ABBEY JAZZ

Next Time: New Washboard Syncopators

2010-10-11T04:37:00.000-07:00

We've had lots of fun with this band on the occasion of their earlier visits. This may well prove to be the last chance we get to hear them, as we understand they are going their separate ways in the nearish future. Be there to experience their unique sound and their repertoire of rare music from the 1920s.

Swingin' with that nice Mr Wood..

2010-10-11T04:13:00.000-07:00

..and Cliff Williams, and Mike Graver, and Martin Emeny.

There was a goodly mix of stuff on offer when the boys came together last night at Spring Lane. We like to give you tunes you dont hear often, and last night included a few: Gary gave us Just in Time, and Rent Party Blues. Phil gave us Nearness of You. And I don't know when anybody last played The Saints at MRC!!

It's been a great pleasure to welcome Mike Graver to a couple of sessions, as he's a busy man and we can't often get him. When you hear his superb melodic style and his faultless accompaniment behind a melody, it's easy to see why he is in such demand.

I'd like, too, to thank John Ripper for bringing his baritone. What a boost we always get when he's there bolstering up the front line!

I was reflecting, on the way home (as you do) that this is October and most of the year has passed. Looking back over the recorded archives for 2010 as I processed last nights recording, I must say that this has been an absolutely vintage year for quality. Because of the jam-session format we mostly use, we tend as musicians to focus on the mistakes we've made - the untidy intros and outros, the odd bum note or wrong chord. But overall, I'm struck by the authenticity of the swing we produce and I'm so happy to be able to be a part of it. You'll hear more polished perfomances from bands that play together all the time, but you won't often hear the spirit and authenticity that somehow emerges from Spring Lane sessions. I genuinely believe that this is how it might have been, late in the night, in New York or Chicago during the 1940s and early 50's.

Keep supporting us and we'll try to keep delivering it!

26th September - Groovin' High

2010-09-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

We often say that len has the gift of putting together line-ups that click. Well, on Sunday last, it certainly cluck!

Once again Gary Wood proved to be the catalyst for a great night of small band swing, and to help him deliver we had Ron Hills on stonking form and the ever-welcome Cliff Williams. And the appearance of Mike Graver on piano meant that we got a rhythm section that at times did the genuine chicago/count basie thing. So Len, Ken and Phil had a ball as the evening chugged along.

We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Next up - Alan Bateman and friends

2010-08-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Alan B. This will be another high energy evening from this versatile and gifted trumpeter and we're delighted that now he's fully pro he still fits us in. See you there.

Everett Blows In

2010-08-30T04:32:00.000-07:00

It was good to welcome Johnny Everett back with his Red Dragons last night. The Welsh Wizzard was on good form (hard to believe he's been leading bands in the Midlands and elsewhere for 50 years!!) and we got through a fair few of the old favourites from the dixieland repertoire. Guesting with the Dragons due to holiday comittments were Dave Braidley of the New Washboard Syncopators on trombone and Len Thwaites on bass, both of whom fitted seamlessly into the lineup and made distinctive contributions.

Dave B will be back with the Syncopators later in the Autumn and we look forward to another of their highly memorable selections of songs you never hear anywhere else.

Good too to welcome back Ruth Frith with the Dragons - a bundle of energy behind the mike and who can always be relied upon to energise the night's jazz proceedings.

Talking of which, Ruth got up and did a couple with Abbey Jazz at Pershore when we were there, which was the icing on a fairly triumphant cake. We played to standing room only, notwithstanding Alan Barnes being the rival attraction, and (to hell with false modesty!) we done terrific.

See you next time, and thanks again to John and the Dragons.

Sunday 29 Aug - Here be Dragons!

2010-08-02T02:45:00.000-07:00

We will be welcoming back John Everetts Red Dragon JazzMen, with Ruth Frith. Another chance to hear one of the Midlands' longest-serving and best-loved band leaders about whom it has often been said...

No Abbey Jazz at Spring Lane 15th August...

2010-08-02T02:42:00.000-07:00

....because we'll be playing at the Pershore Festival. Hope to see you there. We're taking an 'All Star' band including the popular Gary Wood.

Swingingin' with the Kings

2010-08-02T02:16:00.000-07:00

The long-awaited return of the Swing Kings last night gave us the chance to hear some of the Midlands' best musicians playing a selection of great numbers you don't hear from the average band.

Under Ron Hills' guidance the Swing Kings have always been up for the musical challenge of the late-swing/early bebop repertoire. This is music that requires artistry and concentration. That's just the combination you get from Ron, Tony Pipkin, Roger Heeley, and Roy Dutton, now joined by Terry Roberts on reeds to create a front line with the technique and the chops to do this music in fine style. Len and I had a ball and it was a privilege to play with them last night.

In conversation with Ron during the break last night, he was saying that it sometimes feels like an uphill battle to get club audiences to accept more modern forms of jazz. I know from my own experience that this is true - there are still gigs where musicians who turn up with a sax (as opposed to a clarinet) or a guitar (as opposed to a banjo) are asked, "Are you going to play that" in disapproving tones. This always seems doubly ironic to me: during the trad boom of the 1950s, we were playing music that was already 30 years out of its era. For audiences that only want to hear faithful reproductions of Jelly Roll Morton's orchestrations or Louis Armstrong's solos played note for note, life must be a constant disappointment!

That's why the music the Kings bring us is so refreshing, even 50+ years from its origins.

Next Up - John Beckingham

2010-07-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

A summer visit from John and his men will be very welcome indeed. If it aint hot outside, it certainly will be inside! If you're into jump jive, bring your sneakers!

Good Old-Fashioned Fun

2010-07-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

Well it was, wasn't it!

Last night we had the pleasure of the company of some guys who really know how to do the dixieland thing, and they certainly done it! Pete Ainge led the front line with his usual understated panache, and was aided and abetted by Chris Pearce and Richard Leach. So there you had the essence of the Heart of England and The Seven Stars combined, which gave us the opportunity of doing some nice old numbers we hadn't rolled out for quite some time.

Len and Phil were joined at the back by Ken Wright, so we like to think the front line was floating along on a tide of swing.

It has been really nice over the last few weeks to see new faces round the Spring Lane tables - if we haven't met you and said hello, come up and have a chat, and thanks very much for coming along.

Lastly, the new CDs hit the market last night and we sold half of them on the first evening. Len will be sending copies to local radio so we should get some air time. I must take this opportunity to say some thank-you's. First, of course, thanks to the many musicians who allow us to use the recordings to boost our funds. Not everyone has the confidence to give us free rein with live 'warts-and-all' recordings, and yet it is the very spontaneity of these evenings that gives them their appeal, we think. The second thankyou is to Derek, who designs and makes the covers, and who worked very hard to get the discs ready for sale last night. I'm also endebted to Roger, who overseees the recording machine week after week, without whom we wouldn't have the music to offer you.

Any road up, that's it for another session, with renewed thanks to last night's guests, who gave us a great evening.

Jazz on a Summer's Night

2010-06-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

It was a good night for a cold beer last night at Spring Lane, especially for those three of us who had already spent the afternoon playing in a hot marquee somewhere in deep Shakespeare country. It was good also to welcome for the first time Matt Palmer, who had made the long trip from Nottingham to be with us. Matt showed from the start why he's such a popular entertainer, and Tony Pipkin and Martin Veasey completed an impressive front line, whose versaitilty enabled us to give you a fair selection from Louis Armstrong to Benny Goodman.

Thanks too to you all for turning up in strength (or were you just getting away from the World Cup!?). For those among us for whom the football is almost as exquisite a torture as the vuvuzelas, there's the added thought that this week we get both Wimbledon and an Austerity Budget. Which simply proves that disasters actually do come in threes!

Jazz Strata

2010-05-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Peter Carlton and his merry men for making the trip from Brummagem after playing at lunchtime there. We're happily accustomed to welcoming Peter to various front lines dreamt up by Len (as indeed we also welcome Tony Pipkin and Rod Kelly), but it was good to see/hear Peter in the comfortable surroundings of his own band.

On what was a hot night climatically, Jazz Strata gave us a cooler feeling, esp when Tony went onto flugelhorn (or was it a tenor horn, I can never tell the difference?).

Thanks to everyone who has pre-ordered CDs. I shall now set about making them!

Fame at Last!!

