Tasty fare at the Spa

Dave Donohoe

From Les and the team  - "First a great big thank you to all who came to the recent Carl Sinclair/John Hallam evening a couple of weeks ago. After expenses were covered, we raised a staggering sum in excess of £1,250 for Harrogate Samaritans. A superb effort all round and a wonderful evening's music.

We're working hard on next year's programme at present and, at this stage, delighted to announce that Stephanie Trick and Paolo will be returning in July; Jeff and Anne Barnhart will be with us in May and August. Return visits also from Enrico Tomasso, Roy Williams, Alan Barnes, T J Johnson, Amy Roberts and Jim Fryer plus many more of your favourites both local and from around the UK.

We do have something of a "logjam" with many more requests to play for us than there are available Saturdays. This is rewarding in many ways but regrettable that we just can't accommodate all those who wish to appear at Jazz in the Spa"

November
8th – Dave Mott’s Jazz Classics – one of the most professional and versatile groups to grace our stage. Led by Dave on reeds, the group includes young trumpet star Jamie Brownfield plus the wonderful Tom Kincaid on piano. Traditional jazz plus the standards with some delightful vocals from Suzanne.

15th – Dave Donohoe Jazz Band – a long overdue appearance by one of the unsung heroes of the British Jazz scene. Dave has been in the forefront of the “New Orleans style” since 1962. More a “style than a repertoire” is his belief and here’s a formidable line up including our own Frank Brooker on reeds, Teddy Fullick on trumpet, Tom Kincaid on piano and Jim Swinnerton on bass. Always a first class evening’s entertainment.

22nd - Old Fashioned Love Band – a changed format since the last appearance and one which will appeal to those who favour the Chicago-style Dixieland jazz in the Condon style. Led by Mike Pembroke on trombone with Dave Pogson on trumpet and Willie Entwistle on reeds with rhythm accompaniment. A lively evening is assured.

29th – Ron Burnett’s Mardi Gras Jazz Band – and to end the month on high note,  the warm sounds of Mardi Gras led by York’s “Mr Music”, Ron Burnett on trombone with the excellent Greg Wadman on trumpet. As the name suggests, good time jazz in a light hearted style played with verve and enthusiasm. Foot tapping jazz at its best!

December 
6th – Swing Commanders – a stonking full house session last year and multiple requests for another. This is a high octane, vibrant and highly versatile group which performs an exciting mix of 1940’s classics, boogie woogie, swing, jump jive and more. Most of the band play several instruments. Energetic showmanship with sophisticated vocal blend. Don’t miss it. £10.

13th – Djangologie – “Hot Club” style with a vengeance. An outstanding group from the North East which brings remarkable freshness to the Django Reinhart – Stephan Grappelli swing era sounds. Virtuoso guitar player and long standing friend Jim Birkett with Giles Strong on guitars, Emma Fisk on violin plus Mick Shoulder on bass. A “lighter touch” evening but they don’t come any more refreshing than this. Just the job to blow away the “pre-Christmas blues”. Oh yes, they do exist!

20th – Harlem Hot Stompers – believe it or not, the last session of the year. Comes round ever more quickly. Christmas Party Night with the customary mix of rip roaring traditional jazz from the Harlems plus delectable Christmas fare provided by yourselves and shared around plus the special Christmas raffle. Do join us – but do come early as another full house guaranteed.

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

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