'Jazz Scene' ( submitted 28.11.12 ) from C.J.Worsdale.

As 2012 draws to a close, with Christmas and New Year looming on the horizon, two more 'Jazz into Doncaster' sessions are still to take place at the 'Con Club (on 6th December with DYJO and 13th December with Eugene Farrar's Swingin' Santas ),
the voluntary committee have been considering plans and possible changes to take place next year.

Throughout the past year, several gratifying successes clearly stood out ( noteably the merging of three generations of saxophonists—Doncaster's Nadim Teimoori (who has also since furthered his career by working with Stan Tracey’s Quartet / Mark Nightingale/ Tim Garland/Mike Lovett and other major jazz stars)/ Bobby Wellins/ Alan Barnes with The Nicola Farnon Quartet and leading trombone stylist Roy Williams again with The Nicola Farnon Quartet plus Roy Norton on trumpet and Jon Taylor on saxes and flute) with many other varied and musically pleasing attractions also taking place at the 'Con' Club venue.

Frustratingly, some recent presentations failed to draw sufficiently large enough audiences to ensure 'break-even' financially and clearly highlighted the necessary
increase increase in attendances required at live concert events to guarantee a continuing flourishing Jazz Scene in the Doncaster area. As a result, the committee
intend to keep admission prices at £5 wherever possible, though reluctantly may have to increase entry fees on occasions when band hire costs together with increased travel costs of the musicians—who often come considerable distances to entertain us-- make it difficult to balance with the 'door take' when attendances are lower than anticipated...Hopefully loyal supporters will understand the situation and continue to attend gigs whenever possible—and can rest assured that next year's programme (starting on 24th January with Winston's Pennine Jazz ) will as varied and attractive as ever and will always be 'great value for money' !!

Recently,Traditionalists were treated to to an earthy and authentically styled session of 'Delta Jazz' from the band New Orleans Wiggle--led by trumpeter John Hummerstone-- who delighted the audience with two vibrant sets of Crescent City jazz sounds ( see two video clips on You Tube—plus many others filmed at 'Con' Club sessions!!) , drawing many favourable comments at the end of the gig ( including the town's elected mayor Peter Davies-an ardent 'purist' New Orleans jazz lover—who thoroughly enjoyed the evening, even though he would have liked to hear the clarinet
featured a little more in preference to the impressive sax playing of reed man Howard Murray!!)** Leader John informs that N.O.Wiggle are in action at Penistone Gardens Christmas Fayre on Thursday 20th December from 11am to 2pm and play every first Sunday at The Old Bridge Hotel-Holmfirth. ( For more info call John on 01484-862340 or email jazmin@care4free.net

The mighty Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra are in live concert at the ‘Con’ Club on Thursday 6th December-starting at 8.30pm / admission £5 at door ( a bumper audience is anticipated, so advice is to be early to ensure seats!! )…And on Thursday 13th December it’s Christmas Jazz Party Night with Eugene Farrar’s Swingin’ Santas!! Stomp-off is at 8.30pm / admission £5 at the door/ free buffet included!!….
Provided by Jazz Committee members and Brian and Jean and other Club members—though if you wish to contribute a few ‘nibbles’ to the buffet, please do so!!

Also, don’t miss the Christmas ‘bash’ by guitarist / vocalist Dickie Emmerson & Co on Monday 10th December at the ‘Con’ Club …with Sue Fisher / Bob Quinn / Eddie Kell / and John Noble expected to contribute several swingin’ renditions also!! The music kicks-off at 8.30pm / Admission £3-50 at the door.

Barnsley Jazz presents Frank Brooker’s Happy Chappies on Monday 10th December
And The Harlem Hot Stompers on Monday 17th December ( Christmas Party / admission by ticket only!! ) at the Fairway Hotel S75 4LS….01226-281805 / 290105 / 383135. Seven Jazz Swing Festival –Part 1 – is on Sunday 9th Dec with The Djangonauts and part 2 on Subday 16th Dec with Alligator Gumbo ( 1.30pm –4pm at Seven Arts Centre,31 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS 7 3PD (0113-26 26 777 / www.sevenjazz.co.uk ) And at the same venue on Thurs 13th Dec is The Pete King Quartet with Steve Melling-piano / Geoff Gascoyne-double bass/ Mark Fletcher -drums (8.30pm/ £16 / £13 conc’s…Sheffield Jazz presents ‘Heads South’ (John Harriman-keyboards / Steve Waterman-trumpet / Buster Birch-drums /Chino Martell-Morgan-percussion / Andres Lafone-bass ) on Friday 7th December at Millennium Hall S11 8PY…www.wegottickets.com / sheffieldjazz.org.uk

Jazz Scene ( submitted 31.10.12 ) From C.J.Worsdale.

Has predicted, The Yorkshire Stompers—with their vigorous and infectious brand of toe-tapping Traditional Jazz—attracted a sizeable crowd at their recent 'Con' club appearance...which will hopefully be repeated at the venue next Thursday ( 8th November ) for the contrasting-though equally attractive and swingin' debut by The MPR 'Hammond Organ' Quartet.

The gifted foursome comprise of Matt Ratcliffe (keyboards) / Aubin Vanns (guitar)/
Mathew Richardson (drums )/ and Mel Reed (vocals)....who promise to deliver a pleasing and varied mix of well loved standards, interlaced with more recent 'quality'
popular songs. Expected to be included are such numbers as 'Sonny' / 'Ain't no sunshine when she's gone' / 'All of me' / 'Lullaby of Birdland' / 'Fly me to the moon'/
'For once in my life' / 'Imagine' / 'Don't know why' / 'Ain't no love in the heart of the city' and many more besides!! The music kicks into action at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door....If you're fans of groovy organ sounds associated with the likes of Jimmy Smith / Richard 'Groove' Holmes / Alan Haven and the like plus superbly delivered vocals, then this is for you!!

Before moving on, 'Con' Club Jazz regulars may wish to view trumpeter Greg Wadman's impressive 'take' on Humph's famed 'Bad Penny Blues' –filmed at the recent Yorkshire Stompers session—together with 'clips' from other gigs ( including Nadim Teimoori / Bobby Wellins/ Alan Barnes and Nicola Farnon Quartet / Matt Palmer's 'Bee Keeper Five' / Terry Allonby Trio / Steel City Bones / Winston's Pennine Jazz/ Nicki Allan Sextet ) on You Tube....Check 'em out!!

It's 'Back to the Delta' again at the 'Con' Club on Thursday 22nd November with the Crescent City style sounds of New Orleans Wiggle ( fronted by trumpeter John Hummerstone ) and with local 'Jazz Diva' Fiona Sergison 'dipping her musical toes'
into earlier jazz styles on several bluesy / gospel tinged numbers!! No doubt many of her admirers will be out in force to encourage and support Fiona's new project!!

December at the 'Con' Club heralds a Jazz into Doncaster 'first' on Thursday 6th, when the might of the internationally renowned Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra take to the stage ( and take up some of the dance floor space also, no doubt!!) in a spectacular concert of swingin' Big Band Jazz!! ( Which reminds that The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK—led by Ray McVay-- 'Swing into Christmas' at Doncaster Civic Theatre on Thursday 29th November ( info / tickets: 01302-342349 )...And on Thursday 13th December it's Jazz into Doncaster's Christmas 'Bash with trombonist Eugene Farrar's Swingin' Santas' supplying generous helpings of Hot Jazz and festive fun!! ( Meanwhile, don't forget 'local treasure' guitar maestro/ vocalist Dickie Emmerson & Friends hold their Monday 'Con' Club dates on 12th November and 10th December ( with a Festive flavour too, of course!!).

Well worth trips to Wakefield on Sundays are afternoon sessions by The White Eagles Jazzband at The Grey Horse ( 2pm to 4.30pm ) : 01924-215291...free train fares for 'Seniors' don't forget on Northern Rail Service!!---And Seven Jazz also
presents Sunday afternoon gigs at Seven Arts Centre, 31 Harrogate Road, Leeds LS7 3DD. ( www.sevenjazz.co.uk / 0113-2626777 for details ).....Barnsley Jazz have THE WABASH JAZZBAND (12th Nov) and THE BOB LUDLAM BAND ( 19th Nov): www.barnsleyjazzclub.com / 01226-281805 / 290105.....Sheffield Jazz presents
THE BEN CLATWORTHY QUARTET ( Fri 9th Nov ) and THE TIM LAPTHORN
TRIO + BOBBY WELLINS ( Fri 16th) at Millennium Hall (www.wegottickets.com )
and DJANGO BATES' BELOVED at The Crucible Studio ( Fri 29th Nov/ 0114-249-6000 / www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk ) …Last –but not least- blues fans can catch JOHN McKEVITT’S ‘NERVOUS TRIGGERMEN’ in action at Cask Corner in ‘Donny’ every Tuesday evening!!

Happy jazzin'!!

'Jazz Scene' ( submitted 22.10.12) . From C.J.Worsdale.

The good ship 'Jazz into Doncaster' appears to have temporally struck an unwelcome
patch in the 'doldrums'--judging by the recent disappointing attendances for varied attractions, which certainly deserved strong support from local jazz avids!!