2010-05-21T02:19:00.000-07:00

The Malvern Gazette have given generous coverage to the fifteenth anniversary of Abbey Jazz. Check it out in this week's issue. This prompts us, once again, to thank Malvern Rugby Club for their generosity in hosting us, and thereby making it possible to bring the best musicians to Spring Lane at prices people can afford.Happy anniversary and congrats to Len.

Next Session - Peter Carlton and his band.

2010-05-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

A special occasion beckons, when Peter C comes with his regular bandmates. Be there or be square.

Warm Welecome for Clive Burton!

2010-05-10T04:49:00.000-07:00

The first appearance of trombonist Clive Burton at Malvern was as exciting as it was welcome. And alongside the returning Gary Wood we got yet another terrific evenings entertainment at Spring Lane. I came across Clive at a very unpromising gig during the Autumn last year - to cut a long story short, Clive and I ended up entertaining a large room of diners on our own. I soon realised what a gifted player he is, told Len, and last night you could hear for yourselves. I'm very sure we'll be asking Clive to make the journey from Reading again.

Gary once again showed what a terrific discovery (for us, that is) he has been, and a fine band leader.

It was so good to find ourselves playing stuff we haven't tried before, including numbers like I Could Write a Book, Caravan, Whispering, and Hear Me Talkin To Yuh. Many thanks to, to the other boys in the rhythm section - Rod Kelly, Martin Emeny and Len T - for creating such a rock solid basis for the front line to shine.

Thanks everyone for your feedback and for being such an unbelievably receptive group of friends to play to - we had a ball.

Hallam Comes Back Swinging

2010-04-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

John Hallam returned to Spring Lane Sunday last on fine form and gave us what we now recognise to be 'the usual' - a fascinating variety of material of varying vintage, delivered with taste, swing and ideas to remember. It doesn't seem to make any difference whether he has picked up the clarinet, tenor or baritone - the music emerges with the same fluency and purity of tone. The more I hear John play, the more I realise how great he is at creating tension and excitement without overblowing or histrionics.

John was supported by the fluent and innovative piano work of Roger Heeley and by Roy Dutton's always tasteful drumming. Len, of course, added his characteristic bottom-end punch.
A great evening from first to last.

One of Your Favourite Bands will be at the Cheltenham Festival

2010-04-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

John Beckingham and the boys will be jiving in the main arena at the Cheltenham Festival on May Bank Holiday Monday, 4.00pm. This is an important breakthrough both for the band, and for local musicians generally. That's because there has been a certain failure in the past to recognise local talent among the featured 'big names'. If any band deserves such recognition it's John's (featuring of course our mate Roger Manwaring and the wonderful Andy Wood on guitar.)

Jazz at The Bakery

2010-04-12T05:10:00.000-07:00

Please support Jazz Express (which of course includes Martin Veasey and Martin Emeny) when the band make a return to the Bakery Inn next Sunday evening. We really need another succesful live jazz venue in town, and it'll only happen if we support it. Get down to the link, enjoy the band and enjoy the beer!

Business as Usual!

2010-04-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

We've been so busy bringing you special evenings with pukka visiting bands and/or celebs that it's actually been some time since we had a good old fashioned Spring Lane night in jam session format. Well, what a pleasure it was to welcome Gary Wood, Martins Veasey and Emeny, Roger Manwaring and Rod Kelly last night, and didn't we have fun. Gary proved again what a great leader he is from the front line, and again we heard his creative improvisations. I thought Martin V, whom we haven't seen a lot of in recent months, was on absolutley cracking form too. Rod, too, was making a welcome return and never fails to add to the entertainment quotient.

And as part of our palace of varieties presentation, we were lucky enough to have as guest sitters-in both John Ripper on baritone and Ruth Frith on vocal chords. Thanks to both of them for helping to make the evening go with a zip. We also spotted tenor man Alan Jager in the audience, but as he is still recovering from a big heart op not many weeks ago, we will just have to look forward to a toot from him when he is fully back in practice.

May I also say words of thanks to the people who gave me feed back on our price increase. Thanks for being so supportive. We are totally committed to making the club an ongoing success and by building up a little cushion in the band fund we will feel able to take the risk of bringing people like Gary from a little further afield to spice things up.

Also, thanks to the folks who have responded with info about contact points in the local schools. I'll be following those up.

Coming up - 11th April

2010-03-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

We're delighted to bring back Gary Wood who was so impressive on his recent first visit, alongside Martin Veasey and Roger Manwaring. That is sure to mean a relaxed session of small band swing laced with a couple of dixieland standards. Rod Kelly will be on joanna and Martin Emeny drums. Catch us there.

Big Thank-You to Bev and the Boys...

2010-03-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

...for being your genial hosts and your entertainment last night! And to all our other friends who set to and made the arrangements work as smoothly as ever.

A reliable little bird tells us that Bev was as funny as ever, that the band did a lot of stuff we hadn't heard them do before, that Pete Hartley was his usual brilliant self, and that Roger, in the absence of the recording machine to keep him busy, did the raffle. We are duly grateful!

Len and Phil were on duty at a George Giles jazz weekend in far-from-sunny Paignton. The weekend was a sell-out and a great success musically. Phil was part of the band featuring Amy Roberts on the Saturday evening, and she just gets better and better. We very much hope to get her back to Malvern next year, though her Finals loom and she'll be keeping a close eye on her priorities.

On Sunday night, after Kevin Grenfell and Simon Banks had provided a wonderful afternon of their inimitable double act, Len and Phil were in action with Chris Pearce's Frenchmen Street band. Richard Leach and Alan Bateman completed the front line and Graham Smith was the drummer. Both nights were, believe me, 'high energy' occasions. By the time Len and I got back to Malvern at 3.00 am, we were both feeligng our age!!

Thanks everyone for being at Spring Lane in force to see Bev. See you next time!

Request for contacts at local schools

2010-03-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

For some time, Len and I have been wondering if there is anything we can do to encourage young local musicians to give jazz a try. This is a matter I've raised with the Musicians Union, but they dont seem to have any programmes of relevance to us, and the basic message is that if we want to do anything, it's down to us.

I'd like to talk to Heads of Music at some of the schools in the area, especially those that have bands, to extend an invitation for talented youngsters to come to Spring Lane and have a sit in. We believe there is no better way to give people the jazz bug than to give them a go at it.

I got involved in a similar initiative in Liverpool in the 70's and there are three or four musos playing jazz in Liverpool today who got started beacuse they came and played the Saints with the Blue Mags at the famous Coffee House venue we had them. I know that the big moment comes when you've had the guts to get up with a bunch of old geysers, and the audience gives you a real cheer when you leave the stand. I'm sure you wouldn't let us down!!

I'm quite prepared to cold call the school offices, but it'd be easier if I knew the names of music masters/mistresses when I rang. Can anyone help out with names and other info? If so, please have a word at the club, or drop me a mail to theproberts@btinternet.com

Wouldn't it be great if we could spot the next Amy Roberts before anyone else did!!

Next Time - Bev Pegg and the gang return

2010-03-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

You can count on another (yet another!) hugely entertaining night out when the skiffle boys return. The music is bound to be great, but don't forget your laughing boots, since Bev is bound to have a few new ones to tell you.

Len and Phil are on duty in Paignton, so please turn up in force and give Bev and the boys a rousing welcome back!

Sliders truimphant!

2010-03-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

A night to remember last Sunday with Mssrs Grenfell and Leach aka Slide by Slide.

They gave us their special mix of well-honed presentation, great musicality and audience rapport, and its easy to see why they are going down so well at festivals round the country. Catch them next at Pershore if not before.

As a musician in the audience I was deeply impressed by the intuitive support Kevin and Richard give each other, not just in the pre-arranged numbers but in unrehearsed renderings of requests from the floor of the house. Also, the entertainment factor is greatly enhanced by hearing stuff nobody else does. Congrats to Len Thwaites, Roger Heeley and Graham Smith for gelling so well behind the frontmen.

And last but not least, thanks for turning out in force to hear the band. We couldn't do it without you!!

Gary Wood arrives in style!

2010-03-01T01:29:00.000-08:00

It's always good to welcome a new face to Malvern, and what a good time we had last night playing behind Gary Wood. How good was that!?

