Boogie down to Boston Spa

Enrico Tomasso

From Les and the Team

Having had a week off for the Beer Festival, we returned last night for a great session with Frank Brooker's Happy Chappies. Everyone was in sparkling form - Frank himself, the excellent Greg Wadman on trumpet with some first class solo work and driven along by the insistent rhythm section of Jim Wright on banjo, Phil on bass and Rodney on drums. You'll see from the programme that there are some really exciting sessions on the horizon.

Saturday evenings in March/April 2014

Mar 8th – Papa Pider’s Jazz Band – an eagerly awaited return by this re-formed Swedish band which specialises in the “revival sounds” of Barber and Colyer. It takes its name from one of our favourite visiting trombonists - Pider Avall (formerly of Mysto’s Hot Lips). A terrific session last time round – we anticipate the same. £10.

Mar 15th – Jump Jive ‘n’ Wail – recommended to us and making a first appearance is this dynamic seven piece band from Halifax specialising in the dance music of the 30s, 40s and 50s. “Guaranteed to make the joint swing!” it is said.  www.jumpjiveandwail.co.uk

Mar 22nd – Amy Roberts/John Hallam Jazz Five – here we bring together two of our all time favourite reeds players to serve up a delectable miscellany of the standards. To which we then add Tom Kincaid on piano, Jim Swinnerton on bass and Nick Millward on drums. Talk about a first class line up!

Mar 29th – Richard Leach’s Seven Stars of Jazz – the annual visit of one of the UK’s finest traditional jazz bands playing in the Chicago style of Eddie Condon and Alex Welsh. Superb musicians, exuberant music and a good night guaranteed.

Apr 5th – Trefor Williams + Usual Suspects with Christine Tyrrell – this gig last year was a truly nostalgic evening. Once again - in response to many requests - fond memories of the glory days of the Phil Mason Band. Denny Ilett on trumpet, Karl Hird on reeds, the superb Mark Challinor on banjo, Baby Jools on drums and “our favourite” Christine on vocals. N B £10.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asqgTBrbR6M

Apr 12th – Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants – a first appearance by this group of well known  and highly respected professionals. Led by the effervescent Kevin on trombone, we welcome the outstanding duo of John Hallam and Paul Harrison on reeds, Simon Banks on keyboard and the versatile Graham Smith on drums.

Apr 19th – Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz – the Band’s website proclaims “in our 31st year of making people happy” – and who could disagree. Members of the group include Louis Lince on banjo and Ken Marley on bass. Good time traditional jazz played by first class musicians who clearly enjoy “making us happy!”

Apr 26th – Enrico Tomasso + Roy Williams + Tom Kincaid Trio – where to start? Two of the UK’s finest instrumentalists well known to JITS regulars and supported by our favourite star of the keyboard. A more subtle evening in some respects but music of the highest order. N B £10 (and a absolute steal at the price!)

Thank you all for your continued support.

Jazz is at the Village Hall High Street Boston Spa LS23 6AA

We are situated just off the new section of the A1(M) at Junction 45 signed Wetherby and Otley.