, ‘You Are My Sunshine’, ‘I Want To Be Happy’ and finishing with ‘Going Home’.  What a lovely concert.  See you again soon fellas.

20 October 2024 – The Harlem Jazz Orchestra:  This 13 piece band of 12 musicians and a vocalist (Sarah Spencer) were very professional and polished.  They specialise in authentic jazz classics from the early part of the 20^th century (1920s and 1930s).  With Bob Hunt, on trombone is the Director, Eric Tomasso on trumpet along with Wil Robinson and Charlie Manning, Graham Woodhouse on trombone, Zoltan Sagi and Richard Exall on reeds, Art Toper on piano, Rachel Hayward on banjo and guitar, Tomas Pedersen on string bass, Nick Ward on percussion and, as mentioned, Sarah Spencer being both announcer and vocalist they just managed to fit on stage.  They started with ‘The King Kong Stomp’, ‘The Harlem Romance’, ‘I Never Knew’, ‘Great Party Blues’, ‘That Rhythm Man’, Where The Black Men Blew’, ‘Dinah’, ‘Everybody Hittin’ The Bottle’, ‘Awful Sad’, ‘Feeling the Spirit’, ‘Persian Rug’ and ‘The Downton Camp Meeting’ completed the first half.  In the second half were: ‘Harlem Bound’, ‘All Goes’, ‘The Empty Chair’, ‘After You’ve Gone’, ‘Shoe Shine Boy’, ‘When’, ‘Rocking Chair’, ‘Three Little Words’, ‘The Swannee Shuffle’, ‘I’m Regular Crazy Now’ and ‘Swing Out.   Great music, great playing and great vocals.  Hope to see this group again at some time in the future.

6 October 2024 – Three Bears Jazz Band:  This is the first time this band has played at SJS, although their faces are all well known to us.  The Band comprises “Lord” Jim Swinnerton (leader) on double bass, John Hallam on reeds, Tom Kincaid on piano, Amy Roberts on reeds and Jack Cotterill on drums.  What a fabulous five-some.  They opened with ‘Rosetta’ and went on to play ‘When You’re Smiling’, ‘On The Sunny Side Of The Street’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, ‘The Teddybears Picnic’ (well what else would they play!), ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘If I Have You’, ‘Lester Leaps In’, ‘I’ve Found A New Baby’, ‘Creole Love Call’, ‘Just A Little While To Stay Here’, ‘Pennies From Heaven’, ‘Water From An Ancient Well’ (don’t you just love that title – and the music was just as beautiful), ‘Out Of Your Way’ and they finished with ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’.  The room sprang to its collective feet in appreciation of a smashing concert.  I am sure they will be back again.

Following the sad death and great loss of Jeremy Huggett, Stafford Jazz Society announces that the previously publicised JEREMY HUGGETT’S JAZZ & BOOGIE BAND concerts scheduled for 4 November 2024 and 16 March 2025 will now be re-titled KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ & BOOGIE BAND.

Furthermore, John Hallam will now be on reeds for the KEVIN GRENFELL’S JAZZ GIANTS concert on 3 November 2024.

29 September 2024 – Keith Little Swing Four:  This was the band’s debut in Staffordshire and we welcomed Keith Little – impresario and pianist, Donnie Joe Sweeney on bass and vocals, Gethin Liddington on trumpet and vocals and Greg Evans on drums – all the way from Wales.  Their music was 30s/40s jazz and swing with some American Songbook included for good measure.  Their opening number – ‘After You’re Gone’, ‘Tea For Two’, ‘A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘Just Squeeze Me’, ‘China Town’, ‘Night And Day You Are The One’, ‘Pick Yourself Up’, ‘Strutting At The BBQ’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, On The Sunny Side Of The Street’, ‘Keeping Out Of Mischief Now’, ‘The Polish Boogie’, ‘Memories Of You’, ‘Calypso Joe’ and ending with ‘Take The A Train’.  Good musicians and I am sure we will see them back at the White Eagle Club at some point in the near future.