Gary gave us a cracking mix of numbers to get our teeth into, and his playing was a revelation. With Martin Veasey and Roger Manwaring featuring in the front line, and the keyboard of Roger Heeley, I reckon we had one of the best nights we've had down at Spring Lane for ages. And when you look at what we've already done this year, that's saying something.

Len has been working hard to bring you a programme this year that introduces new names among our old friends. Gary will be back a number of times, and there are other newcomers to follow. The unrehearsed nature of what we do at Abbey Jazz does carry risks, and it depends on successful chemistry and a bit of risk-taking. Somehow, Len manages to get the mix right again and again. Visiting front line musicians tell us they enjoy the freedom to express themselves that Malvern offers, and for rhythm section players the fun comes from delivering whatever they throw at us without blinking. As you no doubt sensed, we all had a great time last night. Not bad for £4.00 I reckon.

Next Up - 28th Feb 2010

2010-02-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

Another new face to welcome: we look forward to hearing Gary Wood on trumpet, together with Roger Manwaring (reeds) and Martin Veasey (tbn). Roger Heeley with bring his joanna and Ken Wright returns on drums.

Valentines Day - A Bouquet of Batemans

2010-02-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

They came, they saw, they honkered!

It was a return tinged with sadness, because we should have been enjoying the piano of Ken Jones, who has been called to an altogether better orchestra. We will all miss him very badly.

Nevertheless, what a rip-roaring evening we had, and I guess that's how Ken would have liked it. The Batemen were predictably firing on all cylinders, and alongside them was Cliff Williams on clari and tenor, decidedly not being overawed by the pyrotechnics on his left! Each time Ian and Alan visit, we have a ball and I can assure you it was fun in the rhythm section last night. As Max Bygraves is reputed to have said, you wouldn't have more fun if you were in bed with the entire Dagenham Girl Pipers. If I may be allowed to put my own spin on that aphorism, there might however come a moment in ones life when one thinks one might be getting a bit too old for that much fun!

Any road up, many thanks to The Brothers B, Cliff and of course Graham Smith for a great night.

Ken Jones

2010-02-14T01:30:00.000-08:00

With huge sadness, we record the sudden death at home of Ken Jones.

A players player. Tasteful, melodic, accurate, and comprehensively knowledgeable of our music. A gentle man and a gentleman.

Every Midlands jazzer who knew and worked with Ken will now be realising what a gap he will leave. Familiar to club audiences in the rhythm sections of too many bands to list, we know he will be specially missed by his colleagues in the Martinique, and we send our sympathy and best wishes to them, and of course to Ken's family.

Len and I will especially miss working with Ken as a trio - we all looked forward keenly to these gigs: Len and I because we knew we would hear Ken expressing himself free of the responsibility of supporting a front line, and Ken because we always tried a few things that were new. Moreover, it was on these more intimate jobs that we would discover what an interesting life in music and outside it Ken had led, and what a fund of stories he had that (given his dry humour) made you chuckle for days after.

Please, according to your own tenets, pray for and/or raise a glass to the memory of a lovely man and a quietly distinguished musician.

Next Time - Watch Out, there's a Bateman about!

2010-02-01T03:47:00.000-08:00

Well, actually, two! Alan and Ian return to give us, no doubt, an evening of shy retiring entertainment. In yer dreams, buster!!!

The notorious Frank Abrams will be aiding and abetting on reeds. Ken Jones will bring his joanna, Graham Smith his traps. Len and I will be in attendnace.

Andy Masefield Band 31 Jan 2010

2010-02-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

A full house enjoyed the welcome return of Andy Masefield, after (as he pointed out) an absence of over five years. Which is a bit difficult to explain, as they only live down the road!

They gave us a night of good old favourites, from Ellington to Acker, with Andy and Peter Carlton supported by a cracking rhythm section.

So it has been a great start to the new year at Spring Lane, with two 'proper bands' to open procedings. (They even wore uniforms!) Thanks for supporting us, and thanks especially to Andy and colleagues for an enjoyable night.

See you next time, folks.

31st January - Andy Masefield

2010-01-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

We look forward to seeing you all at the first visit of Andy Masefield's band to Abbey Jazz. This is local talent, of course, and it will be a good session, we're certain.

See you there!

Old Dragon Still Smokin'

2010-01-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

It was a pleasure to see a nearly-full Spring Lane enjoying the first Abbey session of 2010 with veteran jazz trumpeter Johnny Everett fronting his Red Dragons. Many thanks to all concerned for braving the weather to get there, and haven't we all had just about enough weather to be going on with!?

Johnny has now been a pro jazzer (not to mention other forms of music) for 60 years, and when you get him in a corner he has an astonishing fund of stories about national and local musos he's played with over all those years. Your correspondant, of course, normally sits behind JE, and listening this morning to last night's recording, I realised that the Man's big, rich tone is still a sight for sore ears (or something like that).

The Dragons do 100% good old-fashioned Dixieland. Last nights sets were just that, and many thanks, everyone, for the feedback you gave us. We enjoyed the gig, we enjoyed your company. Here's to the rest of 2010 at Spring Lane!!

First New Year session - Johnny Everetts Red Dragons - Sunday 17th Jan 2010

2009-12-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

There are still plenty of Midlands jazz afficionados around who can just remember when Welsh Wizard John Everett first blew his horn in earnest back in the early 1950s, and he's been leading successful bands ever since.

The Dragons began seven years ago. Your correspondant has been with Johnny for three of them, during which time John became seriously ill, then seriously better and the band has matured in the wood along with its leader.

Here is dixieland pure and simple, delivered by one of the masters of the medium. It's the bands first visit to Malvern, and we hope very much to see you there in strength.

Thank you for being a great audience and good friends

2009-12-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

Its been quite year, and you the regulars have made it possible. You've been all we could ask -appreciative, attentive, thoughtful, and there!

On behalf of the musicians, thank you.

Thanks too to everyone who helps - on the door, on the raffle, on the recording machine, behind the bar, and a special thank you to Daphne for her most generous support through her card sales and of course Derek, who has been a tower of strength in producing our CDs.

Len has already made a start on a great programme for 2010, and may it be a healthy and prosperous year for you all. Enjoy the Christmas turkey!

Bugger, bugger, bugger!

2009-12-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you just know it!

The one club night I have to leave early, and I miss the musical event of the year, possibly the century. Len sings!!

I swear he did it on purpose. However....

...since I left the recording machine running, it seems likely that Len's long awaited operatic debut will have been captured for posterity. Watch this space, folks.

But what an evening JBQ gave us, eh? The boys were on cracking form, and as always worked their socks off in a quickfire routine that just got better and better. There were new (to Malvern at least) songs; there was close harmony; there were features. I can hardly believe it was a year since their last visit. Nice new suits too!

Many, many thanks to the ever-entertaining John Beckingham for a fine evening of jazz and jive. Heres to the next one.

Pipkin, Healey and Hills

2009-11-23T07:19:00.000-08:00

Not a posh firm of solicitors but the surviving representatives of the illustrious Swing Kings, their partner Roy Dutton having succumbed to the lergy. (Roys place was taken very kindly at the last minute by Martin Emeny, to whom we were grateful indeed!)

To those of you who decided to stay at home in the warm and dry last night, you missed a good 'un. Ron and Tony kept the rhythm section very much on its toes with a selection of numbers that required concentration and accuracy, some with distinctly bebop flavour and others of the ballad type with lush chord patterns that you dont hear every day. And Roger Heeley just gets better and better each time he comes to Malvern - he not only swings like the clappers but he is inventive and exciting too.

I must admit I came to the club last night feeling absolutely knackered, for as most of you know, I have the challenge of looking after the Missus who tragically is in the grip of dementia at a very young age. But after half an hour in the company of a fine band and our lovely Spring Lane audience, it all started to look brighter!! A little bit of what you fancy, etc etc.

Shameless reminder - Jazz at Colwall Church, Saturday 21 November

2009-11-10T03:21:00.000-08:00

Johnny Everetts Red Dragon Jazzmen will be raising the roof at St James chuch, Colwall. The concert starts at 7.30 and you can just turn up and pay on the door. Costs £7.00. The band have been on great form this year and we can promise you a great traddy evening. Hope to see you there folks.

