Friday 3rd May
Wabash Jazzman
This highly entertaining hot five came together in 1994 with the desire to create a new sound on the traditional jazz scene. They chose to go drumless and the front line is driven along by the flowing banjo playing of leader Mark Challinor, accompanied by the rhythmic string bass of Richard Vernon - a real powerhouse rhythm section
The front line of Tony Pipkin on trumpet, Mike Hayler on clarinet/tenor sax and Richard Leach on trombone play superbly as one during ensemble work but also demonstrate their years of experience, producing engaging solos.
The band travels widely and has built up a strong following of loyal Wabash supporters on the jazz club circuit, particularly in the North and Midlands. If you've not heard the band before then you'll love its fresh, vibrant style - a band which really packs a punch!
Friday 7th June
The Eagle Jazz Band
The Eagle Jazz Band founded in 1951 has delighted audiences worldwide for an amazing seventy-three years, one of the oldest formed bands in the UK.
The Band sports a healthy combination of youth and experience, Matt Palmer ( clarinet and saxophone,) Pete Brown (trumpet cornet and valve trombone) and Brian Lawrence (Bass and Sousaphone) were both long serving members of the original Eagle Jazz Band
The wide repertoire is drawn from popular songs from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s; Classic Jazz compositions by King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton Sydney Bechet and Duke Ellington plus New Orleans Marches, Rags, Stomps, Blues. All band members are multi-instrumentalists, enabling them to play a variety of different sounds and styles each played in a happy, entertaining manner, many featuring vocals.