Hopefully however, HMS YORKSHIRE STOMPERS will catch the trade winds on Thursday 25th October and make full sail to the 'Con' Club to be greeted by a full house of eager swashbuckling jazz fans to enjoy a swingin' evening of vibrant toe-tapping 'Trad' from the talented all-star band, under the captaincy of banjo / guitar man Richard Speight, assisted by his happy crew of musical brigands!!

On trumpet is relative 'new boy' Greg Wadman—watch out for his spectacular show-stopping simultaneous excursions on trumpet and flugelhorn!!-- Another 'new boy'
is Alan Bramley on trombone / the versatile Frank Brooker is on clarinet/saxes/ and vocals/ drummer man is Terry Binns....and 'slapping' the mighty double bass will be legendary 'Aussie' jazz import Annie Hawkins. 'Stomp-off is at 8.30pm / admission £5 at the door. ( 'Pieces of eight' and Doubloons not accepted, though the vibrant sounds of the Stompers should be ‘treasure’ to the ears!!).

It’s all change on Thursday 8th November at the ‘Con’ Club venue, when THE MPR HAMMOND ORGAN QUARTET make their ‘swingingly sophisticated’ debut, blending the ‘grooving’ Hammond organ sounds associated with the likes of Jimmy Smith / Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes / ‘Wild Bill’ Davis and Britain’s Alan Haven with intricate guitar patterns, rhythmic drumming and soulful vocals also!!

On Thursday 22nd November, it’s ‘Back to the Delta’ with NEW ORLEANS WIGGLE—fronted by trumpeter JOHN HUMMERSTONE-- plus Donny’s very own jazz singer FIONA SERGISON featuring on several numbers in earlier styles of traditional / blues / and gospel songs than she normally includes in her repertoire, and is looking forward to the challenging experience!!

Looking forward to December, Big Band fans are in for a treat when the mighty internationally famed DYJO ( Doncaster Youth Jazz Orchestra ) take the stage—and no doubt some of the dance floor space!!—to thrill as only they can at the ‘Con’ Club
on Thursday 6th….Followed one week later on Thursday 13th by the Christmas Jazz Party ‘bash’ with trombonist EUGENE FARRAR’S SWINGIN’ SANTAS, promising generous helpings of hot jazz and festive fun and frolics!!

The Terry Allonby Trio and probable guest musos will be in action at the White Swan (Frenchgate) on Saturday 3rd November ( 12noon to 3pm/ Admission free)…Dynamic Blues men Frank Carline and harmonica maestro Alex Robinson ‘sat in’ splendidly at the November session and possibly may appear with the Allonby Trio at a New Year ‘Con’ Club gig ( fingers crossed!!)…And Fiona Sergison also delighted with several impressive vocals…Next ‘Monday Date’ session by Dickie Emmerson & Co –plus guest vocalists—is set for 12th November at the ‘Con’ Club ( 8.30pm / admission £3-50 at the door )….Sheffield Jazz presents The Ben Clatworthy Quartet (Fri 9th Nov) and The Tim Lapthorn Trio & Bobby Wellins ( Fri 16th Nov ) at The Millennium Hall,
520 Ecclesall Road, S11 8PY. www.wegottickets.com / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk
( Sheffield Jazz supporters can receive email updates by sending details / address / phone number / & email address to: n.pepper@sheffield.ac.uk )….Barnsley Jazz at The Fairway Hotel S75 4LS presents Mart Rodger’s Manchester Jazz (Mon 29th Oct) / Spirit of New Orleans ( Mon 5th Nov ) / The Wabash Jazzband ( Mon 12th Nov ) 01226-201805 / 290105 / www.barnsleyjazzclub.com ….Catch The Knights of Jazz
every Monday evening at The Butcher’s Arms / Braithwell—often featuring Gerry Nugent and Pete Moxon ( who recently impressed with Swingamathing at The ‘Con’ Club ) on saxes and clarinet and Auckley based clarinettist Graham Galtrey.

Happy jazzin’!!

;Jazz Scene' (submitted 15.10.12) From C.J.Worsdale.

Glimpsing briefly back to recent live 'Jazz into Doncaster' live sessions at the 'Con' Club, a pleasing 'knock-on-effect' from the exhilarating concert by multi-reed player Matt Palmer's Bee Keeper Five (wittingly announced to the audience by MC Malcolm Silverwood as 'nectar'!!) of renewing acquaintances with trumpeter Dave Leithead, who also instigated his 'old band boss' reed man Johnny Johnstone to make email contact.

As many long-term jazz fans will recall, Johnny's fine mainstream/ Dixie band was a popular attraction at the now defunct NCB Lodge Jazz Club and chances are that Johnny will be bringing his current band to the 'Con’ Club in the New Year—with Dave on trumpet of course!!

Another exhilarating ‘Con’ Club session was provided by the 40’s styled band ‘Swingamathing’—fronted by vocalist Suzanne Tomlinson (Now Suzanne James, after marrying the band’s trumpet man Simon…congratulations to both!!)—making their welcome second visit to the venue and fielding a line-up with two changes since their debut, with the versatile Pete Moxon on saxes and clarinet and dynamic new young drummer Sam Turner laying down the rhythmic impetus!! (Suzanne reports that the band’s growing reputation is rapidly reaching all corners of the UK, with Swingamathing recently playing a prestigious gig in far flung Cardiff—and making the long journey home directly afterwards!!).

Inexplicably, both the last gigs were somewhat ‘under-attended’ and deserving of much larger crowds, despite impressive swingin’ performances…which hopefully will be rectified at forthcoming sessions—starting on Thursday 18th October with a ‘Boogie & Blues Special’ featuring premier British Boogie-woogie pianist BOB HALL, with guitarist / vocalist/ harmonica man DAVE PEABODY (also an accomplished photographer who has captured many fascinating studies of famed US blues performers on camera during visits to Chicago and other American cities), plus HILARY BLYTHE on bass guitar and vocals. The session kicks off at 8.30pm / admission £6 at the door….Not to be missed by Blues n’ Boogie avids!!

‘Trad’ fans will be well catered for on Thursday 25th October by the ever popular YORKSHIRE STOMPERS…with new trumpet man Greg Wadman / Frank Brooker (reeds/vocals) / Alan Bramley (trombone) / Annie Hawkins (double bass)/ Richard Speight (banjo/vocals) / Terry Binns (drums)….And in keeping with the policy of offering varied styles to suit differing tastes, on Thursday 8th November the attraction will be newcomers The MPR Hammond Organ Quartet—with an evening of swingin’ sophistication and superbly delivered ‘standards’!!—Followed on 22nd November by ‘NEW ORLEANS WIGGLE’ plus Donny’s very own Fiona Sergison on vocals, who is looking forward to the experience of switching to earlier traditional material in the process!!

On Thursday 6th December, the mighty sounds of DONCASTER YOUTH JAZZ OCHESTRA will raise the rafters and closing the year with a Christmas Jazz Party ‘Bash’ on 13th December will be trombonist EUGENE FARRAR’S ‘SWINGIN SANTAS!! (With generous helpings of ‘Hot’ Jazz and festive fun for all).

Barnsley Jazz at The Fairfield Hotel (S75 4LS) presents Jeff Milner’s Delta Friends (22nd Oct) / Mart Roger’s Manchester Jazz ( 29th Oct): 01226-281805 / 290105….
Sheffield Jazz at The Millennium Hall (S11 8Y) presents The Christine Tobin Band (19th Oct) / Ben Clatworthy Quartet (9th Nov) / Tim Lapthorn Trio & Bobby Wellins ( 16th Nov) : www.wegottickets,com / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk ( Sheffield Jazz supporters can receive email updates by sending address, phone number, web address etc details to n.pepper@sheffield.ac.uk )

Happy jazzin’!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 17th May 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Jazz music comes in numerous hues and shades and is influenced by many varying musical sources, adding to it's wide global appeal, so it should be no surprise that youthful Leeds area based colourfully named band Alligator Gumbo include strong elements of Cajun music from the Louisiana swamp lands (which derives from French speaking Arcadian Canadians ) in their own spicy brand of jazz!!

Fronting the band is trumpeter/vocalist Jon Scully-- who brings the six-piece outfit to the 'Con' Club for their 'Donny' début on Thursday 17th May—together with other talented young players Chris Lloyd (accordion) / Mike Simpson ( guitar)/ Greg
Surmacsz (clarinet)/ Matt Tiffany (violin)/ and James Paylor (bass) completing the un-orthodox though intriguing line-up, who collectively promise a wide selection of stirring numbers—including 'Digga-digga-do' / 'St.Louis Blues' / 'Crazy Rhythm'/
'When I get low,I get high'/ 'Someday sweetheart'/ 'Muskrat Ramble'/ 'The Sheikh of Araby' ( The “pant-less” version perhaps, fellas?!!) and many more. The music kicks-off at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door.

Further to last week's 'Jazz Scene'--reports were pleasingly more than favourable for the recent New Jazz Messengers gig at the 'Con' Club, with Mick Taylor , Geoff Patterson and all band members in fine form and Jazz / Blues diva Shirley Patterson also in impressive vigorous 'fettle' !! Unfortunately, I missed out on the session—being away on a family visit—but hope to catch 'em next time in 'Donny'!!