22nd November - Pipkin, Hills, Heeley, Dutton

2009-11-10T03:18:00.000-08:00

The swing kings are back and it will be great to see them again. They never disappoint and they always produce something we haven't heard before. A night to look forward to. See you there!

A Bracing Evening with Arthur

2009-11-10T03:14:00.000-08:00

The man in the go-faster braces didn't disappoint, aided and abetted by Mssrs Carlton, Veasey, Kelly and Emeny. It turned out to be an easy run through the small band swing standards book and if one or two of the arrangements were slightly disarranged, nobody seemed to mind very much! Many thanks to the guys for a good swinging evening.

Next Sunday - 8th November

2009-11-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

We'll be welcoming Arthur Brown (tpt), Peter Carlton (reeds), Martin Veasey (tbn), Rod Kelly (pno), Martin Emeny (dms), and Len and Phil will be in attendance too. Which pair of braces will Arthur be sporting this time?

Jazz at Colwall Church - 21st November

2009-10-26T04:09:00.001-07:00

St James Church, Colwall hosts Johnny Everett's Red Dragon Jazzmen in concert on Saturday 21st November, as part of a series of fundraising events. Singer Ruth Frith will be with the band and we should have a really good evening of good-time dixieland.

The music starts at 7.30pm and admission will cost £6.00. We're expecting to finish at ten, so there will still be time for a pint at the Crown or the Colwall Park!

You can pay at the door or get tickets from either Colwall Church Office (01684 540330) or from John Goodwin's Colwall office.

As your correspondant is responsible for fundraising at St James, he humbly points out that if you support this event you'll definitely be remembered in his prayers!!

Next time: Arthur Brown

2009-10-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

Arthur returns on 8th November. I did a gig with Arthur last Saturday and he was on sparkling form, Don't be late!

Amy Roberts - Gentlemens' Relish

2009-10-26T03:49:00.000-07:00

Amy Roberts played to a full house at Malvern last night, accompanied by her Gentlemen of Jazz, and a seriously good time was had by everyone, even though the aforementioned 'gentlemen' were actually a familiar bunch of old reprobates!

Its hard to know what to say about Amy's talent without sounding like patronising old fart. You just don't expect such maturity of playing in someone her age, and she's only just started! None of us who accompanied her are in any doubt that she will be one of the great jazz voices of the next generation in the UK, if she chooses that career. It was a huge pleasure to welcome her to Spring Lane, and we'll invite her back as soon as she can fit us into a demanding schedule.

Many thanks to Richard Leach, Roger Heeley and Graham Smith for their part in a great evening, and thanks to all of you for turning out in force. Don't forget, you are the reason why the best musicians love visiting us.

Next - 25 Oct - Amy Roberts

2009-10-13T04:36:00.000-07:00

We're looking forward to backing Amy on her first visit to Spring Lane. It's bound to be a fun night. Be there!

New Washboard Syncopators - rub-a-dub!

2009-10-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

The 'boys' (well gents) were on great form and played to a full house. Apart from their enthusiasm, style and all round good bandsmanship, the great thing about a night with the NWS is that you've never heard most of their repertoire anywhere else. Of the eighteen songs they played, I can honestly say I've never heard any other band play twelve of them. That's down to the work of (mainly) Chris Carmel and Dave Braidley in sniffing them out like well-trained bloodhounds.

It was fun and it was the authentic 'pop music' of the 1920s. Not what we normally do at Malvern, to be sure, but what a treat. I think the band is real working example that authenticity doesn't have to be boring. And having sat through many too many dire Colyeresque grey evenings, I sez 'Hats off to the New Washboard Syncopators'.

I'm sure they'll be back at Malvern, but if you want to see them sooner, check out Jazz Guide.

Tilla

2009-09-28T01:41:00.000-07:00

A new restaurant has opened at Link Top, called Tilla, serving high class asian cuisine. Why is this of interest to jazz fans? Because the owner Mr Ali has invested mightily in facilities for live music and kindly chose your correspondant for his opening night last week. The food is of a high standard, if a tad more pricey that his local competition, but it's worth noting that many of the dishes include rice and veg in the headline price.

There won't be music every night, and a routine has yet to be established. However, if you decide to look in, please mention that you heard about the restaurant via the jazz club, as that will further endear the jazz fraternity to the owner!

Next up - New Washboard Syncopators - 11 October

2009-09-28T01:35:00.000-07:00

We look forward to the return by popular request of Chris Carmel and his merry men. Those of us who enjoyed the band last year will recall their taste for numbers long forgotten from the 20's and 30's - numbers in the 'dont write them like that any more' category.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, borrow somebody's copy of the first compilation CD and listen to I Want to Play Piano in a Cathouse!

Chris tells me that the boys have added a string of new numbers to their list, so expect the unexpected!

Hallam ! The Mutts Nuts!

2009-09-28T01:27:00.000-07:00

With apologies, just a brief report as I'm disappearing for a few days hols this morning.

John Hallam fought his way down the M6 yesterday to give us an absolutely superb two sets, backed impeccably by Roger Heeley, Tony Sharp and Roy Dutton. Whether he was on clarinet, tenor or baritone, John held a full Spring Lane spellbound, and did so with a repertoire from Eubie Blake to Gerry Mulligan. It's the mark of a master jazz musician that he can generate such swing and musical excitement by playing quietly, and his backing band were just the men for the job too.

All in all one of the best nights at Malvern for ages and a privilege to be present. Not bad value for a fiver, eh?!

Next Time - John Hallam returns

2009-09-18T04:09:00.001-07:00

The ever-popular JH makes a very welcome return. accompanied by Mssrs Healey, Dutton and Sharp. Admission £5. Don't be late!

Better Late than Never!

2009-09-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the late post! It's been one of those weeks.

But much better late than not at all, to report a great evening last Sunday with Tony Pipkin, Richard Leach, Ian Jameson, Ken Jones, Derek Bennett, Len and me. The band was swinging like crazy, as the recording attested.

We had not heard Ian Jameson at Spring Lane before. He proved to be a clarinetist of taste, accuracy and a lovely liquid tone that fitted perfectly with the music we played. Must get him back! Tony Pipkin! Yet again Tony demonstrated his ability to mould his style to the men around him and he played some cracking stuff - relaxed, melodic and yet completely holding our attention. And Richard leach, freed of the onus of leading his own bands, gave us a tour of his improvisational skills which are considerable.

I hadn't played with Derek before, and it was a pleasure, not to mention a discovery. The Zeniths must be a great band to play in with Derek driving their rhythm section.

Well, its taken me till Friday to get over the cold kindly shared with me by the guys I was recording with over the weekend. That's my excuse for missing the usual deadlines, anyway.

TTFN

Next up - 13th September - some new faces

2009-09-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

We'll be welcoming to Malvern IAn Jameson on clarinet and Derek Bennett on drums, together with Tony Pipkin making a welcome return, with Ken Jones on piano.

And please note in your diaries that we have the great John Hallam visiting on 27th September, always a popular event.

Then, on 11th October, the second appearance at Spring Lane of the New Washboard Syncopators. If you missed them last year, catch them this time without fail, for their great repertoire of little heard popular music from the 20's. Absolutely not yer average trad band, trust me!

New Vibes at Spring Lane

2009-09-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

For those of you who couldn't be there last Sunday a Vibraphone is not the latest offering from Nokia, but the instrument played by George Cummings, who if I'm not mistaken gave us the first ever appearance at the club of this fabulous jazz instrument. And it was great to hear that luscious sound filling out the ensemble and featuring in solos.

Led by Arthur Brown, who we hadn't seen for ages at Malvern, we certainly had a full band sound going in every way. Peter Carlton was head reedsman, but was joined at times by the saxes of John Ripper and Alan Jaeger, so that by the end of the evening we had a five man front line and a four man rhythm section that included the welcome return of Rod Kelly and Ken Wright. While the overall result may have been lacking a little in discipline, we certainly had a lot of fun!

We very much hope to get George and his vibes back in the future. George told me, incidentally, that the instrument is the one he bought originally over 40 years ago, and it was only later that I reflected how much they must have cost back then! His playing was great and a first time for me after more that 40 years in jazz - presumably because none of my mates in Liverpool had dads rich enough to buy them one!

Please Support Jazz Express at the Bakery

2009-08-20T03:02:00.000-07:00

Ted Taylor tells me that Jazz Express will be playing at the Bakery Inn, Malvern Link, next Ssunday, August 23rd.