22 September 2024 – Dart Valley Stompers:  What a lovely band today with Richard Leach (leader) on the trombone and vocals, Tony Pipkin on trumpet and vocals, Vic Partridge on banjo + guitar and vocals, Steve Street on drums and Matt Palmer on reeds and vocals.  A sextet of quality, although sadly without the man himself, Jeremy Huggett – who’s funeral takes place on 1 October.  They opened with ‘Algiers Stomp’ and went on with ‘My Blue Heaven’, ‘Basin Street Blues’, ‘Roses of Piccardy’, ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘China Boy’, ‘Dinah’ and ‘China Town My China Town’ in the first half and ‘The Bugle Boy March’, ‘Ain’t She Sweet’, ‘It Had To Be You’, ‘Sunday’, ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’, ‘I Want A Big Butter And Egg Man’, ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams’ and ending with ‘Hindustan’.  The band told us that Kevin Grenfell could not be with them today as he was in Denmark and tribute was paid to all the work Kevin had done in ensuring all concerts with Jeremy in continued playing at venues booked in his honour.  Our thanks were passed on both to the band for playing under such emotional stress and we asked that our thanks to Kevin for all his work be passed on.

15 September 2024 – Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Band featuring Jesper Capion Larsen (Denmark):  There was a hugh welcome back to Sarah Spencer and her band as one of the most popular in the SJS calendar of gigs.  Sarah, on the saxophone and vocals, is the leader of the band.  In addition there was Mike Owen on trombone, “Magic” Mike Henry on cornet, Graham Smith on drums, Howard Worthington on double bass, Brian Mellor on banjo and Jesper Capion Larsen on a visit from Denmark on the clarinet.  Normally at this point I would tell you all the different numbers they played but I confess I was so busy on the day that I can name only four or five:  ‘First Choice’, ‘It’s Nights Like That’, ‘Sleepy Time Down South’, ‘The Yellow Dog Blues’ and ‘Smile’ (from Who Framed Roger Rabbit).  That does not detract from the great music we heard that lunchtime and hopefully next week it will be back on normal scribing duties.  We look forward to seeing this band again.

8 September 2024 – Jeff & Anne Barnhart (USA) present “AA’s Road Atlas to Jazz”:  It was a warm welcome back to SJS for Jeff and Anne, together with Thomas “Spats” Langham on his banjo and guitar and a new addition, Amy Roberts (reeds player), it was noted, played with Chris Barber in the day.   They opened with ‘Bye Bye Blues’ and went on with ‘Old Fashioned Love in My Heart’, ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter’, ‘Careless Love’, ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ and ‘Shine’.  In the second half they gave us ‘High Society’, ‘Summertime and the Living Is Easy’, ‘Sweet Sue’, ‘The Curse of An Aching Heart’, ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘Undecided’ and ‘Black Orpheus’.  A welcome addition was a collaboration between Nick Balmforth and Jeff Barnhart entitled ‘Same Differences’, a little number showing how although we speak the same language in the USA and the UK things aren’t always duplicated.  Throughout the whole there were jokes, comments, bits of history and all in all a most wonderful show – almost a cabaret rather than a simple gig.  

1 September 2024 – Baby Jools’ Jazzaholics:   Not only did we end the season for 23/24 with this group but we start the new 24/25 season with them.  I am pleased to say nothing has changed; Baby Jools is still the band leader on drums, Howard Worthington on string bass and vocals, Warren “Lonnie” James on guitar/banjo and vocals, “Magic” Mike Henry on trumpet/cornet, Karl Hird on reeds and Richard Leach on trombone and vocals.  Their opening number was ‘The Old Spinning Wheel in the Parlour’ and this was followed by ‘Hindustan’, ‘ Blue Turning Grey Over You’, ‘Jambalaya’, ‘Burgundy Street Blues’, ‘Some of These Days’, ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘Sleepy Time Down South’, ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘Who’s Sorry Now’, ‘Railroad Bill’, ‘Jesse James’, ‘Goin’ Home’, ‘Royal Garden Blues’ and ending with ‘That’s a Plenty’.  Good programme, good playing, good balance – what a lovely concert.

The forthcoming programme is now available online!

Baby Jools’ Jazzaholics – 26 May 2024:   We are fortunate indeed to have, for our last concert, ‘Baby’ Jools’ Jazzaholics.  This lovely band consists of ‘Baby’ Jools Adridge (leader) on drums, ‘Lord’ Jim Swinnerton on string bass, Warren ‘Lonnie’ James on banjo, guitar and vocals, Karl Hird on reeds, Mike ‘Magic Henry’ on trumpet and cornet and Mike Owen on trombone and vocals.   They opened with ‘Old Spinning Wheel in the Parlour’ and went on to play ‘A Walk In The Park’, ‘Hindustan’, ‘Sleepy Time Down South’, ‘Since I Laid My Burden Down’, ‘Who’s Sorry Now’, ‘Jambalaya’, ‘One Of These Days’, ‘Basin Street Blues’, ‘Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor’ (aka Atlanta Blues), ‘Old Riley’, ‘Railroad Bill’, ‘Tin Roof Blues’, ‘Panama’ and finishing with ‘Those Were The Days’.  Well, what more could you ask for, truly representative of New Orleans and sending everyone in the audience home with memories of a truly great concert. 