Closing the month at the Conservative Club venue on Thursday 31st May will be The Peter Franks' Dixieland All-stars ( plus Skiffle Group!!)--who also play Barnsley Jazz Club at The Fairway Hotel S75 4LS on 21st May: 01226-281805 / 290105—and at the 'Con' Club on Thursday 14th June is a truly spectacular event in the local jazz calendar
when three generations of great British saxophonists—BOBBY WELLINS / ALAN BARNES / & NADIM TEIMOORI-- come together on stage along with the superb Nicola Farnon Quartet ( perhaps with pianist Piero Tucci making it FOUR saxes on some numbers!!) at the major event....Tickets can be purchased from The Blue Building,38-40 High Street( 01302- 862480), Doncaster at £9 advance ( or £10 at the door, availability permitting)...before The Brideshead Ballroom Stompers ( who appeared in the famous ballroom scene in the celebrated film ) bring the current season of live jazz to a stomping and swingin' close on Thursday 28th June. Get the dates in your diaries and keep supporting live music whenever possible!!JJ

Jazz hits the town of Newark in big style on Saturday and Sunday 19th / 20th May, with many varied sessions to please most tastes...including The Good Guys Orchestra
--Tim Kliphuis & Jazz Friends / TJ Johnson Band/ free jazz on Saturday with Peter & Richard's Dixieland Duo / Tony Giles All-star Quintet / Alan Barnes & David Newton and much-much more!! For further info call 01636-700900 / email: info@annetvin.com or visit www.annetvin.com
Leeds based ‘Jump-Jive’ band ‘Louis-Louis-Louis’ –who draw inspiration from mainly Louis Armstrong / Louis Prima and Louis Jordon—play every second Wednesday at Liberty Bar & Grill, at the corner of Wood Street and Cleveland Street
…pay ‘em a visit, you won’t be dissapointed!!

Jazz also hits 'Donny' Market in equally big style on Saturday 26th May between 11am to 3pm, launched with a Jazz Parade by TRADTASTIC starting from Priory Walk at approx 11am and marching to the Market area via High Street & Baxtergate
and featuring sets from THE BLUES CONNECTION (11am-11.30 and 13.10 to 13.45 Goose Hill ) / SHE 'K0YOKH (Balken / Yiddish band) 11.30 to 12noon near
Primark /SWINGAMATHING ( 40's style) 12noon to 12.35 and 13.45 to 14.20: Primark / WINSTON'S PENNINE JAZZ (12.35 to 13.10 and 14.20 to 15.00 -Goose Hill ) / Guest blues harmonica player JOHN McKEVITT and Blues set at The Mason's Arms by THE NERVOUS TRIGGERMEN.

Sheffield Jazz presents 'Le Boeuf sur le Toit'--The Musical Life of 20's Paris at The Crucible Studio on Friday 18th May, with THE TINA MAY QUARTET ( Box Office 0114- 249-6000)...Tina May (vocals ) / Nikki Iles (piano ) / Karen Street (accordion)/
Julie Walkington (bass ).

Clarinettist / Band leader of The Silver Leaf Jazz Band—DAVID HEPWORTH-- now also presents 'WASHINGTON WHIRLIGIG' fortnightly at THE BLACK LION, Firbeck/Worksop S81 8JY...Next gigs on 24th May and 7th June. Contact Dave on 01226-751989 for info of both bands.

HAPPY JAZZIN'!!

Jazz Scene for Thursday 10th May 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Only those ‘unfortunates’ who remain foreign to the imaginative improvisational skills of locally based internationally renowned jazz trombonist Dennis Rollins could have failed to be suitably impressed by his scintillating performance with his Velocity Trio at their recent Doncaster Civic Theatre concert.

From the onset, Dennis—empathically accompanied by Hammond organ virtuoso Ross Stanley and remarkably unique fiery young Portuguese drummer Pedro Segundo—held the audience mesmerised has they wove their magic on such pieces as ‘Emergence’ (from their ‘The 11th Gate’ CD), a Rollins original based on Reggae supremo Bob Marley’s famed ‘Jammin’, and –surprisingly to many, perhaps—a soulful-hip swaying-finger-snapping take on Bette Middler’s ‘The Rose’ concluded an evening of truly ground-breaking new ideas and sounds from the remarkable threesome, underlining their rightful ranking amongst the higher echelon of the world’s great jazz musicians.

News from ‘Jazz into Doncaster’ treasurer Peter Robinson, notes that ‘The New Jazz Messengers’—fronted by Dronfield based trombonist Mike Taylor—also proved a great success recently at The ‘Con’ Club ( more in next article )
... And at the venue on Thursday 17th May comes ‘something completely different’ in the form of talented young Leeds based band Alligator Gumbo,
which successfully incorporates elements of Louisiana Cajun music into their jazz!! Leading the band is trumpeter Jon Scully plus Chris Lloyd (accordion)/
Greg Surmacsz (clarinet)/ Matt Tiffany (violin) / Mike Simpson (guitar) / James Paylor (bass). The music kicks-off at 8.30pm / admission £5 at the door.
( Also at the ‘Con’ Club on Thursday 31st May is Peter Franks Dixieland All-stars & Skifffle Group)….and THE DICKIE EMERSON DUO hold monthly ‘court’ at the ‘Con’ on Monday 14th May—start time 8.30pm / Admission £3-50
At door.

Doncaster Market Jazz Day takes place on Saturday 26th May between 11am to 3pm—with TRADTASTIC / SWINGAMATHING / WINSTON’S PENNINE JAZZ / BLUES CONNECTION / SHE ‘KOYKH / Blues Harmonica man JOHN McKEVITT / and a blues set at The Mason’s Arms.

Barnsley Jazz at The Fairway Hotel ( (S75 4LS) have The Reunion jazz Band ( Mon 14th May ) and Peter Franks’ Dixieland All-stars ( Mon 21st May ) : 01226-281805 / 290105 ….Sheffield Jazz at The Greystones (S11 7BS ) have The Chris Allard Band ( Fri 11th May ) and at The Crucible Studio on Fri 18th May is The Tina May Quartet.
HAPPY JAZZIN’!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 3rd May 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Apollo may well have been the 'Messenger of the Gods' according to Greek mythology, though throughout Yorkshire and often far beyond, trombonist Mick Taylor, clarinettist Geoff Patterson and jazz & blues singer Shirley Patterson—together with more recent additions Colin Wood (piano) / Dave Green (double bass)/
and Roy Walker (drums) have for several decades have helped to spread 'The message of Jazz' to eager fans and converts—hence the apt chosen title of the band The Jazz Messengers—even without the aid of winged heals!!

And good news is that the talented half-dozen are set to make another more than welcome return to the 'Con' Club on Thursday 3rd May, when a foot-tapping and varied evening of infectiously swinging Traditional Jazz / Mainstream / and Blues
will be the order of the day—featuring (of course!!) the one-and-only 'Shirl' with her own unique take on vocal jazz/blues greats Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith etc!!

The action begins at 8.30pm / admission £5 at the door at the comfortable and welcoming Conservative Club venue at the corner of South Parade and Waterdale
(DN1 2DJ) next to the Civic Theatre....Don't be late!!

On Saturday 5th May, the eclectic sounds of The Terry Allonby Trio and probable guest 'musos' with be reverberating from The Horse & Groom ( East Laithegate )
between 12 noon to 3pm / Free admission, when Terry on guitars / keyboards man Nigel Chapman and drummer Mark Corrigan will be entertaining with their own special brand of contemporary jazz / swing / blues/ rock/ Latin/ plus versions of popular numbers associated with the likes of The Beatles / Santana / Paul Simon/
Ray Charles / Dusty Springfield and others—plus 'originals' by Terry and Nigel.

Liberty Bar & Grill ( on the corner of Wood Street and Cleveland Street) presents 'Louis-Louis-Louis' -led by Sam Thornton on alto sax and vocals-every second Wednesday of the month, with their bristling brand of 'Jump-Jive' flavoured jazz associated with Louis Armstrong / Louis Prima / Louis Jordon...Plus a few suprises also. The action starts around 8pm and admission is free—what more can you ask?
Give it a 'whirl'!!

'Local Treasure' Dickie Emmerson's Duo is set for their regular monthly Monday
night session of swingin' standards / ballads / Rn'B / and Rock n' Roll etc at The 'Con' Club on 14th May—starting around 8.30pm / Admission £3-50 at the door....PLUS fine contributions from several guest vocalists also!! ( Usually including Sue Fisher/ Eddie Kell / John Noble / and 'The Mighty' Bob Quinn.

For 'Something completely different' The 'Con' Club is also the place to be on Thursday 17th May, when trumpeter Jon Scully brings his Cajun influenced jazz group Alligator Gumbo to the venue for their debut session. In addition to Jon, the un-conventional line-up includes Greg Surmacsz (clarinet) / Matt Tiffany (violin)/ Chris Lloyd (accordion)--who also is pianist with 'Louis-Louis-Louis' at Liberty/ Mike Simpson (guitar)/ James Paylor (bass). Start time is 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door.