Please support this gig if you possibly can - the pub doesn't advertise it, and it would be a real shame if this excellent band has to find another venue. Heard them Tuesday at the Fox and Hounds and they were really swinging.

Keep music live, folks. We can do that by being there!!

No session next time: 16th Aug

2009-08-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, folks, its Pershore that weekend. Please support Graham and Maggies magnificent efforts, and we''ll see you back at Malvern at the end of August.
TTFN

How relaxed was that!?

2009-08-03T01:56:00.000-07:00

World banking crisis? Noah's Ark seen on Malvern High Street? Dinosaurs spotted in 10 Downing street? No worries. Last night at Spring Lane, we were all seriously laid back, chilled out and jammin' for England. That session, ladies and gentlemen, was the kind that sent the musicians away with slightly silly grins on their faces.

How come? A combination of things, I guess.

Len's usual magic trick of putting together a pick-up band that feels as though it's been together for yonks;
The fact that Pete Ainge has the great gift of leading a front line through a mix of irresistable swing and his gift for entertaining in such a relaxed way;
The way Richard Leach and Roger Manwaring responded - both on sparkling form last night, I thought;
A rhythm section sound I wish I could bottle, 'cause I'd be rich if I could;
A full room and an audience that gave us the best possible encouragement.

It was just so satisfying to be part of that band last night. And it was a nice bonus when Ted Taylor arrived with his flugel horn, to add an extra richness to the front line.

I'm sure there will be a couple of tracks from last night on the next compilation CD. Thanks to all concerned, and especially to you, the audience.

Next up (2nd August): Ainge, Manwaring

2009-07-20T04:03:00.000-07:00

We look forward to the welcome return of Pete Ainge on trumpet, and Roger Manwaring on reeds. Ken Jones will join us again and Graham Smith will be our drummer.

Swinging for England!

2009-07-20T03:36:00.000-07:00

While the Aussies were swinging their bats at Lords, and Tom Watson wasn't quite swinging it well enough to beat Cink at Turnbury, there was certainly a winning performance at Malvern last night, as we hosted Bobby Johnson, Terry Roberts and Ken Jones of the Martinique, and Martin Emeny of many guises.

Last time these visitors came together, we had one of the best nights of 2008. Its hard to pin down why, but I guess it's the style and drive of the two frontliners that gets its own response from the rhythm section. It's certainly a pleasure to back them. There are sure to be some tracks from last night on the next compilation CD, as a quick check this morning revealed that the recording 'came out' well.

Thanks to Ken, who drove all the way from Maidstone to entertain us last night. Thanks too, to Jane's stand-in behind the bar, who drove from North Wales. Of course, we all send best wishes to Jane for a good recovery from her knee op.

And many thanks to you all for supporting the club in such numbers last night. The music is alive and well in Malvern, ain't it!

19th July - Johnson and Roberts Return

2009-07-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Last Autumn, we had Bobby Johnson and Terry Roberts (plus Ken Jones) for a session which turned out to be one of 2008's very best. (Some of the evidence is to be found on the first Abbey 'best of' CD).

They're back, on 19th July, with Ken J on piano, and Martin Emeny on drums.

This, I promise you, will swing!

Slide Show!

2009-07-07T06:07:00.000-07:00

With three captivating trombone players, led by the marvellous Roy Williams accompanied by Ron Hills and Martin Veasey, we had a night to remember. Even with the very best musicians, it's a gamble putting three of the same instrumental voices together, but if you were there, you'll already know it paid off.

I'll be honest, I didn't really know how well it had actually gone until I reviewed the recording the next morning.

The reason? Well Len and I were concentrating so hard on our chord charts that we probably had about 5% of our brains left to appreciate the overall effect! And the reason for that was the selection of lovely but infrequently-played music that the front line gave us. It was technically challenging for the guys in the engine room but musically grrrreat.

Here's something else that I discovered on hearing the recording: when you give gifted soloists a lovely melody to work on, its very striking how different their imaginations are. Roy, of course, gave us all the fluidity and melodic inventiveness we've come to admire so much over the years. And both Ron and Martin responded in kind.

I must also say that I have never heard Roger Heeley play better. We were so glad to see him back behind the keyboard, and what he gave us was simply the performance of a man inspired (I almost said possessed!!).

I promise you, we've captured some great stuff for the next compilation, and our thanks go to all the boys, and especially Roy, for letting us do that.

5th July - Trombone Summit with Roy Williams

2009-06-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

Aided and abetted by Ron Hills and Martin Veasey, Roy will be sure to bring us some of his wonderful improvisations. We're sure this will be a super night and it's likely to be fairly busy, so don't be late. Roger Healey and Roy Dutton will be making welcome returns too.

A Midsummer Nights Dream - Ainge and Manwaring take the stage

2009-06-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

Well there's the longest day gone. The nights are drawing in once again, and its time to look out your wooly jumpers again!

Sometime musicians just click together, and last night Pete and Roger really cluck.

We got through some not-heard-very-often music too - including a surprising number of Ellington tunes. I don't think anyone planned that, it just nicely happened that way.

Thanks for turning out in such numbers too - that's really encouraging for our visiting musicians, and they both remarked on the reception you gave them.

Another point I've noticed: most of us had been working earlier in the day, and I think that adds to the relaxation of our Malvern sessions. Nobody wants to blow the clubhouse roof off, and the result is you get a nice, laid-back swinging evening. Couldn't help noticing some people having a sly dance at the back too!

Thanks are due to everyone involved in producing the latest CDs, half of which had been sold by the end of the evening. Derek Hazell slaved over a hot printer to create the inserts and labels, and I must thank Roger on the front row, without whose finger on the button you wouldn't get the recordings. We look forward very much to getting your comments on the CDs, and are happy to hear suggestions on how we can improve the product. Some limitations, of course, are built into into the machine(s) we use, but do let us have your comments please.

See you next time folks.

CD 'Specials' imminent

2009-06-08T02:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who's expressed an interest in the two 'special issue' CDs - the Mike Turner session and the Batemans session. We now have a good idea how many to run off and hope to bring them to you at the next session. Price will be £5 each, profits to the musians fund that pays visitors.

Next time - 21st June

2009-06-08T02:49:00.000-07:00

We'll be welcoming Pete Ainge on trumpet, Roger Manwaring on reeds, Ken Jones on piano, and Martin Emeny will be back on drums. Don't be late!

A Night To Remember...Len Thwaites Sings!!!!!

2009-06-08T02:35:00.000-07:00

After 14 long years, and trying methods from bribery to violence, we finally discovered the knack of getting Thwaites to give us a song. All you have to do is arrange for it to be Bett's birthday! And so, we now have it in the archives, and unless Len transfers a very large sum to my numbered account in Switzerland, it will feature on the next Compilation CD.

So what else happened on this auspicious 14th anniversary?

It was great to have with us two new guests making their first (and hopefully not their last) appearance at Malvern - Ceri Williams and Roger Marks, alongside an old friend Terry Roberts. What a lovely combination we got. Forget about the odd rough jam session edge - the ensemble sound, and the inventive solo work were terrific. This was a vintage Spring Lane occasion, and another tribute to Len's knack of bringing together people who 'click' from the off.

With Rod Kelly back on piano and Martin Emeny on drums, we had a great time on the stand and the audience reaction suggested that you all were enjoying it too.

We were delighted to see Ruth and Ted Frith in the body of the kirk, and Ruth got up to give us a couple of songs, which added a special moment to a great anniversary bash.

I hope we'll be back for many more celebratory parties. Thanks a million for all your support.

Forthcoming CDs

2009-05-25T06:18:00.001-07:00

We had plenty of interest in the two planned CDs we mentioned last night: The rip-roaring session with the Bateman brothers and Roger Manwaring, and the memorial CD of Mike Turner's last gig at Malvern.

We'll get on with running them off, and hope to bring them to you within four weeks. For people who missed the first compilation of last years highlights, we'll be making a few of those too.

Price will be £5 each to cover our costs, and of course to top up the fund out of which we pay distinguished visitors. In answer to a question about that, we maintain a small fund which helps us in two ways. First, it enables us to maintain our policy of keeping admission charges as low as possible, even when we have star guests (eg only a fiver to see Roy Williams). Second, it's an insurance policy against the odd Winter evening when too many people decide to stay at home in front of the fire! (I'm pleased to say, we only had to dip into it once for that reason this year).

