MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A
VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR
to all our readers from all at JWM

The Sussex Jazz Kings . . .

...pictured, are a great Trad band (we saw them at Upton Jazz Festival and loved them). They will be appearing, amongst other bands, at Roysters Jazz at the Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton, from January 17th to 20th 2008.

For full details of Roysters Jazz Holidays see advert on page 5 or phone Roy on 01803 311291. - Website: roystersjazz.co.uk

Burton Jazz Club, at Marstons Social Club . . .

have a great programme planned for December and January, including New Orleans Heat at their Christmas Party on 20th December. On 24th January they have Dave Stradwick's Sussex Jazz Kings, above, and on 31st January they welcome the Lime House Jazz Band from Holland.
For info call Ray on 01283 548159.

ANITA WARDELL

will be performing with her outstanding live band at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Saturday 15th December at 7.30pm. For tickets call the Box Office on 01584 878141.Winner of the 2006 BBC Jazz Award for Best of Jazz, Anita Wardell is fast becoming a major name on the UK Jazz scene. Vocal bebop pioneer Mark Murphy proclaimed Anita, “ A gift from Australia, what hits me is how expressive her ballad singing is.”

SOUTHPORT’S 4TH JAZZ ON A WINTER’S WEEKEND

Gig tickets for Southport Melodic Jazz’s 4th Jazz on a Winter’s Weekend, taking place on 1-3 Feb 08, went on sale on 1st November. Weekend and Day tickets for this feast of contemp orary jazz have been selling briskly.

With headliners from the US like guitarist Russell Malone and the superb trumpeter Eddie Henderson plus a great line up of UK stars including saxophonists Peter King, Alan Barnes, Benn Clatworthy and Bobby Wellins, trumpeters Bruce Adams and Steve Waterman and vibes masters Jim Hart and Roger Beaujolais this looks like being SMJC’s best yet event. A late addition to the programme is guitarist Jim Mullen who will be backing Claire Martin on the Friday evening.

Concerts are at Southport’s Arts Centre with late gigs at The Royal Clifton Hotel. For tickets tel: 01704 541790. www.jazzinsouthport.co.uk.

BUTLERS BAR & BISTRO, CODSALL HOSTS TWO VERY SPECIAL EVENTS IN DECEMBER

On Wednesday 19th Dec virtuoso violinist Ralph Allin will be playing jazz in his quartet from 8.30pm, admission £5. On Friday 21st December jazz vocalist Karen Lane sings Bossa Nova and Samba. A dinner pack age is available at £33.50, or music only for £15. Karen has established a strong UK following, espec ially in London, where she has had sell-out gigs at Pizza on the Park and the Stables Theatre, Wavendon.

So if you’re looking for a great Christmas night out for you and your friends phone Butlers Bistro on 01902 841930 or look at their website www. butlersbarandbistro.co.uk.

Huntingdon Hall in Worcester has a great jazz programme including the Big Chris Barber Band on Friday 14th December and Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen on Friday 1st February.

 

A Big Thank You from JazzWestMids

Your editorial team, Linda, Dick and Barry, want to say a big thank you to all our readers, subscribers, advertisers, musicians and all jazz fans for supporting the magazine.

OXFAM STOMP FRIDAY 4TH JANUARY

This Traditional Jazz Extravaganza has been running for 42 years. It’s a gathering of the clans for many local musos and about 250 enthusiasts. No one gets paid and over a thousand pounds goes to Oxfam each year.

Four well-known bands perform in the main hall for an hour each, whilst in the next room there’s a running jam session. Both rooms are humming with people and great music till midnight.

The Oxfam Stomp was started and is still organised by John Minnion, with help over the years from Pat McMeekan, Tony Shramm, the late Les Page, Jim Denham and Andy Lowe. The event starts 7.30pm at the Billesley Arms, Brook Lane, Kings Heath, B’ham B13 0AB. Tickets are £10 on door, £8 in advance, from Pat McMeekan on 0121-444 3525.
 

DON RENDELL TO VISIT TAMWORTH

Veteran jazz musician Don Rendell will be appearing at Tamworth Mainstream and Modern Jazz Club on Monday 21st January with Chris Bowden and the Paul Sawtell Trio.