Saturday 26th May is DONCASTER MARKETS JAZZ DAY from 11am to approx 3pm....Featuring TRADTASTIC ( who congregate at Priory Walk for their parade along High Street and Baxtergate into the Market area at 11am) / 40's style Swing band SWINGAMATHING / WINSTON'S PENNINE JAZZ / THE BLUES CONNECTION/ guest Blues harmonica man JOHN McKEVITT and a Mason's Arms session by blues group THE NERVOUS TRIGGERMEN. Also performing a half hour set will be Balken/Yiddish style band She ' Koykh –part of The Hothouse Festival—in advance of their Saturday evening Civic Theatre concert.

Barnsley Jazz at Fairway Hotel (S75 4LS) present New Orleans Heat ( Monday 7th May ) / The Reunion Jazz Band ( Mon 14th May )....01226-281805 / 290105.

Sheffield Jazz presents The Chris Allard Band at The Greystones (S11 7BS) on Friday 11th May ( Brandon Allen-sax/ Chris Allard (guitar)/ Ross Stanley (piano)/
Oli Hayhurst (bass)/ Nick Smalley (drums): 0114- 266-5599.....And at The Crucible Studio on Friday 18th May The Tina May Quartet... with Nicki Iles (piano)/Karen Street (accordion) /Julie Walkington (bass): 0114-249-6000 / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk

Happy jazzin'!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 26th April 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

'Louis Louis Louis!!' exclaims the title of recently formed Leeds based band led by alto saxist/ vocalist Sam Thornton ...and perhaps unsurprisingly you have already guessed that the energetic unit unashamedly base most of their repertoire on numbers associated with Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima and Louis Jordon of 'Timpani Five' and 'Five Guys Named Mo' fame!!

Good news for fans of the high-octane brand of infectious brand of jazz—which is defiantly NOT for 'the faint-hearted'!!--is that Sam and his zestful outfit are set to play every second Wednesday of each month at Liberty Bar & Grill ( at the corner of Wood Street and Cleveland Street ) --starting around 8pm / admission free...Which is where myself and local jazz aficionado pal Colin 'Pancho' Brett caught the band in action recently and where Stuart Garside, Damien Bell and other highly regarded 'Donny' musicians dropped in to offer their valuable support, which had the eager crowd demanding five encores at the session's close!!

Included in the fast moving selection of tunes were 'Just a gigolo' / 'Mack the knife'/
'Choo-choo-cha-boogie '/ 'Let the good times roll'/ 'Up a lazy river' ( anything but LAZY!!) / 'Basin Street Blues' / 'Caldonia'/ 'Hello Dolly'/ 'Wine-women-and song''/
and 'Sing-sing-sing' leading into a fun-packed take on 'King of the swingers.' Should you be in need of a cheerful and rousing evening, the Liberty is the place to be—and Proprietor John McAvoy is likely to present more such evenings in future, if local support justifies...so why not give it a try?!!

Next live 'Jazz into Doncaster' session at the 'Con' Club is set for Thursday 3rd May, when the popular attraction is The New Jazz Messengers and Shirley Patterson...
featuring Mike Taylor (trombone )/ Geoff Patterson (clarinet) / Colin Wood (piano)/
Dave Green (double bass)/ Roy Walker (drums) ….and – of course-- our very own
'Shirl' on vocals!! Stomp-off is at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door.

Following on at the 'Con' Club on Thursday 17th May is the début of Cajun infused jazz group Alligator Gumbo – fronted by trumpeter Jon Scully with Greg Surmacsz
(clarinet)/ Matt Tiffany (violin)/ Chris Lloyd (accordion)/ Mike Simpson (guitar)/ and
James Paylor (drums)...And on Thursday 31st May is another début at the venue for Peter Franks' Dixieland All-stars & Skiffle Group.

Doncaster Markets Jazz Day is set for Saturday 26th May (11am to 3pm) and commences with roving band Tradtastic, who gather in Priory Walk in readiness for the parade along High Street and Baxtergate into the Market area, where they will perform throughout the afternoon (why not fall into the parade with your own design of 'Jazz Brolly'?). Other attraction include Swingamathing / Winston's Pennine Jazz/
The Blues Connection / John McKevitt ( blues harmonica )/ Balken-Yiddish band
Koykokh' (part of The Hothouse Festival)...and news is that four piece blues band The Nervous Triggermen will be in action at The Mason's Arms.
The Terry Allonby Trio and guests are in lunchtime action at The Horse & Groom on Saturday 5th May ( 12 noon to 3pm / admission free )...The Dickie Emmerson Duo have their regular monthly 'Monday Date' on 14th May ( Admission £3-50 at the door)....Barnsley Jazz at The Fairway Hotel (S75 4LS) have The Worth Valley Stompers and Ruth Gardziel (Monday 30th April / 01226-281805 / 290105 …
Sheffield Jazz presents The Dagda Quartet with Jean Toussaint at The Greystones
(Fri 27th April / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk / 0114-273-8678 ).

Happy jazzin'!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 19th April 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Gratifyingly, the recent Gerry Mulligan-Chet Baker 'Salute' by The Al Wood/Trevor Vincent Band at the 'Con' Club proved a great success, clearly illustrating that there
IS a ready audience in Doncaster for varying styles of Jazz alongside other music genres!!

Al and Trevor, ably supported by Vinnie Parker (piano)/ Ken Marley ( double bass)/Bob Howard (drums) –who, as announcer Malcolm Silverwood jokingly reminded in his introduction- performed a similar 'salute' over twenty years ago at the NCB Lodge Jazz Club...and that “ It's great to have them back again!!”-- not surprisingly—featured an array of daringly executed numbers, associated with Mulligan, Baker, Bob Brookmeyer and others, plus several compositions by the great Benny Carter, with the pair often skilfully switching from baritone sax and trumpet to various combinations of two trumpets / valve trombone and trumpet or saxes etc on Bernie's Tune / Makin Whoopee / Nights at the turntable / Black Nightgown ( from the Susan Hayward film 'I want to live' ) to the inevitable take on the most popular of all Mulligan Quartet hits-Walkin' shoes, rapidly followed by a scintillating dare-devil closing encore on Swinghouse sent the audience homewards in happy and satisfied fashion!! It was also pleasing to welcome John Ellis / DYJA secretary Brenda Proctor and a youthful contingent of DYJA musicians to the concert...and word is that the full Jazz Orchestra is expected to play a 'Con' Club concert in the near future—watch out for news....and ( of course ) Al-Trevor and the boys will also be back pretty soon ( not twenty years this time!!).

In keeping with Jazz into Doncaster's policy of presenting contrasting attractions at the 'Con' Club venue, next up on Thursday 19th April will be The Reunion Jazz Band
--taking a musical journey back to the beginnings of jazz- with their heartfelt and authentic interpretations of New Orleans style jazz, no doubt evoking the timeless music of King Oliver / Louis Armstrong / Bunk Johnson / Papa 'Mutt' Carey / Kid Ory / George Lewis and other Crescent City luminaries.

The band's leader is drummer George Buckman, though the familiar 'front man' is popular trumpeter Alan Hippsley, who will be joined on stage by Dave Clews on trombone, Dave Hepworth ( clarinet ), Keith Goddard (banjo), and Dave Spink on the mighty double bass. Traditional Jazz 'purists' are certain to relish this session—though if you are not too familiar with the roots of the music, why not come along and hear how early jazz developed into the multi-faceted music of today!! Stomp-off is at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door. ( The Reunion Jazz Band also play regular monthly Sunday lunchtime gigs at Retford'd Elms Hotel: phone 01777-708957 for details).

First 'Jazz into Doncaster' May gig takes place on Thursday 3rd, when the attraction is The New Jazz Messengers & Shirley Patterson, followed on Thursday 17th by Cajun influenced Jazz group Alligator Gumbo and on Thursday 31st by Peter Franks'
Dixieland All-stars & Skiffle Group.

Holding their monthly Saturday lunchtime session at The Horse & Groom ( East Laithegate ) on 5th May is The Terry Allonby Trio + guests ( 12 noon -3pm / Admission free)...Sheffield Jazz Millennium Hall presents Michael Janisch New York Standards Quartet ( Michael Janisch-bass / Tim Armacost-sax / David Berkman
-piano / Gene Jackson-drums ) on Fri 20th April: 0114-273-8678 / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk Barnsley Jazz have The Rydale Jazz Band ( Mon 23rd April ) and Worth Valley Stompers (Mon 30th April): 01226-281805 /290105 ….
Newark's Ann et Vin presents 'A Weekend of Jazz et Vin!!' on Sat 19th / Sun 20th May
--including The Good Guys Orchestra / Tim Kliphuis &B Friends / TJ Johnson Band/
Free Jazz on Saturday with Peter & Richard's Dixieland Duo / Tony Giles All-star Quintet / Alan Barnes & David Newton. For further info call 01636-700900 / email
info@annetvin.com or visit www.anneetvin.com

Last-but not least.....DONCASTER MARKET'S JAZZ DAY is set for Saturday 26th May from 11am to 3pm and includes TRADTASTIC / WINSTON'S PENNINE JAZZ
/ SWING-A-MA-THING / THE BLUES CONNECTION / JOHN McKEVITT (blues harmonica)/ and Balken-Yiddish band SHE 'KOYKH ( part of The Hothouse Festival) -who appear at The Civic Theatre on the same evening ( Box office : 01302-349342 ).