No Concert – 19 May 2024:

Jeff Barnhart’s International Swing Quartet – 12 May 2024:  It was a hugh pleasure to see this quartet back on stage.  The quartet consisted of Jeff Barnhart (leader) on piano and vocals, Anne Barnhart on flute and vocals, Graham Smith on drums and John Hallam on reeds.  Such a mixture of music from piano rag to the wonderfully poignant and haunting farewell to soldiers who lost their lives during WWII.  They opened with ‘Avalon’ and went on with the following numbers:  ‘It’s Only A Paper Moon’, ‘Lady Be Good’, ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’, ‘Stealing Apples’, ‘I Cover The Waterfront’, ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘The Blues’ (a piano solo), ‘This Can’t Be Love’, ‘Dr Jazz’, ‘Ashokan Farewell’, ‘Bei Mir Bist Du Shein’, ‘Ohio 1903’, ‘High Society’, ‘Isle of Capri’ and ending with ‘Crazy River’.  The room was on it’s feet at the conclusion of the concert and we all look forward to their return.

Kevin Grenfell & Richard Leach Slide by Slide – 5 May 2024:   What a joy it was to listen once more to one of SJS’s favourite bands, Slide by Slide.  With Richard Leach (leader) on trombone, Kevin Grenfell on trombone, trumpet, vocals and jokes, Mike Green on string bass, Richard Hughes on piano and ‘Baby’ Jools Aldridge on drums they received a standing ovation at the conclusion of their concert.  They opened with ‘Strike Up The Band’, and went on with ‘Give Me A Kiss To Build A Dream On’, ‘No Moon At All’, ‘It’s A Sin To Tell A Lie’, ‘Moonglow’, ‘My Little Suede Shoes’, ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter’, ‘Indiana’, ‘Mood Indigo’, ‘Georgie Girl’, ‘Bad Penny Blues’, ‘Girl Of My Dreams’, ‘China Town My China Town’ and finishing with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.  Great stuff.  Looking forward to hearing them again soon.

From this …..

to this.  How wonderful to see the room so full of all of our regulars who have supported us throughout the season

28 April 2024 – Sticky Wicket & His Swingtet featuring Chris Gumbley:  What a wonderful concert this band gave us.  The place was packed and not a chair to spare in the room.  The band consisted of Alan “Sticky” Wicket (leader) on drums, Mike Kemp on piano, Geoff Tooley on guitar, Mike Green on double bass, Serena Hart-Douglas on vocals and local lad Chris Gumbley on alto sax and clarinet.  They opened with ‘Avalon’ and went on with ‘Christopher Columbus’, ‘Blue Blues’, ‘Sentimental Journey’, ‘The Very Thought of You’, ‘Take the A Train’, ‘Tuxedo Junction’, ‘China Boy’, ‘Why Don’t You Do Wrong’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, ‘Choo Choo Ch’Boogie’, There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens’, ‘Our Love Is Here To Stay’ and finished with an amazing rendition of ‘Sing Sing Sing’ where you really saw the drummer at his magnificent best.  The room was on its feet at the conclusion of the concert for a standing ovation, well deserved.  Look forward to seeing this band again in the near future.

21 April 2024 – New Orleans Hotshots:  What a joy it was to see this group back and with an appearance by special guest Matt Palmer on reeds.  The band consisted of Dave Harmer (leader) on trombone, Dave Leithead on trumpet, Al Harris on bass, Keith Chaplin on drums and that well-known ragtime specialist on piano keyboard – Joe Nutman.  It was a great programme opening with ‘Georgia Camp Meeting’ and going on with ‘Up A Lazy River’, ‘Deed I Do’, ‘ Sugar’, ‘Summertime’, ‘Nobody’s Sweetheart’, ‘So Do I’, a ragtime piece by Joe called ‘Kitten on the Keys’, ‘Hush, Somebody’s Calling’, ‘Nagasaki’, ‘Marching Through Georgia’, ‘Basin Street Blues’, ‘Me and Jane in a Plane’, ‘Old Rockin’ Chair’, ‘Pasadena’, ‘Si Tu Vois Ma Mere (If You See My Mother), ‘Please Don’t Talk About Me’, ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’, ‘Doctor Jazz’ and finishing with ‘Bring Me Sunshine.  The only non-vocalists were Keith and Joe but all the others sang.  Lovely band, lovely set … what more can I say!