Don’s career is that of an uncompromising jazz musician who has never ceased developing his music without the loss of any artistic integrity. His career began in Duncan Whyte’s band, before moving on to the orchestras of Oscar Rabin and George Evans, playing tenor saxophone and clarinet. In the 1950s Don played in what was perhaps the first British group to break the myth of American superiority over British jazzmen – the Johnny Dankworth Seven. Proof of the pudding is provided by Don’s later work with both Stan Kenton and Woody Herman as well as Ted Heath. In 1955 Don’s sextet was chosen to accompany the late great Billie Holliday on her concert at the Manchester Free Trade Hall.

Over many years he has established a reputation as a leading jazz educator working extensively with John Dankworth, both at the Royal Academy of Music and at Wavendon. Since 1984 Don has been Professor of Jazz Saxophone at the Guildhall School of Music and has had original compositions for saxophone published by the Guildhall.

ALL STARS RETURN TO THEIR BLACK COUNTRY ROOTS

The Midland All Stars began performing at the Hen & Chickens, Oldbury in 1974 and they have always had a very strong following in the Oldbury, Dudley and Wolverhampton areas. Their new venue is the Birchley Spor ts & Social Club, Brunel Road, Oldbury, where they cordially invite their Black Country fans to come and see them. The first concert at this new venue is the Battle of the Big Bands on Sunday December 16th at 7.30pm with the All
Stars and MYJO.

The All Stars Band play a mix of classic big band swing including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Ted Heath and Frank Sinatra. They will be booking top line guest artists for their new year dates. Garry says the Birchley Social Club has a very nice large room with bar, refreshments available, and a large free car park.

For further details phone 0121-475 7524.

Is your venue ready for something different?
Then try…

…The John Dunmore
Boogie Band

New Orleans Music you can Dance to! Louisiana Style R & B Featuring the Music of Fats Domino, Louis Prima and more! Phone/Fax John: 01604 781241.

email: biffojazz@hotmail.com. Website: www. louisianamusic.co.uk

A Gentleman of Jazz
– Howard Sheldon –

It’s a sad start to the festive season as we report the loss of one of the popular pianists on the midlands music scene – Howard Sheldon.
Howard died on the 18th December following a short illness.
The funeral will take place at Astwood Crematorium, Astwood Road , Worcester, WR3 8HA  on Tuesday 8th January at 2pm.

For any further information please contact George Johnson on 01562 744047

Art and Photography Open Weekend Dec 1-2

Geoff Bateman was a good Photographer and Artist who took shots of musicians, portraits, landscapes etc, often with a view to painting afterwards. The exhibition is open 11am to 6pm Sat and Sun. 40, Park Road, Coventry. This is the road Coventry Central Station is in so you can walk straight there off the train in 5 mins. if necessary phone 024 7655 3140.

Visitors will be able to take photos away with them. There are also several painings which will be open to offers (for charity).

Norbury Theatre Droitwich Spa:

“Music For You”

On Friday 30th November Guy Rowland, pianist, vocalist and entertainer, will be playing Gershwin, Fats Waller etc,  7.30pm,  £9/£8,  Box Office 01905 770154. 

STEVE FRANCIS REMEMBERED

Birmingham’s B.U.S. Club, Gough St, Sunday lunch, 25th Nov is the place to be for lovers of big band jazz when two fine big bands celebrate the life of tuba player Steve Francis (above foreground) who sadly died last year at the early age of 50.

Although Steve, a very fine tuba player, per formed all styles of music, this concert will celebrate his playing in the Jazz field. At the age of 15 he joined MYJO followed by a lengthy stint with the Steve King Big Band of which he was still a member at the time of his sad death. He also played in Mike Beaumont’s “West Coast Revival” and 18 piece “So What!” which, as a special tribute, is reforming for the gig.

The very popular Steve King band will feature American singer Lynn Dawes whilst “So What” will have such top names as trumpeter John Ruddick, Bassist Mike Green and sax player CharlieWright.

The proceeds from this concer t will be donated to the “Selly Oak Hospital” which did so much to try to save Steve’s life.

LATIN JAZZ WITH EDGAR MACÍAS
every Sunday in Harborne

The Scarlet Pimpernel Pub in Tennal Road, Harborne, is host to a new Sunday Jazz Gig featuring Edgar Macías and friends.