Interesting footnote: the band that the Batemans fronted, with Nick Millward on drums, was meant as always to be together for just the one night. However, the following week we got an offer we couldn't refuse, to take the band to a gig at RAF Brize Norton, so we did. And another great session resulted. In the very same week we got an invite to take the band to a festival in Brittany, which sadly we've got to miss due to the sheer logistics of getting the boys together. Goes to show though, dunnit!

Next time: Fourteen Years Fiesta!! 7th June 2009

2009-05-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

Apparently, ones fourteenth anniversary is an Ivory Anniversary! Which I suppose is appropriate when like most jazzers, you're getting long in the tooth!

Anyway, thats where we get to next time, on June 7th.

The band will be Ceri Williams (tpt), Roger Marks (tbn), Terry Roberts (reeds) Rod Kelly, Phil Probert, Martin Emeny and of course Len.

We hope to see lots of you there for a memorable and memory-filled evening, when we'll drink both to absent friends and great sessions still to come.

By George! That was good!

2009-05-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

So much has been written and said about George Huxley over the years that its hard to say anything original. But what a treat it was to hear George at Spring Lane again last night, and to catch a selection of melodies we don't hear except when George is around. So to get in one evening melodies like A Bientot, Deep Purple, Lonesome and One Morning in May leaves you asking yourself, why we dont play them much more often. Of course, one answer is that only George can give them that very special flavour, like a great chef adding his secret ingredient to a classic dish.

And how good it was to welcome back Pete Ainge, who also brought us, in Coquette, one of those tunes that is so familiar yet you only heard it once years ago, and can't remember what it's called. Lovely!

Don't forget to put the next session at Pershore into your diaries, for as Graham Smith told us, it's going to be special, and packed out.

Coming Up - 24th May - George Huxley, Pete Ainge

2009-05-11T09:31:00.000-07:00

We don't often get George down to Malvern so this will be a real treat, together with the Heart of England's Pete Ainge. Graham Smith returns on traps and I think it's a fair bet that you'll hear some numbers you haven't heard too often before. See you there.

The Amazing Flying Batemans. Oo-er, missus!

2009-05-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

If you were there last night, 10th May 2009, you won't need me to tell you what an amazing session that was. If you were away at some minor jazz festival somewhere (!), well you missed the best act, 'cos it happened at Spring Lane. So there!

Your correspondent is a man of sunny disposition, as you know. But trust me, this was a great blow, and a real example of Malvern Magic. Ian B had arrived from a long distance driving saga taking in Keswick and Anglesey. Nick Milward had come from a lunchtime gig darn sarf somewhere. Alan too had been working. But you wouldn't have known it from the way they tore into the first few numbers, and what's more they just kept at it!

This left the rest of the band to scurry along in their wake, and I think we can say they rose to the occasion. Ian was his customary astonishing mix of melodic invention and command of the instrument. Alan just gets better and better, and has developed an authority as a 'hot' trumpeter that makes the very best of his energy and technique. With Nick Milward driving the rhythm section, the whole night was, from this musician's seat, a privilege to be part of.

One of the great pleasures of Malvern is hearing top musicians letting themselves go and taking risks. They'll try things they might not try elsewhere and the result can be magical.

I must mention Roger Manwaring, who showed (especially on tenor sax) that warmth of tone and dexterity that is his hallmark, and who represented the reed trade with aplomb, given the fireworks that the brassos were producing. Ken Jones, on piano was an object lesson in sangfroid. If I'd had a camera, I'd have captured for posterity that expression of Ken's that (roughly translated) says 'OK sunshine, been there, seen it, done it', then rolls out one of his solos as if it was the easiest thing in the world. All this while certain banjo players are wondering if their wrists will ever recover!

Having listened to the recording of the session, I can tell you it was cooking. I don't know how we're going to be able to choose the best tracks from the night when we come to the next 'best of' compilation.

Coming Up - 10th May - BateMan Returns!

2009-04-27T04:15:00.000-07:00

Bateman! dada, dada, dada, dada, Bateman!

Well actually, two of them - Messrs Alan and Ian, and that nice Mr Manwaring. Not to mention Nick Milward.

That is going to be some night. Last time the Batemans came, in the days before we started routinely recording the sessions, we had one of the most memorable nights I can remember at Malvern. Nearly wore my fingers down to the bone, mind you!

Its going to be good and its going to be fun.

See you there!

Ruth Frith returns.....

2009-04-27T04:03:00.000-07:00

....and lives to tell the tale!

It's like one of those recurrent dreams we all know about. You're standing in front of this huge audience (well, alright, small to medium-sized audience!) waiting to sing your best numbers, and behind you is this bunch of hoodlums bent on mayhem.

Speaking as one of the hoodlums, I'm pleased to report that we only really cocked up two of the intros last night, and I'm actually lost in admiration at the way Ruth managed to pull us back onto the straight and narrow path of her arrangements! Lessons learned? Yes, always start with the music the right way up!

But apart from any musical rough edges brought about by senior moments in the rhythm section, especially from your correspondent, we did some lovely songs. And wasn't Martin Veasey terrific? We knew we could expect some lyrical solo work from Martin, as there are few Midlands front-liners so adept at melodic improvisation, and Martin didn't disappoint.

So thanks to Ruth for some lovely numbers we don't often hear at Malvern, and to the rest of the boys too.

Mike Turner

2009-04-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

We record with deep sadness the death of Mike Turner on 20th April 2009. We understand his passing was peaceful and that Monika was with him.

Mike last played for us at Malvern on November 24th, when he was in top form and gave us a number of the melodies we had all come to associate with him. We could not know then that Mike would shortly after be diagnosed with cancer. The recordings of that night will now assume a special significance.

Everyone who played with Mike knew him to be a kind, modest and lovely colleague. We shall miss him long and sincerely. May light perpetual shine upon him.

Barry Phillips

2009-04-17T02:56:00.000-07:00

It was good to see friends from Abbey Jazz among the hundreds of mourners at the funeral, Thursday, of Barry Phillips. Barry was one of the Midlands' longest-serving trombonists, having begun his career at the age of 17, back in the 50's. I only got to know Barry two years ago, when I joined Johnny Everett's band, The Red Dragons. I soon discovered him to be one of the most interesting musical friends I've ever had - truly a man of many parts.

The funeral was a wonderful mixture of sadness and celebration, and brought out of the woodwork some astonishing people! Quote of the century (and the guys concerned had better remain anonymous!):

A. "Hello ****, I thought you were dead!
B. "Well I was thinking of it, but I knew this many people wouldn't come to my funeral"

It'll be a long time before we forget the Parade Band escorting the coffin, the wonderful male voice choir, and the amazing wake at the Abbey Hotel. Our thanks go out to the family for letting us share the occasion.

Coming Up - 26th April - Ruth Frith returns

2009-04-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

Ruth will be back with a new selection of the great melodies in which she specialises. The line-up will differ from her earlier appearance, with Ken Jones on piano and with Martin Veasey joining the band to provide some of the special melodic improvisation for which he's justly famous. Look forward to seeing you there.

Bev Pegg: Ha, ha, yee ha!

2009-04-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

Coo! Wot a nite!!

From the stunning violin work of Pete Hartley (why oh why haven'y we seen him before!!??) to the guitar, vocals and jokals of that nice Mr Pegg, we were treated to a helluva good evening.And not forgetting Harry Rowlands and Ken Wright, without whom etc etc.

Pete H has brought a strong and wholly welcome flavour of bluegrass music to this lineup, and with a great choice of numbers to match, the band were terrific. Speaking as a guitarist, I'd also like to say that Bev himself played some absolutely cracking solos last night in between the rest of his hard work.

We had a packed house (a compliment to Bev's previous visits) and from my perch at the bar I could see the good time they were having. Yet again, the Abbey Jazz audience demonstrated that it will embrace every kind of music that's good music.

Thanks Bev, and thanks People!

Reminder - Jazz Express - 3rd May

2009-04-07T02:36:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, keep supporting Jazz Express at their new venue, the Bakery Inn.

The next gig will be on Sunday 3rd May at 8.30pm.

There was a good turnout for the April gig, but they can always get a few more in, so put it in your diary.