Happy Jazzin'!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 12th April 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

After several unavoidable absences from monthly 'Monday date' gigs at the 'Con' Club by The Dickie Emmerson Duo, I and my 'jazz pal' Colin Brett of Barnby Dun made amends by catching guitarist/vocalist Dickie and his recently introduced keyboards player Norman Williams in lively great form at the popular venue.

From the opening number 'Exactly like you' it was patently apparent that the pair had 'hit it off' with the enthusiastic audience, who joyfully responded to the obvious vigorous empathy between the two gifted performers...drawing an overheard comment from a nearby table that new piano man Norman “Plays with more thrust than a Harrier Jump Jet!!”

The pair offered up a pleasing mix of foot-tapping swinging standards, intermingled with bossas and ballads ( including an energetic version of my request 'You always hurt the one you love' and Dickie's show-stopping rendition of Neil Sedaks's 'The Hungary Years'), plus fine contributions from guest singers Sue Fisher and Eddie Kell, before ending the evening in rock n' roll fashion with Chuck Berry's 'Roll over Beethoven.' ( The duo are back in action at the 'Con' Club on Monday 14th May....though you can also regularly catch Norman in lively entertaining mood at The Grove on York Road on Wednesday and Friday evenings).

Fans of Traditional New Orleans style jazz should also gravitate to the Conservative Club on Thursday 19th April, when the attraction will be The Reunion Jazz Band—who often attract crowds of a hundred or so at their monthly Sunday lunchtime Retford Elms Hotel sessions!!--led by drummer George Buckman and 'fronted' by trumpeter Allan Hippsley with Dave Clews (trombone) / Dave Haepworth ( clarinet / tenor sax )/ Dave Spink (double bass)/
and 'local boy' Keith Goddard ( banjo )...Who jointly promise a musical journey to Louisiana's deep South—including the Crescent City French Quarter itself, evoking memories of The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, George Lewis, Kid Ory,
Bunk Johnson , Papa Mutt Carey and other famed New Orleanians—not forgetting 'Satchmo' himself!! Stomp-off is at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door.

Doncaster Markets Jazz Day is set to take place on Saturday 26th May-from 11am to 3pm, with attractions including Tradtastic ( who will parade from Priory Walk along High Street and Baxtergate before performing at regular intervals around the Market area )/ Winston's Pennine Jazz / Swingamathing/ The Blues Connection / guest blues harmonica player John McKevitt / Balken-Yiddish Band She 'Koyokh ( part of Doncaster Hot House Festival )...Also expected is a Blues session at The Mason's Arms—watch out for further announcements!!

Barnsley Jazz at The Fairway Hotel ( S75 4LS ) presents The New Orleans Z'Hulus ( 16th April ) / Rydale Jazz Band ( 23rd April ) / Worth Valley Stompers
and Ruth Gardzier (30th April ). 01226-281805 / 290105 / 393135....Sheffield Jazz
presents... Gwilym Simcock-Kiaus at Crucible Studio on Fri 13th April ( 0114-249-6000) and Michael Janisch New York Standards Quartet at Millennium Hall S11 8PY on Fri 20th April ( 0114-279-8678 / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk ).

Happy Jazzin'!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 12th April 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

After several unavoidable absences from monthly 'Monday date' gigs at the 'Con' Club by The Dickie Emmerson Duo, I and my 'jazz pal' Colin Brett of Barnby Dun made amends by catching guitarist/vocalist Dickie and his recently introduced keyboards player Norman Williams in lively great form at the popular venue.

From the opening number 'Exactly like you' it was patently apparent that the pair had 'hit it off' with the enthusiastic audience, who joyfully responded to the obvious vigorous empathy between the two gifted performers...drawing an overheard comment from a nearby table that new piano man Norman “Plays with more thrust than a Harrier Jump Jet!!”

The pair offered up a pleasing mix of foot-tapping swinging standards, intermingled with bossas and ballads ( including an energetic version of my request 'You always hurt the one you love' and Dickie's show-stopping rendition of Neil Sedaks's 'The Hungary Years'), plus fine contributions from guest singers Sue Fisher and Eddie Kell, before ending the evening in rock n' roll fashion with Chuck Berry's 'Roll over Beethoven.' ( The duo are back in action at the 'Con' Club on Monday 14th May....though you can also regularly catch Norman in lively entertaining mood at The Grove on York Road on Wednesday and Friday evenings).

Fans of Traditional New Orleans style jazz should also gravitate to the Conservative Club on Thursday 19th April, when the attraction will be The Reunion Jazz Band—who often attract crowds of a hundred or so at their monthly Sunday lunchtime Retford Elms Hotel sessions!!--led by drummer George Buckman and 'fronted' by trumpeter Allan Hippsley with Dave Clews (trombone) / Dave Haepworth ( clarinet / tenor sax )/ Dave Spink (double bass)/
and 'local boy' Keith Goddard ( banjo )...Who jointly promise a musical journey to Louisiana's deep South—including the Crescent City French Quarter itself, evoking memories of The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, George Lewis, Kid Ory,
Bunk Johnson , Papa Mutt Carey and other famed New Orleanians—not forgetting 'Satchmo' himself!! Stomp-off is at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door.

Doncaster Markets Jazz Day is set to take place on Saturday 26th May-from 11am to 3pm, with attractions including Tradtastic ( who will parade from Priory Walk along High Street and Baxtergate before performing at regular intervals around the Market area )/ Winston's Pennine Jazz / Swingamathing/ The Blues Connection / guest blues harmonica player John McKevitt / Balken-Yiddish Band She 'Koyokh ( part of Doncaster Hot House Festival )...Also expected is a Blues session at The Mason's Arms—watch out for further announcements!!

Barnsley Jazz at The Fairway Hotel ( S75 4LS ) presents The New Orleans Z'Hulus ( 16th April ) / Rydale Jazz Band ( 23rd April ) / Worth Valley Stompers
and Ruth Gardzier (30th April ). 01226-281805 / 290105 / 393135....Sheffield Jazz
presents... Gwilym Simcock-Kiaus at Crucible Studio on Fri 13th April ( 0114-249-6000) and Michael Janisch New York Standards Quartet at Millennium Hall S11 8PY on Fri 20th April ( 0114-279-8678 / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk ).

Happy Jazzin'!!

‘Jazz Scene’ for Thursday 5th April 2012 . From C.J.Worsdale.

The undisputed premier baritone sax player spanning several decades was famed musician Harry Carney of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, who’s muscular tone and rhapsodic phrasing was generally considered the ‘norm’ throughout the jazz fraternity…Until the arrival on the scene in the late 1940’s of Gerry Mulligan, who greatly expanded the instrument’s horizons with nimble airy approach to ensemble and solo performances.

Also a highly gifted composer and arranger with Gene Krupa ( eg ‘Disc jockey jump’), Gil Evans, Miles Davis and other iconic luminaries, Gerry’s talents were soon in ever increasing demand—leading to the groundbreaking ‘Birth of the cool’ album with Miles Davis, on which he penned five of the dozen recorded numbers—and sudden international fame in 1952 with the launch of his first piano-less Quartet, featuring co-star trumpeter Chet Baker, marked by the runaway success of the group’s first 10inch album, containing attractive tunes that were appealing not only to jazz fans but to casual listeners too…With many similar quartets following –including Bob Brookmeyer / Art Farmer etc, the formation of The Concert Jazz Band, guest appearances with Dave Brubeck and recordings with Ben Webster, Paul Desmond and other major jazz stars, plus movie fame by way of appearances and scores for the Susan Hayward film ‘I want to live.’

The rest as they say ‘is history’—and although Gerry and Chet are sadly no longer with us, the good news is that highly regarded musicians AL WOOD (saxes), TREVOR VINCENT (trumpet/flugelhorn/valve trombone) have affectionately re-created the sounds of various Mulligan-Baker combos together with pianist Vinnie Parker/ Ken Marley (double bass)/Bob howard (drums) and will be in action on Thursday 5th April at Doncaster Conservative Club (DN1 2DJ). The music kicks-off at 8.30pm /admission £5 at the door….A definite ‘MUST’ for fans of ‘cool’ West Coast Jazz—don’t miss it!!

Traditionalists need not despair however, as the ‘Con’ Club attraction on Thursday 19th April is THE REUNION JAZZ BAND, featuring Alan Hipsley (trumpet)/ Dave Hepworth (clarinet)/ Dave Clews (trombone)/Keith Goddard (banjo/guitar)/ Dave Spink (double bass)/ and ‘boss-man’ George Buckman leading from the rear on drums!! George and the boys promise a musical journey back to the Louisiana Delta!!