14 April 2024 – Rachel Hayward’s Invitation Jazz Band featuring Andy Leggett:  This was a surprise replacement for The Pedigree Five who were unable to attend due to health problems with their leader, Chris Walker.  We wish you a speedy and full recovery Chris.  In their place Rachel Hayward’s Invitation Jazz Band came along to entertain us.  The band consisted of Rachel (leader) on banjo, Keith Tolly on double bass, Paul Archibald on drums, Dave Deakin on trombone and vocals and Andy Leggett on reeds and vocals.  They opened with ‘Some of Those Days’ and went on to play, in no particular order ‘’Sweet Georgia Brown’, ‘It Had To Be You’, ‘When You And I Were Young Maggie’, ‘Ain’t Misbehaving’, ‘I Get The Blues When It Rains’, ‘All Of Me’, ‘Everywhere You Go The Sunshine Follows You’, ‘Poor Papa (He Ain’t Got Nothing At All)’,  ‘There Is No Greater Love’, ‘Wabash Blues’, ‘Dinah’, ‘Beale Street Mama’, ‘Shine’, ‘Dr Jazz’ and ‘Ory’s Creole Trombone’.  Smiley faces around the room, feet tapping.  For a band put together at a moment’s notice it was simply great to see how well they became one and we loved it.  Maybe it could become a regular thing?  Who knows.

7 April 2024 – No Concert

31 March 2024 – Jane Williams’ Jazz Quintet featuring Andy Leggett:  This is the second time for this band to come to SJS.   The band consists of Jane Williams (leader) on ukulele and vocals, Mike Frost on guitar, Bill Lynn on string bass, Greg Evans on drums and 82 on the day of this concert was the great Andy Leggett on reeds including bass saxophone.   They opened with ‘All Of Me’ and continued with ‘Blue Moon’, ‘You Don’t Know Me’, ‘S’Wonderful’, ‘Poor Papa’, ‘I Put A Spell On You’, ‘Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby’, ‘I’ll See You In My Dreams’, ‘After You’re Gone’, ‘I’m Lazy That’s All’, ‘Almost Like Being in Love’, ‘I Thought About You’, ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing’, ‘There Was A Boy’, ‘I Want A Big Butter And Egg Man’ and ‘Straighten Up And Fly Right’.  The music hit the spot and the band received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the session.  Looking forward to hearing more from this great band.

24 March 2024 – Richard Leach’s Street Band:  The band consists of Richard Leach (leader) on trombone, Tony Pipkin on cornet and vocals, Zoltan Sagi on clarinet + alto sax, Dave Deakin on sousaphone, Mark Challinor on guitar, banjo, ukulele and vocals and Nick Ward on vintage percussion.  They opened with ‘Three Little Words’ and went on with ‘Carry Me Back To Old Virginia’, ‘Buddy’s Habits’, ‘Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans’, ‘Let The Light From The Lighthouse Shine On Me’, ‘Stevedore Stomp’, ‘Smiles’, ‘Swing That Music’, ‘That’s A Plenty’, ‘September in the Rain’, ‘ San Francisco Bay Blues’, ‘Body And Soul’, ‘Bogalusa Strut’, ‘From Monday On’, ‘Old Shanty Town’ and ‘Wolverine Blues’.  What a lovely concert by gifted musicians.  We look forward to them returning to play for us in the next season.

17 March 2024 – Jake Leg Jug Band:  This well known band has Duncan Wilcox (leader) on double bass and vocals, Cohen Wilcox on washboard, Warren James on guitar, banjo and vocals, Richard Leach on trombone and Andy Henderson on Trumpet.  They opened with ‘I Can’t Dance – Got Ants in my Pants’, and continued with ‘Mouthful O’ Jam’, ‘On The Road Again’, ‘ Goodbye Booze’, ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘I Belong to the Band, Hallelujah’, ‘Light from the Lighthouse’, ‘Let the Midnight Special Shine a Light on Me’, ‘Ezekiel Saw The Wheel’, ‘Killin’ Jive’, ‘St Louis Blues’, Meeting At The Building’, ‘They Hung Him On A Cross’, ‘Ella Speed’, ‘He’s In The Jailhouse Now’, ‘Hot Nuts’, finishing with ‘Alabama Blues’.  Such a full programme and they tell me that they are bringing out a full CD of gospel blues which they will be playing in the coming season in churches.  Perhaps the funniest thing was watching Warren play the jug … but at least he did try.  Look forward to seeing them again in the not too distant future.