It starts at 1.30pm and admission is free.

New West Midlands International Jazz Club

The Lichfield Garrick have taken over the mantle of the Club which Don Reynolds led so ably for so long. The Autumn programme begins with top class saxophonist Alan Skidmore and his Quartet on Friday 16th Nov at 8pm in the Studio Theatre.

Alan plays with immense physical and imaginative stamina. His repertoire is a mixture of standards, original compositions and music from the great John Coltrane. The Jim Mullen Organ Trio follows on Friday 25th January.

Box Office 01543 412121.
www.lichfieldgarrick.com

JAZZ ON A WINTER’S WEEKEND

Eddie Henderson and Russel Malone (below) are two of the major stars on show at the 4th Jazz on a Winter's Weekend, this coming February.

For more details see the ad at the bottom of the page

STEVE GIBBONS & STEVE CLAYTON AT THE PAVILION, SHENSTONE

Nanette Allen says Forget Guy Fawkes and join us for a cracking night with Steve “Big Man” Clayton & The Birmingham Blues Friends on Saturday 3rd November (£5 on door). On Saturday 1st December we welcome rapturous R&B band The Stumble from the North of England.
Our special ticket only New Year’s Day gig on Tuesday 1st January features the one and only Steve Gibbons with Roger Hill, Roger Inniss and Alan “Sticky” Wicket. Tickets, £8, from Nanette on 01543 481661 Limited seating available. All Gigs start 9pm.
 

Abram Wilson & The Delta Blues Project! Don’t Miss!
LICHFIELD GUILD HALL, NOV 30TH

Abram Wilson’s Ride!, tells the story of a young man’s journey from his hometown in the Delta to the thrills of the big city, with his explosive 10-strong orchestra featuring three bands in one (Sextet, Delta Blues Trio and Brass Band), playing everything from brassband jazz and delta blues to acoustic hip-hop. Wilson, a fiery, trumpeter and gracefully cajoling soul singer, has arrangements which burst with inven - tion – Mingus-like gospel jazz, Muddy Waters harmonica r&b, Blue Note hardboppish swing, Dirty Dozen-like streetmarch funk, and some blistering, vocal-toned horn soloing.

Norbury Theatre Droitwich Spa:

“Music For You”

On Friday 30th November Guy Rowland, pianist, vocalist and entertainer, will be playing Gershwin, Fats Waller etc,  7.30pm,  £9/£8,  Box Office 01905 770154. 

 
COME DOWN TO THE CROSSROADS
at The Tower Of Song

There’s a new Thursday night Blues Club opening in Cotteridge on 20th September at the Tower of Song.

CLICK ON THE PIC TO FIND OUT MORE!

DECEMBER/JANUARY ISSUE

In Remembrance
WARREN DORSEY

who passed away two years ago on 6th November 2005.

Well known Midlands jazz singer Greatly loved and sadly missed by all his family and friends.

THE RAT PACK HITS TOWN

If you’ve always hankered after the chance to see the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr) then wait no longer, the nearest thing is right here in Birmingham on Sunday 21st October at the David Lloyd Centre, Great Barr.

The hit tribute show starring David Alacey as Frank Sinatra, Harry Crawley as Dean Martin and Rahul Dimelo as Sammy Davis Jnr, will be the special guests of the Garry Allcock AllStars Band.

Full details of this and Garry’s other concerts phone 0121-475 7524 or 01902 441600.

BUTLERS BAR & BISTRO, CODSALL

Jazz in the Wolverhampton area has been significantly enhanced by the programme at the very attractive Butlers Bistro. The promoters are very bravely including Trad, Swing, Modern and even some Latin, to appeal to all
tastes.

For full programme see Listings.

AUTUMN AT THE GUILDHALL

Lichfield Arts are starting their stunning Autumn programme at the Guildhall on October 5th with Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes. Star vocalist Gwyneth Herbert (right) described as “the next Jazz Diva” will be appearing on Friday November 2nd. Her influences range from Rufus Wainwright to Joni
Mitchell.

Martin Taylor, described by Pat Metheny as “one of the most awesome guitarists… he’s unbelievable” will be appearing on Saturday November 17th.