The Terry Allonby Trio and guests will be in lunchtime action at The Horse & Groom (East Laithegate) on Saturday 7th April from 12noon to 3pm (admission free)…Sheffield Jazz presents Simcock/Klaus(piano) and Gesing (sax & bass clarinet) at Crucible Studio (Fri 13th April) and Michael Janish New York Standards Quartet at Millennium Hall (Fri 20th April).0114-273-8678 / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk …Barnsley Jazz at The Fairway Hotel (S75 4LS) presents Café Society on Monday 9th April
(01226-281805/ 290105 )… Dennis Rollins’ Velocity Trio are in action at Doncaster Civic Theatre on 25th April ( Box office:01302-342349) & on 2ndJune at The Junction (Goole). 01405-763652 / www.junctiongoole.co.uk

Happy jazzin’ !!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 29th March 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Along with 'Jazz into Doncaster' colleague and announcer Malcolm Silverwood,
I recently made my first visit to Bawtry Phoenix Theatre at the invitation of trumpeter/ band leader Jon Scully and enjoyed a mixed bag of varied and pleasing performances from The Leeds Jazz Quintet, the duo of 'MC' Barrie Scully (Jon's dad) and guitarist Nick Moorhouse, and folk singer/guitarist Matthew Jones, who joint talents assured an impressive and satisfying evening of entertainment.

Barrie and tastefully rhythmic guitarist Nick's repertoire included relaxed versions of 'Fever' (made famous by Peggy Lee) / 'Hallelujah,I love her so'/
'You ain't nothin' but a hound dog'/ cheerful audience participation numbers 'Saturday night at the movies' and 'On the boardwalk' and a delightful take on 'Dancin' on daddies shoes'--reminding that US singer/songwriter/guitarist Leon Redbone remains comparatively neglected in Britain and is deserving of much more recognition—in my opinion!! ( Check out is recordings!!).

Gifted local folk singer/songwriter/guitarist Matthew Jones ( a former classical guitarist ) delivered several heartfelt and emotionally charged songs,drawing attention to the fruitlessness of war, closure of coal mines and even a 'short history lesson' relating the story of the famed ship USS 'Constitution' which earned the nickname of 'Old Ironside' in it's battle with HMS 'Guerriere' in the 1812 war with America!!

Led by Jon Scully on trumpet and vocals, the jazz interest of the evening was provided by talented young band The Leeds Jazz Quintet, who played two impressive sets with Chris Lloyd (keyboards)/ Ben Pike (guitar) / James Paylor
(bass guitar)/ and David Gracey (drums) –all contributing excellent nonchalantly delivered solos on numbers including 'Exactly like you'/ 'Round Midnight'/ a double tempo 'My funny valentine'/ and the bristling closer 'A night in Tunisia'--reflecting Jon's admiration of the late-great Dizzy Gillespie.
A truly memorable evening...check out the venue for forthcoming productions, there's plenty in the pipeline to suit every taste!! ( And 'jazzers' should not miss Jon Scully's Cajun influenced jazz outfit 'Alligator Gumbo', which is set for a 'Con' Club debut on 17th May!!).

Meanwhile 'Jazz into Doncaster' present a change from the 'norm' on Thursday 5th April, when fans of 'cool'jazz can enjoy the revolutionary jazz sounds of
Gerry Mulligan andChet Baker, which will be revisited by the highly talented AL WOOD/TREVOR VINCENT BAND, featuring Al on baritone and other saxes/ Trevor on trumpet and flugelhorn / Vinnie Parker (piano)/ Ken Marley (double bass)/Bob Howard (drums)...Almost certainly we can expect versions of 'Walkin'shoes' / 'Bernie's tune'/ 'Nights at the turntable' and many other Mulligan Mania numbers throughout the evening!! The music kicks-off at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door...At the 'Con' Club on Thursday 19th April, fans of 'purist' New Orleans Jazz are in for a treat from THE REUNION JAZZ
BAND—fronted by ALAN HIPPSLEY on trumpet—when we will be musically transported back to the Mississippi Delta!!

Hot news is that local trombone 'super-star' DENNIS ROLLINS' band 'The Velocity Trio' have added yet another accolade to their impressive list after winning the 'Best Band' Award at the recent Jazz Yorkshire Awards Ceremony.
You can catch them in action locally at Doncaster Civic Theatre on 25th April.
( Disappointingly, 'Jazz into Doncaster' at the 'Con' Club did not win the 'Best Club' award...but grateful thanks to trombonist/band leader for his nomination and kind appraisal of our efforts—better luck next time,maybe!!).

The Terry Allonby Trio and guests are in regular monthly Saturday lunchtime action at The Horse & Groom (East Laithegate) on 7th April from 12 noon to 3pm (Free admission)...The Dickie Emmerson / Robert Baker duo and guests hold their monthly 'Monday-date' at the 'Con' Club on 9th April...Barnsley Jazz at the Fairway Hotel (S75 4LS) present KEVIN GRENFELL'S JAZZ GIANTS
with PAUL HARRISON (Mon 2nd April) and 'CAFE SOCIETY' (9th April)...
Newark's Ann et Vin presents a weekend of jazz on 19th /20th May, including THE GOOD GUYS ORCHESTRA / TIM KLIPHUIS & FRIENDS / TJ JOHNSON BAND plus FREE live programme on Saturday. Call 01636-700900 or email info@annetvin.com for more info....Saturday 26th May is DONCASTER
MARKETS JAZZ DAY from 11am to 3pm—with TRADTASTIC / WINSTON'S
PENNINE JAZZ / SWINGAMATHING / THE BLUES CONNECTION/ JOHN McKEVITT ( Blues harmonica)....Get the dates in your diaries!!

Happy jazzin'!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 22nd March 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

It is always a sad task to mark the passing of well known and highly regarded performers from the world of jazz who have brought so much pleasure to our lives over the years through their musicianship and entertainment skills, but even more poignant when they are known personally to so many in our own locality.

One such, is trumpeter / pianist /singer and former 'front-man' of The Wakefield Arms Jazz Band, JOHN McANDREW , who numerous 'Donny' area fans will fondly recall expertly regaling with his many talents at such venues as the former Thorpe Marsh Club, NCB Lodge Club, Salutation, Rockingham Arms,
Doncaster Catholic Club and at Barnsley Jazz Festival weekends, who recently died at age 74

In addition to his musical abilities and plainly obvious love of jazz, John will be remembered by many for his impish sense of humour, anecdotes and rib-tickling joke telling and fund raiser for Third World charities such as the 'Suzy Fund.'

My own particular favourite number—so often performed by John--was 'I thought about you', which surely serves as a fitting epitaph...as we 'Think about him' !! Adieu, John.

Perhaps trumpeter WIL ROBINSON will include the aforementioned tune as a tribute to John McAndrew, when he appears with his SOUTHSIDE JAZZ BAND at The Conservative Club on Thursday 22nd March, how about it Wil?
….The 'Southside' session stomps-off at 8.30pm and is expected to include many favourite 'Trad' flag-wavers alongside numbers from the Swing Era and no-doubt several surprise new additions to the 'pad' also!! Joining in the swingin' action will be Pete Moxon (reeds)/ Keith Randall (trombone) / Barry Binch ( banjo /guitar/vocals) / Dave Green (double bass) / Cliff Hodgkinson and (drums/vocals)...Admission is £5 at the door.

Set for April 'Con' Club gigs is the debut of THE AL WOOD / TREVOR VINCENT BAND with their salute to the late-great Gerry Mulligan ( Thurs 5th)
and it's 'Back to the Delta' on Thursday 19th with THE REUNION JAZZ BAND.
Also 9in the pipeline are sessions by The New Jazz Messengers and Shirley Patterson (3rd May) / Alligator Gumbo—Cajun Jazz--( 17th May)/ Peter Franks' Dixieland All-stars (31st May)/ Bobby Wellins-Alan Barnes-Nadim Teimoori with Nicola Farnon Quartet (14th June)...News of local sax star Nadim, is that he is set to perform before the Queen and also take part in this year's Proms. Watch out for up-dates!! This year's DONCASTER MARKETS JAZZ DAY takes place on Saturday 26th May....Sheffield Jazz presents THE KIT DOWNES QUINTET at Millennium Hall (S11 8PY) on Fri 23rd March and IVO NEAME QUINTET ( Fri 30th March).0114-273-8678 / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk ….
Barnsley Jazz at The Fairway Hotel (S75 4LS) presents The Frog Island Jazz Band ( Mon 26th March ) / Kevin Grenfall's Jazz Giants & Paul Harrison ( Mon 2nd April ) / 01226-281805 / 290105.

Happy jazzin' !!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 8th March 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

It was—as they say-- 'All right on the night'!! Following nervous misgivings regarding sluggish advance ticket sales for the recent special guest star appearance of
multi-award winning trumpet virtuoso Bruce Adams along with the highly rated Eugene Farrar Band, the highlight event proved a great success, giving much encouragement to the organisers for similar future presentations!!

Bruce and co were straight into attention grabbing business with the opening Ellington number 'It don't mean a thing—if it ain't got that swing.' Which was followed by a varied programme of familiar swinging standards, inter-spaced with Dixieland flag-wavers such as 'Struttin' with some barbecue' and several lesser known
compositions— notably Ellington's 'Purple Gazelle—and Bruce's show-stopping feature on 'I can't get started,' which was immortalised by the great Bunny Berrigan'
and is rarely 'tackled' by aspiring trumpeters!!