(PS The beer's good too!)

Coming Up - 12th April - Bev's Back!

2009-03-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

Don't miss Bev Pegg and his Railroad Skiffle, with special guest Pete Hartley on fiddle. Always great to hear, and no doubt with his usual fund of stories! Don't be late!

Frith Froths

2009-03-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

This was Ruth Frith's first visit to Abbey Jazz and she treated us to a fine variety of great songs. Ruths repertoire spans the whole range of jazz from the twenties to the present day, and so we got a fine sample from this first appearance.

I'll get into trouble for telling you, but she worked the entire evening with the handicap of a cold, not that you'd have noticed, but I guess that added an extra touch of sexiness to the lower register!

These Abbey sessions are unusual, as you know, for their 'jam session' format. The spontaneity this allows has been a great joy over the years, as visiting musicians get the chance to experiment and often cheerfully take musical risks they wouldn't take in their 'regular' bands.

Believe me though, it's not an easy thing for a featured singer to take on. They have to trust that the backing group will be there at the crucial moments in their arrangement, except of course that the "arrangement" doesn't exist! Ruth dealt with that dilemma superbly last night and we somehow managed to get her from one end of the tightrope to the other, intact.

Many thanks to Rod Kelly, whom it was nice to welcome back, and who was in great voice as well as great finger. Ken Wright, having arrived back from Spain only hours before we kicked in the first number, was forced to leave his stuffed burro in the car, but promises to demonstrate his flamenco skills at the next gig.

We were a bit thin on the ground last night, as a couple of tables-worth of the regulars were away on a jazz weekend. We hope they had a great time, and won't miss the second chance to hear Ruth Frith in April

TTFN.

Next time - Ruth Frith sings the great melodies

2009-03-16T03:49:00.000-07:00

We look forward to the first visit of Ruth Frith to Malvern. Ruth is the featured singer with John Everett's Red Dragon Jazzmen, and can belt out the dixieland repertoire in great style. But she is also a great interpreter of those lovely thirties and forties numbers (you know, the kind they don't write any more!), so we will be doing our best to create a special 'after midnight' feel for at least parts of the session.

Rod Kelly will tickle the ivories, and no doubt can be persuaded to sing a few. Ken Wright is banging the biscuit tins and Phil and Len will bring up the rear.

See you there!

Kings of Swing!

2009-03-16T03:25:00.000-07:00

The welcome return of Tony Pipkin, Ron Hills, Roger Heeley and Roy Dutton (aided and abetted by Len and Phil) lived up to everyone's pleasurable anticipation. Since that was a working majority of the wonderful Swing Kings, we were treated to an evening of the best in relaxed small band swing.

Tony Pipkin, as he always seems to do at Malvern, was giving us that mix of innovative improvisation and command of melody that marks him out as one of the Midlands' very best. Paired with Ron, who wraps himself round a great melody like a fur coat (and just as warm), its one of the most listenable front lines you're going to meet.

From within the rhythm section, I can tell you that working with Roger and Roy is like meshing with a well-oiled gearbox - you just can't help swinging.

John Ripper got up for a few with on the baritone, and as usual, was chucked straight in at the deep end of a few numbers he'd never played before, but it never seemed to bother him. (Wish I could say the same!).

For the sharp eyed among you, we hope you noticed (a) the new paint job on Len's bass (he's having central heating and new lino in it next) and (b) Phil's new guitar (provided by the lovely Mrs Probert out of her late Mama's will).

Finally just to say, thanks to all purchasers of the Greatest Hits CD. They've nearly all gone, and a useful sum has been added to club funds. Don't worry if you haven't got yours yet, we can run them off to order.

News - Jazz Express at the Bakery Inn

2009-03-09T01:55:00.000-07:00

I caught up with Jazz Express at their new venue, the Bakery Inn in Malvern Link, last night. The band was in cracking form - relaxed, swinging as ever, and playing a great selection of small band swing favourites.

I could give a hundred reasons for supporting this new venture, but here are just a few of them:

the pub is great, the staff are lovely and the management at the Bakery deserve our support for introducing live jazz. Their gain is the Lamb's loss.
the room is just right - about the same size as the highly successful Harp Inn at Albrighton but with much better accoustics and comfortable seating. The band were comfortably able to play with the minimum necessary amplification, so you could hear the 'real' sound, and carry on a conversation too.
there was a nice mix of jazz lovers and the pub's regulars, and it was clear that the regulars were enjoying having the band there. I think this could be a really good spot if we all support it.
so the conditions are right for having a nice, intimate jazz venue in town and keeping the music live!!

Abbey Jazz wishes the boys in Jazz Express every success. The music last night was top class. All that's needed to encourage the pub to keep this going is for you and me to get down there and drink immoderately!!

I understand the next session will be on Sunday April 5th. Put it in your diaries!

Next up - 15th March - Swinging Kings back again

2009-03-02T03:38:00.000-08:00

We look forward to welcoming Tony Pipkin, Ron Hills, Roger Heeley and Roy Dutton again. We've had wonderful sessions with these guys, as those of you who've purchased the 'highlights' CD will know, and I'm sure 15th March will be no exception.

See you all there!

John Hallam - a memorable night!

2009-03-02T03:24:00.000-08:00

Isn't it always the same?! You have a night away and miss the best programmes!

Your scribe was otherwise engaged in Hereford with the Red Dragons, and you lot were (Len tells me) treated to a storming night from John Hallam, backed by Len, Roy Dutton and Roger Heeley.

I wish I'd been there. Len was still on an obvious high at 11am Monday morning, describing bossas and Gerry Mulligan numbers and much else. Clearly John enjoyed both the music and the warm Malvern reception you gave him, and told Len he's looking forward to a return visit when we can arrange one.

Thanks everyone for continuing to be one of the best jazz audiences in the Midlands, in both quantity and quality of response. All of us who tour the clubs think so, and it's really key to our being able to attract musicians from long distances. I speak from the heart, having schlepped up to Stoke twice last week (depping with the Washboard Syncopators) to play to small numbers of rather passive people.

TTFN

Welcome return of Alan Bateman and Co

2009-02-24T03:18:00.000-08:00

Better late than never with this report, I guess. We've been away in the Lakes, with our heads in the clouds. (So what's new, I hear you ask!)

I dimly recall a great evening with Alan B on trumpet, Frank Abrams on reeds, Richard Leach on sludgepump, and Barry Norman on traps. I dimly recall laughing a lot. I definitely recall playing all kinds of stuff very fast. I recall Barry looking at me across the hi-hat with one of those "can this really be happening to me?" expressions of his. I definitely remember that Len didn't sing.

I know it must have been a great evening because you all insisted on More More, so we did.

Thank you for snapping up our Greatest Hits CD by the several. We do have some left, which would be a credit to anyone's collection, it says here.

Many many thanks to our great guests for a rip-roaring night. We'll look forward to their return and more of the same.

CD is in production!

2009-02-03T02:15:00.000-08:00

We've made the first batch of CDs, and they will be on sale on 15th Feb, priced £5.

If you couldn't make it last Sunday, and didn't get the chance to order yours, don't worry. We're making them in small batches, and they will be routinely available on club nights.

There are 14 tracks, and about 75 minutes of music on the disc, recorded between early September 08 and January 09.

We're really grateful to the musicians who feature on the recordings, and who gave their generous permission for us to record the sessions. As you (and they) know, whatever profit we make on the CDs goes into the fund that pays visiting musicians, especially on the occasional Winter night when some people decide to stay at home in front of the fire.

I'd like also to take this opportunity of thanking Derek Hazell for his work in designing the packaging, not to mention being part of the assembly line.

Can we also encourage you to give us feedback about this first CD? You should find the music sounds pretty good through your home stereo. There isn't a lot we can do, within the cost/equipment constraints we have, to improve the actual recording quality. However, it's helpful to hear what you like or dislike, and feedback will also help us to decide whether it's worth producing future volumes.

Remember, you're buying an exclusive, limited edition collector's item, which could be worth thousands one day! And if we catch you making a fortune on E-Bay, you're definitely buying the drinks.

Feb 15th - hot, hot, hot!