A must for all is the Abram Wilson & the Blues Project Ride concert on Friday 30th November. An account of Wilson’s journey from his native New Orleans to London it is an eclectic mix of Delta Blues, New Orleans parade band, Be Bop, Hip Hop and Gospel.

STRATFORD ON AVON MUSIC FESTIVAL
13-21 OCTOBER

The Big Chris Barber Band at the Civic Hall (Friday 19th October) and the Steve Waterman Sextet and Corey Mwamba with the Luis D’Agostino Trio at the White Swan Hotel carry the banner for jazz at the Festival.

More in last months features.

SINATRA MUSIC SOCIETY

The Sinatra Music Society will be celebrating its 52nd Anniversary on Sunday 14 October at the Clarendon Suites, Hagley Road, Birmingham.

Following the AGM, at 3.45pm there will be a concert featuring Gary Williams 9right) and the James O’Carroll Big Band. Gary is one of the four best known singers of the Classic American Songbook in Britain.

For tickets contact Mrs M Cummings on 0121-350 0683.

THE 5TH BRIDGNORTH JAZZ FESTIVAL

26th to 28th October

This year’s exciting programme includes the Three Tenors Alan Barnes, Karen Sharp and Robert Fowler, the Jazz Trail, Dave Shepherd, Geoff Simkins and the Bryan Jones Big Band.

Come and explore the picturesque town of Bridgnorth while enjoying listening to top class jazz musicians.

LLANDUDNO JAZZ WEEKEND
19th to 21st October

Autumn may be approaching and your summer holidays behind you but there is still something to look forward to. What about a weekend at a beautiful coastal resort, in a 3-star hotel complete with live top class jazz bands including the Chicago Teddy Bears? No airport hassle, no currency problems, no early morning departures, a short drive from the Midlands and all for £80 per person. Yes, it’s true, the resort is Llandudno, on the North Wales coast – one of Britain’s finest.

Chatsworth House Hotel is one of the largest hotels on Central Promenade and the hotel is taken over exclusively by the jazz fraternity for the weekend. As you can imagine the atmosphere is friendly and happy. The event happens
twice every year in April and October and is organised by Harry Swinburne who runs the Maghull Jazz Club in Liverpool.

He reports that almost half of the 200 fans each time book for the following event before they leave. So all of these people can't be wrong, why not try it yourself. See ad p3. Tel: 0151-520 1633

Ralph Allin at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich.

On Saturday October 27th the Ralph Allin Trio will be presenting an evening of popular classics including pieces by Elgar, Fritz Kreisler and extracts from Fiddler on the Roof, Girl Crazy etc, plus the Czardas and exciting Hungarian dances. Tickets £9 (£8 concs), Box Office 01905 770154.
 

SOUTHSIDE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Southside Big Band open their new season on Wed 19th September with a landmark concert at The Stadium, Wheelers Lane, Kings Heath. The band are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of their very first public concert which was held on 15th September 1982 at the time of the Falklands conflict.

The concert was a great success and the proceeds were donated to the South Atlantic Fund. For information call Phil on 0121-475 6177.

BIRMINGHAM TOWN
HALL GRAND RE-OPENING

Birmingham’s answer to the Royal Albert Hall is re-opening on Thursday 4th October after a massive refurbishment and total make-over.

Fans of The Garry Allcock Allstars Big Band will be delighted to see that they can dance or listen to the Band at the Town Hall on Tues 9th Oct at 2.30pm or at 8pm. For this and other events including the BBC Big Band, Soweto Kinch and lots more Jazz the Box Office number is: 0121 780 3333 or visit www.thsh.co.uk

Garry Allcock’s Allstars Big Band has a busy autumn ahead.

Musical director Paul Drakeley has been arranging their autumn concert dates and guest artistes. Not only have they got their usual top guest Dave Chance and MYJO, but one of the band’s most exciting concerts will be on Sunday 21st October when the Allstars Big Band will be appearing with the “Rat Pack is Back” - the ultimate tribute show.

Paul has worked with this show all over the UK, Monte Carlo and later this year will be performing with them in Dubai. Despite the show's busy schedule he has managed to book them for one night only here in Birmingham.