There were also many fine solos by Eugene on trombone, pianist Tom Kincaid—who dazzled with his impressive 'Garner-ish' contributions; Andy Wallis ( tenor sax/ clarinet)--his sumptuous blues drenched treatment in duet on clarinet with Bruce on 'Mood Indigo' was delightful; with steadfast double bass from Phil Kampon and with
Ken Hickey laying down the pulsating rhythm on drums—plus several well delivered
vocals also....not forgetting Bruce's incredible show-stopper playing trumpet and flugel horn simultaneously!!

Thursday 8th March welcomes back to the 'Con' Club (DN1 2DJ) popular Cleethorpes based trumpeter Roy Norton's Jazz Band, featuring Roy himself on trumpet, flugelhorn and vocals ; Geoff Patterson on clarinet; Jim Wright-banjo / vocals; Graham Jones-double bass; 'Rim-shot' Rod McManara-drums....And on Thursday 22nd March is another 'Trad' treat, when the attraction is The Southside Jazz Band—
fronted by hot trumpet man Wil Robinson—who expects to be ably aided and abetted by Pete Moxon ( reeds ) / Keith Randall ( trombone )/ Barry Binch ( banjo/
guitar/vocals) /Dave Green ( double bass )/ Cliff Hodgkinson (drums ). Both gigs stomp-off at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door....Also at The 'Con' Club on Monday
12th March is guitarist/ vocalist Dickie Emmerson/Robert Baker Duo plus guest singers—usually including Sue Fisher / Bob Quinn / Eddie Kell / John Noble. The music kicks off at 8.30pm / Admission £3-50 at door.

Sad news is that trumpeter and former leader of The Wakefield Arms Jazz Band has passed away recently. In addition to his fine trumpet playing, John was also renowned
for his impish humour and rib-tickling jokes....Adieu, John.

At the risk of embarrassing the intrepid pair....I heard though the grapevine that the daughter of former local pianist Don Hudson in conversation with her Bawtry neighbour / trombone star Dennis Rollins ( who plays Doncaster Civic Theatre with his Velocity Trio on 25th April ) told of her Dad's recent illness....And the next thing, a dozen or so jazz CD's were delivered to Don, courtesy of Dennis....Restores faith in human nature, doesn't it?!!

Mentioned in last week's article, Cliff Wilson's mémoire 'Love it or hate it'--telling of Cliff''s life in the amusements industry and in jazz music, can be purchased by sending cheque made payable to C.Wilson to Cliff Wilson, 95 Nottingham Road, Nuttall, Notts NG16 1DN.

Barnsley Jazz ( now at Fairway Hotel S75 4LS ) have Spirit of New Orleans plus James Evans ( NOT Sammy Rimington as previously advised ) on Monday 12th March....Yorkshire Stompers (19th March )....And Frog Island Jazz Band (26th March).

Happy jazzin'!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 16th February 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Set to take place next Thursday ( 23rd Feb) is the first of this year's special star guest concerts (presented by 'Jazz into Doncaster' in association with John Sheppard of the former Lodge Jazz Club) at Doncaster Conservative Club, when formidably talented trumpeter Bruce Adams joins forces with the muscular sounds of the highly regarded and 'in-demand quintet, The Eugene Farrar Band.

Bruce-who's last appearance at the venue was with the unforgettable explosive pairing with his regular 'sparring partner' Alan Barnes plus The Nicola Farnon Quartet-was introduced to show business by his comedian/guitarist/vocalist father Bob and mother Helen-a dancer, and took up trumpet at age eleven—gaining valuable experience gigging around Glasgow before winning Opportunity Knocks at fourteen!!

The rest-as they say-is history, with Bruce rapidly gaining an enviable reputation throughout the UK jazz scene, winning various awards and working with many of the world's finest jazz musicians—including Dick Hyman at the 1985 and 1996 Edinburgh Festival, Benny Carter, Bob Wilber and Alan Barnes—with whom he formed a quintet in 1992—as well as working with Kenny Baker's Dozen, Echoes of Ellington and with the accompanying band to zany comedian Freddie Starr!!

Doncaster jazz followers are certainly privileged to once again have the chance to the opportunity to catch the star trumpeter in action together with trombonist Eugene's Band on their own 'doorsteps'!! (Advance tickets are available at £7 from THE BLUE BUILDING, 38-40 HIGH STREET, DONCASTER (01302-734309 ) or £8 at the
door). In addition to Eugene will be Andy Wallis (reeds)/ Tom Kincaid (piano)/ Phil Kampton (double bass)/ Ken Hickey (drums & vocals). Definitely not to be missed by self-respecting jazz fans!!

Next month's 'Jazz into Doncaster' gigs at the 'Con' Club are: Trumpeter Roy Norton's
Jazz Band (featuring Geoff Patterson-clarinet and Jim Wright on banjo/vocals)--8th March...and The Southside Jazz Band—also fronted by a trumpeter—Wil Robinson,
who first honed his trumpet skills at Kneller Hall Royal Military School of Music!!
(22nd March).

Also in the pipeline are sessions by The Trevor Vincent/Al Wood Band—A Salute to the late/great Gerry Mulligan!!--5th April....The Reunion Jazz Band (19th April)--A treat for 'purist' New Orleans fans!!.....The New Jazz Messengers & Shirley Patterson
(3rd May)....Alligator Gumbo—Cajun Jazz!!--(17th May)....Peter Franks' Dixieland
All-stars & Skiffle Group (31st May).....BOBBY WELLINS/ALAN BARNES/
NADIM TEIMOORI with NICOLA FARNON QUARTET(14t June)...And The Brideshead Ballroom Stompers—who appeared in the ballroom scene in the film!!--
(28th June).....Not forgetting 'Donny Markets Jazz Day on Saturday 26th May!!
HAPPY JAZZIN'!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 9th February 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Exciting news for the 'Jazz into Doncaster' voluntary committee is that their efforts in promoting 'live' jazz at the Conservative Club and over many years at various previous venues may possibly be recognised by an award from 'Yorkshire Jazz' in the promotion/club category, thanks to trombonist/band leader Eugene Farrar for his kind nomination!! The committee stalwarts aren't holding their breath...but 'one never knows, does one!!'

Further exiting news comes from DYJA Stageband and Swing Orchestra Manager Brenda Proctor, who informs that a fund raising event recently took place in support of the Association at the world famous Ronnie Scott Club in London—hosted by former DYJO pianist Andy Cato (now with Groove Armada), who arranged for a group of young Doncaster musicians to play the opening set...which-as you can imagine—caused great excitement for them!! Watch out for local Doncaster Youth Jazz Association concerts and give your valuable support whenever possible!!

Stuart Currie of ‘Barnsley Jazz’ informs that despite the loss of the Silkstone Lodge venue (under new management and discontinuing the live jazz policy!!), it’s business as usual on Mondays at their new venue—The Fairway Hotel (formerly The Bluebell Inn)-just ‘up the road apiece’ from Silkstone Lodge. (Directions from Junction 37 of the M1: Take the A628 towards Manchester-go through 3 roundabouts-at the 4th take 3rd exit Elmhirst Lane, which leads to the Fairway Hotel (S75 4LS/ Phone 0871-200-2289)…Call 01226-281805 / 290105 / 383135 for gig information.

Paying a more than welcome return to the ‘Con’ Club (DN1 2DJ) tonight (9th Feb) is the sensational four-piece band The Djangonauts (‘Quartet du Hot Club de Donny’ perhaps!!), who will magically conjure the Parisian atmosphere originally created by the likes of the massively influential guitar genius Django Reinhardt and jazz violin supremo Stephane Grappelli with their own unique brand of ‘Gypsy Swing’!! Leading the group is nimble-fingered and imaginative guitarist CHRIS WALKER—who may contribute an odd vocal or two also—Canadian born PIERO TUCCI on accordion; PHIL JOHNSON (rhythm guitar); and KEVIN WALKER (double bass).
The session begins at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door…Prepare to be ‘entranced’!!

Also coming up at the ‘Con’ Club on Thursday 23rd February is a special concert featuring the formidable trumpet talents of multi-award winning BRUCE ADAMS along with the dynamic band of trombonist EUGENE FARRAR—a popular regular visitor to the venue, who was recently in action with Winston’s Pennine Jazz at the opening session of the new season. Bruce is very much ‘His own man’…however don’t be surprised if his confident bravura performances bring to mind the likes of jazz legends Roy ‘Little Jazz’ Eldridge / Bunny Berrigan and other trumpet luminaries!! Advance tickets are available at £7 from The Blue Building, 38-40 High Street, Doncaster DN1 1DE (01302-734309) or £8 on the night…NOT TO BE MISSED!!
Sheffield Jazz at Millennium Hall (520 Eccleshall Road,S11 8PY) presents....
'Ambulance' featuring Arnie Somogyl (double bass)/ Paul Booth (sax)/ Tim Lapthorn
(piano)/ Dave Smith (drums) on Friday 10th Feb.....Jim Mullen Reunion Quartet
(Jim Mullen-guitar/ Gareth Williams-piano/ Mick Hutton-bass/ Gary Husband-
drums). 0114-273-8678 / www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk

Happy jazzin'!!

