Jazz On A Sunday

Photo: Valerie Bracken

Frog Island Jazz Band – Jazz on a Sunday

Jazz On A Sunday’s commitment to providing top quality traditional jazz entertainment continues to be reflected in above average audience attendances for its fortnightly concerts at Castleton’s New Town National Club.

June featured performances by the Essex based Frog Island Jazz Band, from Blackpool, Mike Lovell’s Six In A Bar, and in July, first-timers, Bolton’s Dixie Beats, and a return visit from Newcastle’s finest, The Maine Street Jazzmen.

Formed in 1962 and resolved to play jazz in the classic New Orleans style the “Froggies”rarely venture far from their own manor (i.e “The Sarf”) these days - it’s an age thing apparently - but had seemingly been enticed northward again by assurances of a repeat of last year’s complimentary meat and tatie pie supper.

Their regular trombonist John Jeanes was unable to make the trip this time around unfortunately but with ever-dependable “local-ish” lad Derek Galloway on hand, ready, willing and able to deputise for John - and reportedly equally willing to see off his allotted portion of said pie - the transition proved a seamless one.

Mike Lovell’s Six In A Bar also play classic jazz tunes - mainly from the 1920s and 1930s. By comparison with the uncompromising, no nonsense approach of the Frog Island outfit those dyed-in-the-wool “traditionalists” among us would probably categorise theirs as being more a 'party' band but, as ever, Mike on trombone, guest Phil Lucas (trumpet), Willie Entwistle (reeds, tin whistle and country fiddle), the engagingly urbane Chris Howse (banjo, guitar and vocals) and an outstanding rhythm section in support gave everyone an evening to remember.

July heralded 'happy jazz' and the Jazz On A Sunday debut of a newish combo The Dixie Beats. Bolton-based and an offshoot of the better-known Bourbon Street Roof Raisers they were led on trumpet by one time brass bandsman John Percival and arrived with the declared intention of making jazz fun. This they did - in spades.

Ending the month came a return visit from another established favourite of the club’s in The Maine Street Jazzmen. Voted Band Of The Year following their very first Jazz On A Sunday appearance and, never failing to deliver, trombonist Herbie Hudson and his charges, comprising Ray Harley (trumpet), Jim McBrighety (clarinet), Colin Haykney (piano), Alan Rudd (bass), Ian Hetherington (drums) and Olive Rudd (vocals) are unquestionnably one of organiser Tony Sheldon’s 'bankers' attendance-wise.