The trio recently had the honour of performing at a Royal Command for HRH the Princess Royal, which was followed by an appearance in front of 35,000 people as part of the VE day celebrations. The show will perfectly capture the style, glamour and fun of Las Vegas in its heyday when Frank, Dean and Sammy ruled the entertainment world.

THE VIOLIN IS IN FOR STAFFORD

Stafford Jazz Society has voted Fret & Fiddle their Band of the Year. Members of this Gypsy/Jazz Band are Sally Minchin (violin), Andy Bole (guitar) and Mike Green (bass). The Society's Musician of the Year is virtuoso violinist Ralph Allin. Congratulations to all these very talented musicians.

STRATFORD ON AVON MUSIC FESTIVAL
13-21 OCTOBER

The Festival includes a wide variety of music, dance, early music and cabaret. This year’s festival focuses on the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Sir Edward Elgar.

Jazz events at the White Swan will be the Steve Waterman Sextet on Sunday 14 October and Corey Mwamba with the Luis d’Agostino Trio on Sunday 21 October. Tel. 01789 298607.

The Big Chris Barber Band will be appearing at the Civic Hall onFriday 19 October at 7.30pm, Box Office 01789 207100.

For general information visit:– www.stratfordmusicfestival.com
or call 01789 298197.

NEW BLUES CLUB FOR BRUM
at The Tower Of Song

The Tower of Song in Cotteridge will be starting the Crossroads Blues Club on Thursday 20th September and plan to run it on a weekly basis. Each evening will feature an open mic session followed by a guest artiste so there will be plenty of opportunities for everybody to listen, play or just enjoy!

The opening night will feature Caramany, Chickenbone Blues, Mellow Peaches and Paul Cowley whilst Sam Cornwell, Steve Ajao, The Blues Toones, and Kirsty and Kenny are amongst the acts booked to play at later dates.

For more information visit their site at www.towerofsong.co.uk/blues

SCARBOROUGH JAZZ FESTIVAL
28-30 SEPTEMBER

Now a nationally acclaimed event, the 5th Scarborough Jazz Festival will be dramatically enhanced by the new look at the Scarborough Spa, which after a £3.75m makeover now has state-ofthe-art sound, light and technical equipment.

The Festival always tries to put on a fresh and balanced programme and unashamedly relies heavily on the plethora of outstanding British musicians - Martin Taylor, Dennis Rollins’ Badbone & Co (left) and Stan Tracey Octet will be some of the highlights this year.

Main acts and some fringe events take place at the Spa, which is situated on the beautiful South Bay and has panoramic views of the sea and Scarborough.

The Spa offers a wide range of food and drink, including excellent real ales, and in the East Coast's premier resort visitors can be assured of a warm welcome in the shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels. Come and enjoy yourself at this fun festival!

Box Office 01723 357869, website www.scarboroughjazzfestival.co.uk.
 

ISLE OF MAN JAZZ FESTIVAL 21-23 SEPTEMBER

If you’re looking for a late break in the beautiful Isle of Man you couldn’t do better than attending the Jazz Festival based at the Hilton Hotel, Douglas.

Artists include Chicago Teddy Bears, Richard Leach’s 7 Stars, Dixi, Bruce Adams, Roy Williams and many other great bands and musicians. Details at www.freewebs.com/manxjazzclub or phone Alan 01624 861095 or e-mail alangrubb@manx.net

THE DYLAN HOWE QUINTET
Ludlow Assembly Rooms Fri 14 Sept

Contemporary, fresh and energetic jazz played with swing and a great sense of melody, the quintet is led by Dylan Howe on drums, with Quentin Collinsm(trumpet), Gilad Atzmon (tenor sax), Ross Stanley (piano) and Oli Ayhurst (double bass).

'A looseness reminiscent of Miles's 1960s ensemble.' The Guardian
www.dylanhowe.com.

The George Huxley Band with Caz Sherrington will be playing at Sutton Coldfield Jazz Club, Sutton Town FC, Coles Lane on Wednesday 12 September at 8.30pm, admission £3.

The band also appear at Gipsy Hall Farm, Wilmcote on Saturday 15 September at 7pm, advance tickets £15 including buffet and bar. For info and tickets call Gill on 01789 293340.