10 March 2024 – Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants:  This band is such a mixture of humour and jazz and comprises Kevin Grenfell (leader) on trombone, trumpet and vocals – and of course humour, Jeremy Huggett on reeds, Richard Hughes on piano, Simon Smith on double bass and ‘Baby’ Jools Aldridge on drums.   They opened with ‘Hindustan’ and went on to play ‘Blue Moon’, ‘Love’, ‘Gonna Take A Sentimental Journey’, ‘Pennies from Heaven’, ‘Up A Lazy River’, ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘That’s Why the Lady is a Tramp’, ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’, ‘I’ve Found a New Baby’, ‘There Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens and as usual they ended with ‘Bye Bye Blackbird’.  Smiley faces and tapping feet (and a little bit of quiet singing along) said the audience really liked this programme and this band so we look forward to seeing more of them next year.

3 March 2024 – Fret & Fiddle:   This 5-piece band regularly plays for Stafford Jazz Society.  The band comprises Sally Whitham (leader) on jazz violin and vocals, Andy Bole on guitar, Richard Hughes on piano, Simon Smith on string bass and Steve Street on drums.  Their opening number was the lovely ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ and they went on to play ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love Baby’, ‘Tiko Tiko’, ‘ There Once Was a Boy’, ‘Chikita’, ‘The Autumn Leaves’, ‘Misirlou’, ‘Take the A Train’, ‘J’entendre’, ‘Softly As In The Morning Sunlight’, ‘Make Me A Pallet’, ‘Tiger Rag’, ‘I’m Ready’, ‘Caravan’, ‘Chocolate Jesus’, ‘Jeeves & Wooster’, ‘Riding the Rails’ and ending with ‘Csardas’.  What a lovely mixture and little wonder the audience were on their feet to applaud them.  We look forward to seeing them again.

Bob Dwyer’s Celeb 6 – 25 February 2024:  Playing together for the first time we do know most of the musicians.  The band consisted of Bob Dwyer (leader) on trombone and vocals, Jon Penn on piano, Marc Easener on string bass, Matt Palmer on reeds, Pete Rudeforth on trumpet and vocals and Nick Ward on vintage percussion.  They opened with ‘Riverboat Shuffle’ and went on with ‘I’m Coming Virginia’, ‘The Love Nest’, ‘Apex Blues’, ‘Struttin’ With Some Barbecue’, ‘Baby Won’t You Please Come Home’, ‘The Original Dixieland One Step’, ‘Nagasaki’, ‘Weary Blues’, ‘ There Will Never Be Another You’, ‘Perdido Street Blues’, ‘Davenport Blues’ (a trumpet solo), ‘Running Wild’, ‘Jazz Me Blues’, ‘Chevy Chase’ (a piano rag solo) and ending with ‘So Do I’.  A good show and one enjoyed by all.

Sarah Spencer’s Sax ‘N’ Bone Band – 18 February 2024: What music, what joy.  With Sarah Spencer (leader) on saxophone, Mike Owen on trombone, Jim “Lord” Swinnerton on bass, Graham Smith on drums, Rachel Hayward on banjo and Zoltan Sagi on reeds it was difficult to believe this band was making it’s debut today at the White Eagle Club.  They opened with ‘My Memphis Baby’ and went on with, in no particular order, ‘I’ll Always Be In Love’, ‘Bogalusa’, ‘On Moonlight Bay’, ‘Whenever You’re Lonesome’, ‘Willie The Weeper’, ‘Walking with My Baby’, ‘Ice Cream’, ‘On A Coconut Island’, ‘When We Dance’, ‘Oh How I Miss You’ and ‘I Can’t Escape’.  This was all good listening and was greeted with much enthusiasm by the audience.