‘Jazz Scene’ for Thursday 2nd February 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Regular readers of ‘Jazz Scene’ articles will surely excuse the absence of last week’s contribution, due to understandable preoccupation with the recent joyful arrival of a beautiful baby grandson Samuel Joseph, to our daughter Karen and husband Michael naturally taking precedence above music matters!!

Whilst staying at their home however, I overheard chat at their local pub of the recent success of a ‘pilot’ New Orleans Jazz Night which included Jambalaya and Cajun dishes in the £10 admission charge….’Food for thought’ for Yorkshire jazz promoters, perhaps!!

Forthcoming live events on the ‘Donny’ scene include this Saturday’s (4th Feb) lunchtime session by guitar maestro Terry Alllonby’s Trio ( with Nigel Chapman-keyboards and Mark Kerrigan-drums) plus likely guest ‘sitters-in.’ The gig takes place between 12noon to 3pm and admission is free…A fine way to while away the afternoon and enjoy equally fine music, tasty food and drinks and the welcoming hospitality of landlord Francie and his friendly staff…If you’ve not yet sampled the ‘Allonby Experience,’ why not drop in to give it a try?

On Thursday 9th February, fans of Django Reinhardt inspired ‘Hot Club of France’ styled Gypsy Swing are expected to gravitate to the ‘Con’ Club ( South Parade DN1 2DJ ) to thrill to the stimulating wizardry of The Djangonauts, who are making a most welcome return to the popular venue. Leading the group is nimble fingered guitarist Chris Walker (who may offer up the odd vocal or two also!!)—ably abetted by the multi-talented Piero Tucci on accordion, Phil Johnson (rhythm guitar) and Kevin Walker on double bass, who will jointly transport the audience to Montmartre and the atmosphere of the Paris ‘Left Bank’ nightlife by way of their breath taking instrumental acumen!! The session stomps-off at 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door.

Also at the ‘Con’ Club on Monday 13th February will be the duo of guitarist/vocalist Dickie Emmerson—with Robert Baker on keyboards who is settling in nicely after replacing Tony Spragg. The pair will be offering a varied mix of swingin’ standards / ballads / rock n’ roll and much more, no doubt assisted by guest singers Eddie Kell / Bob Quinn/
Sue Fisher / Johnny Noble, who are usually in attendance. ( Who will the one to feature a rendition of ‘My funny valentine’ I wonder? ). Start time is 8.30pm / admission £3-50… Also deserving of mention is Barnby Dun music fan Colin Brett, who helped ‘fill the breach’ with a jaunty version of ‘Fly me to the moon’ and a passionately rendered ‘Some enchanted evening’ at the January session…Nice one, Col!!
An ‘EXTRA SPECIAL’ session is set for the ‘Con’ Club on Thursday 23rd February, when multi-award winning trumpet star BRUCE ADAMS will ‘raise the rafters’ with his awesome bravura performances along with dynamic trombonist Eugene Farrar’s Band. Advance Tickets are now on sale at The Blue Building, 38-40 High Street, Doncaster DN1 1DE (Phone
: 01302-734309 ) at £7 ….Admission at the door is £8—so better to reserve tickets NOW!!

Happy jazzin’!!

'Jazz Scene' for Thursday 12th January 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Whilst recently attempting a long over-due 'tidy-up' of my extremely cluttered 'jazz den' that suffices for my 'office', I came across several photographs of the late-great British clarinettist Sandy Brown, which I took at The Daily Mail International Jazz Festival at Belle Vue-Manchester – back in June 1963, where he was appearing with The Fairweather-Brown All-Stars and guest star Tony Coe.’

Shortly afterwards –having spotted an 'ad' in Jazz Journal—I forwarded copies to The Sandy Brown Society, which is edited and produced by John Latham at 2 Church Meadow, Reynoldston, Swansea SA3 1AF (www.sandybrownjazz.co.uk )
--the President being Stan Greig—who was delighted to receive the pictures, several of which have been reproduced in the Society's Newsletter, which can be subscribed to for £6-50 per annum in the UK... So if you are an admirer of Sandy Brown's invaluable contribution to the international Jazz Scene, don't hesitate to contact John at the aforementioned address or phone 01792-390055, you will be more than welcome to join the ranks!!

‘Jazz into Doncaster’ launch the 2012 season of live gigs at The Conservative Club on Thursday 26th January, with the more than welcome return of the boisterous ‘Trad’ / Dixieland / Swing band Winston’s Pennine Jazz, who are guaranteed to drive away the Winter Blues with their infectious brand of foot-tapping-swingin’ jazz!! Stomp-off time is 8.30pm / Admission £5 at the door.

Following on at the ‘Con’ Club venue are The Djangonauts –featuring Chris Walker ( lead guitar )/ Phil Johnson ( rhythm guitar ) / Piero Tucci ( accordion )/ and Kevin Walker ( double bass ) –on Thursday 9th February, who were rapturously received at their debut session at the club last year and are fully expected to be equally sensational this time also with their unique slant on the ‘Gypsy Jazz’ Hot Club of France style of the great Django Reinhardt.

Trumpet ace Bruce Adams is star guest of the dynamic Eugene Farrar Band at the ‘Con’ Club on Thursday 23rd February in a special concert jointly presented by ‘Jazz into Doncaster’ and John Sheppard of the former NCB Lodge Jazz Club. Tickets are available at £7 advance from The Blue Building, 38-40 High Street DN1 1DE ( Phone 01302-734309 ) or at £8 at the door.

Also in the pipeline are gigs by The Roy Norton Jazz Band (8th March), The Southside Jazz Band ( 22nd March ) plus sessions by The Reunion Jazzband,
The New Jazz Messengers and Shirley Patterson, Alligator Gumbo , Al Wood and Trevor Vincent’s ‘Salute to Gerry Mulligan’, a unique meeting of three generations of saxophone giants: Alan Barnes / Bobby Wellins/ and Nadim Tiemoori plus The Nicola Farnon Quartet, and a long overdue visit to ‘Donny’ by top-drawer trombone stylist Roy Williams!! HAPPY JAZZIN’!!

‘Jazz Scene’ for Thursday 5th January 2012. From C.J.Worsdale.

Here’s wishing a hearty ‘Swinging New Year’ to all ‘Donny’ area jazz followers—and those who visit our town from further afield also!!—with plenty of diverse and stimulating live gigs to attract all tastes over coming months.

Laying claim to first off the ‘New Year Blocks’ is the eclectic Terry Allonby Trio—fronted of course by boss man Terry on guitars and with Nigel Chapman (keyboards) plus Mark Kerrigan (drums), who will jointly be ‘holding court’ at The Horse & Groom (East Laithegate) on Saturday 7th January between 12noon and 3pm, with various guest musicians also likely to ‘sit-in’ on several numbers throughout the free admission session. On the musical menu will be contemporary jazz, blues, rock, swing, Latin, Allonby/Chapman originals, takes on popular songs by the likes of Simon & Garfunkel / The Beatles / Ray Charles / Dusty Springfield and many more surprises too!! A great way to brighten a dreary winter’s afternoon and launch 2012 in memorable fashion.

Following closely on the Allonby heals will be the much loved and admired talents of guitarist / singer Dickie Emmerson’s Duo, who will be in action at the ‘Con’ Club (South Parade DN1 2DJ) for their first monthly ‘Monday Date’ session of the new season at the popular venue on Monday 9th January. The music kicks-off at 8.30pm / admission £3-50 at the door and will no-doubt also include welcome swingin’ contributions by Bob Quinn, Eddie Kell, Sue Fisher and Johnny Noble, who are regular vocal guests at the monthly gigs.

The ‘Jazz into Doncaster’ voluntary committee launch their new season’s live events on Thursday 26th January at the ‘Con’ Club, when the popular attraction is the vibrant six piece band Winston’s Pennine Jazz—led as ever (from the rear!!) by founder and double bassist Keith Shone…with all-star support from trumpeter Dave Kendall, Eugene Farrar ( trombone/harmonica/vocals), Andy Wallis (reeds), Brian Herbert
(guitar/banjo/vocals), and with drummer man Ken Hickey providing the impetus plus several fervent vocals also, on pleasing and varied sets of ‘Trad’ / Dixieland / and Swing Era styled foot-tappers. Stomp-off time is 8.30pm and admission is £5 at the door.

Set for February ‘Con’ Club sessions in February is the sensational Hot Club du France styled group The Djangonauts (Thurs 9th)—featuring Chris Walker (lead guitar) / Piero Tucci (accordion) / Phil Johnson (rhythm guitar) / and Kevin Walker ( double bass)…..Followed on Thurs 23rd by a ‘Special’ featuring multi-award winning trumpet star BRUCE ADAMS with the dynamic EUGENE FARRAR BAND. ( Advance tickets £7 available from The Blue Building, 38-40 High Street, DN1 1DE / Phone 01302-734309….or £8 at the door)….Watch out for news of Sunday afternoon sessions with trombone super-star Dennis Rollins and superlative sax man Mark Ellis etc at Bawty’s Coco Ice venue (www.cocoice.co.uk ) 31 Market Place DN10 6JL / Phone 01302-711766….and Sunday Jazz sessions at Doncaster’s Bistro venue.

Happy jazzin’!!