LATIN FEVER AT BEARWOOD CORKS

2 weeks later on the 20th it's the Edgar Macías Quintet with Wilmer Sifontes (percussion) and Chris Bowden (alto sax).

WATCH MYJO ON YOUTUBE

The Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra play at Bearwood Corks Club (Thurs 13th) and the Artrix in Bromsgrove (Sun 30th) this month. You can watch their Youtube Promo Video right here.

MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL
Sat 1st – Sun 2nd September.

The Second Festival will be held at Moseley Park, B’ham B13 8DD combining acts old and new. Rapidly becoming one of the most important folk gatherings this event introduces an eclectic 21st century psychedelic folk adventure of great musicians to a younger, more family orientated crowd, as well as satisfying die hard folk and music lovers.

Main acts include: Fairport Convention / Rory McLeod / Kate Rusby / Dave Swarbrick / Tunng / Nizlopi and Simon Fowler (Ocean Colour Scene).

Events start at 11.30 am finishing at 10.00pm. Organisers tell us a terrific range of food will be available on site. This will be a great weekend for families and lovers of traditional folk and contemporary music. Details can be found at www.moseleyfolk.co.uk

ANN DUGGAN TRIO
take to the water

There's a fabulous canal cruise leaving from the Gas Street Basin, B’ham at 2.30pm on Saturday 15 Sept, featuring popular upbeat Blues singer Ann Duggan. If you fancy a drink (bar onboard) and a narrowboat cruise with some great live music ring Sam on 0121 236 7057 to book your place (price £7).

Download PDF - EMAIL Chancery Cruising - Website


 

As a special thanks to all their customers the Trumpet Bilston are holding a free to enter Jazz Festival on the weekend of Friday 10th - Sunday 12th August.

Instead of an admission charge a tray will be passed round and the word is that Musti hopes to provide good food at the appropriate times.

The weekend itinerary is:

FRIDAY 10th
Swing Parade 8.30 to 11.00

SATURDAY 11th
Bev Peg Trio 3.00 to 5.00
Old Comrades 6.00 to 8.00
Brian Bates and Friends 8.30 to 11.00

SUNDAY 12th
House Band 2.00 to 5.00
Trevor Emeny & Archie Cottrell Quartet 6.00 to 8.00
Ron Hills & Tony Pipkin Quintet 9.00 to 11.00

APPLEBY JAZZ FESTIVAL
25-29th July

Great line-uo includes Don Weller, Bobby Wellins, Stan Tracy, Art Themen, Dick Pearce, Peter King and many more...

Appleby Jazz Festival is now an established event in the national music calender. It started with a single concert in Appleby in 1989 and has grown to a 3 day event selling over 3,000 tickets.. Its aims are to promote and develop the creative talent available in this country while also creating a unique opportunity for the more rural population of the north of England to experience and enjoy music of a high artistic level.

The festival uses two venues. One a large marquee catering for over 600 people the other a redundant church used for more intimate and smaller concerts, The whole site which includes, a restaurant, a bar, campsite and car parking runs along the banks of the river Eden.It attracts an audience from all parts of the country and even abroad. It has gained critical acclaim in the US journal “Jazz Times” and around 50 hours of music have been recorded there by the BBC.

The music covers the wide spectrum of improvised music in this country going from the more mainstream music of Alan Barnes and David Newton, via the likes of Stan Tracey and Peter King to the free improvisation of musicians such as Evan Parker. There is a deliberate policy to try and pay all musicians taking part the same and to avoid the more normal hierarchy of bigger stars and lesser stars.

During 10 jazz-packed summer days Birmingham will become Jazz City UK, with more jazz per square metre than New Orleans, a total of some 180 concerts, almost every one free to the public.

Launching the festival, and playing eight free shows across the City, will be one of the great living legends of jazz, Los Angeles born Herb Geller (right) whose incredible career includes recording and performing with Dinah Washington, Clifford Brown and many of the great names in jazz.

2007 may just become known as the year of the saxophone with leading players including New Yorker Carol Sudhalter, Jerry Senfluk from Czech Republic, UK’s leading players Alan Barnes, Alex Garnett, Simon Spillet, Shabaka Hutchings, Art Themen and Mike Burney, Joolz Gianni, Andy Hamilton, Chris Bowden and Steve Ajao.