Warren “Lonnie” James & His Skiffle Band – 11 February 2024:  What a show!!  Warren “Lonnie” James on guitar and banjo and vocals was accompanied on this occasion by Jim “Lord” Swinnerton on bass, drummer “Baby” Jools Aldridge, Mke Owen on trombone and special guest lead guitarist Howard Gregory.  Songs were: ‘Hard Travellin’, ‘Keep on the Sunnyside’, ‘Cotton Fields Back Home’, ‘Wreck of Old 97’, ‘My Dixie Darling’, ‘Take My Hand Precious Lord’, ‘Jessie James’, ‘Railroad Bill’, ‘Goin’ Down Road Feeling Bad’, ‘Rambling Round Your Town’. ‘Steam Line Train’, ‘Can’t Ya Line Em’, ‘Midnight Special’, ‘New Buryin Ground’, ‘Worried Man’, ‘I Don’t Want No Other Baby’, ‘Light from the Lighthouse’, ‘Green Corn’, ‘Take This Hammer’, ‘This Train is Bound for Glory’, ‘Freight Train’ and finishing with ‘Last Train to San Fernando’ (and there were many there joining in with this one especially).  Now like the professional he is Warren interspersed the music with information about how skiffle came about, the American Civil War, Slavery, Depression, Rent House Parties and explained how initially each county in the USA had its own style of music but when it travelled it grew into something wonderful to hear after radio stations began playing different styles of music – folk, country, skiffle and gospel.  I could go on but I won’t.  It was a real education and if you’ve not heard this show I urge you find out where it’s at and get yourself a ticket or two.

Jeremy Huggett’s Jazz & Boogie Band – 4 February 2024:  This five piece classic jazz and boogie combo comprised Jeremy Huggett (leader) on piano and vocals, Alex Clarke on saxophones, Kevin Grenfell on trombone, trumpet, vocals (and jokes), Simon Smith on bass and Steve Palmer on drums.  Their opening number was ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing if it Ain’t Got That Swing’, one of the favourites.  This was followed by:  ‘Josephine’, ‘Lady Be Good’, ‘Some Day You’ll Be Sorry’, ‘Take the A Train’, ‘St Louis Blues’, ‘I’m Walking’, ‘Margie’, ‘Bei Mir Bistu Shein’ (My Dear My Shane), ‘Oh Baby What You Gonna Do’, ‘I’m Confessing That I Love You’, ‘The Hucklebuck’, ‘Summer Time’ and finishing with a rip roaring version of ‘Steam Line Train’ which had feet bouncing.  What a lovely concert.  We look forward to seeing them again.

7 January 2024 – No Concert

Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters – 14 January 2024:  Making its debut at Stafford Jazz Society was this lovely band consisting of leader, Paula Jackman, on clarinet and vocals, “Magic” Mike Henry on trumpet/cornet, Alistair Allan on trombone and vocals, Marc Easener on sousaphone, Graham Collicott on drums and Paul Higgs (sitting in for Hugh Crozier who is unwell) on piano.  In no particular order some of the songs played were: ‘The Bodiga Street Blues’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, ‘I’m Craze ‘bout my Baby’, ‘The Gypsy’, ‘Singing the Blues’, ‘The Apex Blues’, ‘You Meet The Nicest People in Your Dreams’, ‘La Vie en Rose’, ‘Why Don’t You Go Down to New Orleans’, ‘Putting on the Ritz’, ‘Stardust’ and ‘You Must See What You Mean to Me’.  The concert was well received and we hope to see them again soon.

Andy Leggett’s Centenary Serenaders – 21 January 2024:  Back with us once more was this smashing band consisting of leader Andy Leggett on reeds and vocals, Ceri Williams on trumpet, Dave Deakin on trombone, Rachel Hayward on guitar and banjo, Joe Trudgeon on string bass and Dave Andrews on drums.  They opened with ‘Black Cat on the Fence’ and went on to play ‘Jazz Band Ball’, ‘Wabash Blues’, ‘Cake Walkin’ Babies’, ‘Savoy Blues’, ‘Milenburg Joys’, ‘Melancholy’, ‘Mama’s Gone Goodbye’, ‘ Honeysuckle Rose’ complete with vocals from Joe, ‘Dans les Rues d’Antibes’ in the first half and in the second half they went on with ‘Panama’, ‘I Get the Blues when It Rains’, ‘Breeze’, ‘Ory’s Creole Trombone’, ‘Beale Street Mama’, ‘Coffee Grinder’, ‘The Mooch’ (which I just love), ‘Royal Garden Blues’ and finishing with ‘Louisiana’.  You will be wondering how I know all this … well I took a photo of their play list!!  Great music by great musicians.  Hope to see them again soon.