Other bands include Miskolc Dixieland Band, Budapest Ragtime Orchestra, Lazy Jumpers, New Orleans Jump Band, Urban Gypsy, Tim Kliphuis and the sensational Elmhurst College 20 piece big band from Illinois, USA.

For full details see brochure or tel 0121-454 7020, www.bigbearmusic.com

LAZY JUMPERS COME TO TOWN

Spain’s top Blues band , the Lazy Jumpers will be getting the joint jumping at King’s Heath Cricket Club on Friday 6th July. A great fun evening is definitely awaiting you and your friends for only £ 5 on the door.
For info: 0121 444 1913 or Polly on 0121 444 1362

Birmingham Botanical Gardens:

Midsummer Big Band Music Evening and Picnic. The N C Big Band will once again be entertaining a huge throng of listeners at the Gardens annual open air event on Sunday 8 July from 6.30 to 10pm. The band dress in uniform and the audience are invited to dress in 1940s style. Bring your own picnic, and a blanket or folding chair. The N C Big Band is supported by the wonderful Ralph Allin Trio (left) with virtuoso violinist Ralph.Tickets, £12.50 in advance (£15 on door), please phone 0121-454 1860.
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

BATTLE OF THE BIG BANDS

Prepare to be dazzled by Garry Allcock’s Big Band and MYJO as they bring Birmingham Jazz Festival to a stunning finale. Big band fans and any fans of great musicianship will be heading for the David Lloyd Leisure Centre at Great Barr, B’ham on Sunday July 15th at 7.30pm. For info on MYJO ring 01675 442050 and for Garry call 0121 475 7524 or 01902 441 600.

---

A MESSAGE TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS:

This year we’re producing a joint July/August issue. Subscribers can rest assured that they will not lose out, as they will still get twelve issues for their £6 subscription.

In August up-to-date information about jazz events can be found on our website at www.jazzwestmids.co.uk

We are always grateful to any readers who can tell us about Clubs, Festivals, Bands etc. who might be interested in advertising with us. Phone us on 0121-241 6751 if you have any suggestions. Our thanks go to readers who have already helped us in this way.

VAL WISEMAN AT THE NORBURY

Star vocalist Val Wiseman will be presenting her show “Jazz at the Movies’, a celebration of music and songs from Hollywood films, eg On The Street Where You Live, It Had To Be You, together with humorous anecdotes, at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich on Saturday 21st July at 7.30pm. Assisting Val will be the Roger Heeley Trio and Chris Gumbley on saxes. Fans of Val Wiseman will not want to miss this sensational show.

Information and tickets on 01905 770154 or www.norburytheatre.co.uk

NEW VENUE FOR OLD COMRADES

On Tuesdays this excellent Trad band will be at Perry Hill Tavern, Perry Hill Rd, Oldbury from 8.45pm, free entrance.

TRUMPET JAZZ FESTIVAL

As always The Trumpet at Bilston will be holding its own Festival on Friday 10th to Sunday 12th August. Band line-up to be finalised but keep an eye on our Jazzwestmids website or call the Trumpet on 01902 493 723. See Listings for their other great gigs.

TERRY PIBWORTH

Terry Pibworth, the owner of the Harp Hotel in Albrighton and a passionate supporter of jazz, sadly died on Monday June 11th after suffering two serious strokes.

Terry’s total commitment to Jazz Club 90 at the Harp for the last 14years has helped to make his pub in Shropshire a venue known throughout the jazz world.

Terry was extremely proud of the fact that we could bring some of the “superstars” of jazz to the Harp with the likes of Kenny Baker, Tommy Burton, Andy Cooper, Bruce Adams, Terry Lightfoot and Alan Barnes all appearing as guests with regular bands. From overseas we had bands from California, Norway, Sweden, Russia and Australia together with the best of UK bands.

The sadness Terry felt when a jazz musician died is now felt by musicians and fans alike as shown by the number of messages Marie and I have received from across the country and abroad.

Having worked closely with Terry for the last 7 years or so we feel a great sense of loss but it is nothing to the loss felt by Terry’s children, his daughter Donna and son Russell.

Tribute by John and Marie Howell