That Big Band – 28 January 2024:  This band was previously called the Sax Shack Big Band.  Based in the Potteries, this is a 19-piece combo which blends established musicians with a raft of rising stars.   Their repertoire is a mix of classic tunes and contemporary numbers.  On baritone sax is lead Chris Davies, and their vocalist is Charlotte Hayes.  Their opening number was, appropriately enough, ‘Strike Up The Band’.  They went on to perform ‘Fight the Foo Bird’, ‘People’, ‘Where or When’, a couple of vocals ‘Summertime’ and ‘The Look of Love’, ‘Lil Darlin’’, ‘A String of Pearls’, ‘Take the A Train’, ‘Zip-a-dee-doo-da’, ‘Pegasus’, ‘Samantha’, ‘That’s Life’ (and yes, not the Esther Rantzen theme tune!), a couple more vocals with ‘At Last’ and ‘Moon River’, ‘Beauty and The Beast’, ‘Airstream’ and finally closing with a rousing ‘Caravan’.  It was quite a squash getting everyone in but somehow they managed it, with a front row off stage.  We look forward to welcoming them back again next year.

Mike Owen’s Christmas Cracker Band – 17 December 23:  The band had Mike Owens on trombone and vocals (leader), Sarah Spencer on reeds and vocals, Ian Wynne on piano, Richard Vernon on double bass and Graham Smith on drums.   They opened with ‘Tie Me To Your April Strings Again’ and went on in no particular order with ‘What A Friend We Have in Jesus’, ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘We’ll Meet Again’, ‘You’ve Got to Give Me Some’, ‘Turkey Ain’t Nothing But A Bird’, ‘When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver’, ‘I’ll be Home for Christmas’, ‘I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire’, ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’ and a solo by Ian Wynne with ‘Dorothy’.  There are others I missed but this gives you a very festive flavour of today’s concert.  Lovely band, good musicians, mince pies and free hot drinks … what more can one ask.

Debonaires Little Big Band – 10 December 23:  This band, consisting of Max Debon (leader) on trumpet and vocals, Sarah Eastwood on clarinet and vocals, Rick Halliwell on alto sax, Anne Holder on tenor sax, Austin Ralphson on trombone, Peter Wilson on piano, Jon Burr on bass and Rob Turner on drums played a mixture of jump jive, swing and jazz from the early jazz and swing era.  They opened with ‘Sing Sing Sing’, and went on with ‘My Blue Heaven’, ‘You Gotta See Mama every Night or You Won’t See Mama at All’, ‘Blues in the Night’, ‘Route 66’, ‘The Folks Who Live on the Hill’, ‘Why Don’t You Do Right’, ‘Fever’, ‘Come To The Cabaret’, ‘Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps’, ‘It’s Too Darn Hot’, ‘Apple Honey’, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Any More’, ‘Bandstand Boogie’, ‘Tiger Rag’, ‘My Heart Belongs to Daddy’, ‘Mack the Knife’, ‘All That Jazz’ and ‘Mambo Italiano’.  If I have left anything out forgive me but you get the picture – something for everyone all played by some great musicians and sung by a little lady with a big voice.   We look forward to seeing them again perhaps next year.

Wabash Jazzmen featuring Nick Ward – 3 December 23:   We welcomed back this traditional New Orleans jazz rooted band in all the snow and misery of the start of winter proper.  However the music certainly cheered us up.  The band was made up of leader Mark Challinor on banjo, guitar and ukulele with vocals, Mike Hayler on reeds, Richard Leach on trombone, Tony Pipkin on cornet, trumpet and occasional vocals, Richard Vernon on string bass and the redoubtable Nick Ward on vintage percussion.   They opened with ‘Bobalusa Strut’ and finished up with ‘Weary Blues’ and in between some of the numbers were: ‘China Boy’, ‘There’s a Rainbow Round My Shoulders’, ‘Bell Chimes’, ‘Maori’, ‘Muskrat Rebel’, ‘Route 66’ (always a favourite of mine since I did Route 66 in an open top hire car way back), ‘I Never Knew That Roses Grew’, ‘Davenport Blues’, ‘Come Back Sweet Papa’, ‘The Blue Blood’ and ‘From Monday On’ to name some of them.  They were well received by the few hardy  people who made it to the concert and this fabulous concert was their reward.  See you again Wabash.