2009-02-03T02:06:00.000-08:00

Alan Bateman (tpt) and Frank Abrams (reeds), plus Richard Leach (tbn) will be with us in what is certain to be a hot night's work. Each time Alan visits, we have a storming session, so be prepared to have your ears pinned back. Len and I had the pleasure of playing with Alan on an October jazz weekend in Weston last year, and he was on cracking form then. Surely one of the Uk's best trumpeters at the present time. Can't wait! We'll be joined too by Barry Norman on drums.

The Fabulous Baker(y) Boys

2009-02-03T01:45:00.000-08:00

It was great to welcome back Ted Taylor and Martin Veasey, together of course with Peter Carlton and Martin Emeny, last Sunday. And considering what an 'orrible cold night it was, it was great to see so many of you there too. Thank you for supporting us.

The music was relaxed and easy. Teds trumpet lead, as I listened to the recordings on Monday, was immaculate, tasteful and swinging. And of course he was superbly backed up by Peter and Martin. We played the classic small band swing numbers and (at least from inside the rhythm section) we felt it was chugging along a treat. We hadn't seen Peter C for several months either, and it was a pleasure to back him, especially on the feature numbers he played.

Thanks too to John Ripper who sat in for a few on baritone sax. John was perhaps surprised to find himself immortalised on Volume 1 of our "Best Of" CD, but he shouldn't be, as his big sound made a significant contribution to several of last year's sessions.

We hope as many people as possible will support Jazz Express (featuring Ted and Martin of course) at their new (and experimental) venue, the Bakery Inn at Malvern Link. If we can pack it out for them on their first night, Sunday 8th Feb, no doubt the boss there will firm up the arrangement. Do your bit to keep music live!!

1st Feb - Ted and Martin(s) are back!

2009-01-19T04:44:00.000-08:00

We look forward very much to the return of Ted Taylor, Martin Veasey and Martin Emeny. We couldn't avoid the clash of dates last year, but that problem solved itself and it will be great to welcome old friends.

Highlights CD near completion

2009-01-19T04:36:00.000-08:00

We're nearly ready to offer you our compilation CD of the best moments from the last few months. It's not been an easy task choosing, and we've ended up with selections from 6 different sets of musicians, and over 75 minutes of music. The plan is to cover the cost of production and to generate a small profit that will go into the fund that helps pay the musicians.

Don't expect hi fi, though we've been surprised and pleased with the actual quality of the live recording we do each fortnight. We're also delighted to have a record of these sessions, which after all are informal jams, but which month after month show the quality of our visitors in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Which of course is down to you!

18th January - New Washboard Syncopators Debut

2009-01-19T04:21:00.000-08:00

Don't say we didn't warn you! Get within a few yards of these guys and you're likely to be seriously entertained.

And out of 17 numbers they gave us last night, I reckon it's a fair bet that you'd only heard (say) 5 of them before. Not to mention one or two highly dubious Chris Carmel 'stories'!

It's understood that we are a mainstream jazz club, but we do like to ring the changes and last night demonstrated that music played by people who love what they do, whatever its flavour, is always captivating. It was clear, perched at the bar, that both band and audience were having a seriously fun time.

And, as the preparation of our first 'Highlights' CD nears completion, I am happy to let you into a secret. If by any chance you didn't catch all the words to "I Want to Play the Piano in a Cathouse", worry not!

I'm sure the boys will be back!

Coming Up - 18th Jan - New Washboard Syncopators

2009-01-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

From deepest Staffordshire, they'll be bringing a repertoire that entertains and amuses, and (trust me) swings like the b*llocks b*llocks. Featuring the priceless vintage washboard of Tony Quinn, believed to have been fashioned in Cremona by Enrico Zanussi, and ensured for millions.

At last...A Comment!!

2009-01-05T09:15:00.001-08:00

Many thanks to Anonymous for your Comment that followed our posting on the JBQ visit. It proves somebody actually reads this stuff! More, more!!

WELCOME RETURN OF THE ANTIQUE SIX

2009-01-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

A great session to begin 2009 at Spring Lane! The lads were in sparkling form, with the second set in particular displaying their mastery of tight ensemble playing. This was the Antiques close to their best, playing well-balanced sets with assurance, and paying their audience the compliment of presenting the music professionally.

The audience response was evidence of a good time being had by all, and the band were clearly enjoying themselves too. It was great to hear several numbers that are not on the repertoire of more 'ordinary' bands - I'm thinking of numbers like the early Ellington "Mooche", "Algiers Strut" and "Last Mile Blues".

As is now becoming customary, we recorded the session and I'm sure we'll be including a number or two on the 'Best of the Year' compilation CD we're planning.

Many thanks to the band, and to you, the members, for supporting us in quantity on a very wintery night.

JBQ on cracking form - 21 December 2008

2008-12-29T06:32:00.000-08:00

We had a great ending to our 2008 year at Abbey Jazz, when John Beckingham's inimitable JBQ came to entertain. From the off, they were on top form, despite (like most other bands we know) having been attacked by the dreaded lurgy that's been doing the rounds.

The energy level of those guys is incredible, and what moneys-worth they provide: for those who weren't counting, they did 29 numbers during their two sets. I know because we were recording them, with JB's kind permission. We'll be sure to include some of their numbers when we do our 'best of 2008' compilation CD in the New Year.

We hope you've all had a great Christmas, and that 2009 brings you health and happiness. Join us for what we know will be a great kick-off to the year when The Antique 6 visit on 4th Jan.

Coming Up - JBQ Jazz and Blues Band - 21st December

2008-12-08T02:03:00.000-08:00

John Beckingham and his boys will be back to rock and swing us into Christmas. This has to be one of the most exciting and entertaining bands we bring to Malvern, and they always send us away with a grin on our faces. Don't miss them. Normal admission price - what value!!

Famous Five - 7th December

2008-12-08T01:50:00.000-08:00

Your correspondent was confined to barracks Sunday due to the generous sharing of germs among members of Johnny Everetts Red Dragons, of which he is a member. However, normally reliable sources tell him that many stalwart regulars braved the cold snap to see Denise, Tony, George, Len and Graham strut their stuff at Spring Lane after an absence of nearly a year. Great to see/hear them back, and to hear one or two numbers you don't get very often.

I wonder how many went a bit nostalgic hearing George Huxley rendering Acker's SummerSet - definitely one of those melodies that recalls that interesting moment when the fifties hadn't quite gone and the sixties hadn't quite got going either. Len tells me too that Denise sang Wolverine Blues. That's a tune I've enjoyed for years, and I didn't know it actually had words!

Thanks to all those who supported the occasion. It'll soon be Christmas, but we have one more club nite to come before your relatives arrive to eat you out of house and home, so don't be late!

Turner, Pearce and Ripper

2008-11-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

No, not a new firm of Malvern estate agents, just the front line of another good evening at Spring Lane, 23rd November.

Chris Pearce and Mike Turner were the billed attraction, and John Ripper sat in for a few on tenor. This was an opprtunity for Chris and Mike to work through some numbers they wouldn't otherwise get a chance to play, so we got some really interesting bits of (for example) Bechet, Mezz Mezzro and Johnny Hodges. Graham Smith was on sparkling (and witty) form on the traps, and this time the back line was piano-free, so the rhythm section sound was spare and uncluttered.

It's always a gamble when you put together a front line where either brass or reeds are absent. You depend totally on the guys concerned 'clicking'. Despite what we read about the famous 'cutting contests' in New Orleans, where rivals strove to blow each other off the stand, I doubt very much whether they produced very much that was musically memorable. Last night, we got some really lovely moments from a true musical collaboration, which I had the pleasure of listening to again en route to North Yorkshire. I'll be sure to choose a good example when we put together our Pick of the Year CD.

Despite threatening weather we also had a bumper turnout and all the musicians enjoyed the feedback you gave us thru the evening. Thanks for coming and see you next time, when it's the Famous Five.

Coming Up - 9th November

2008-10-28T04:40:00.000-07:00

Ron Hills and Tony Pipkin return, with Rod Kelly on piano, Ken Wright on drums, and Len and Phil. Ron and Tony were on top form with the Swing Kings at Weston-super-Mare on Friday last, and we look forward to another evening of their tasteful and varied repertoire. And we look forward to seeing you all too!

26th October - No Square Pegg!!

2008-10-28T04:30:00.000-07:00

Anything but square, from what we hear! While the boss is away, the skifflers may play, not forgetting their special guest Pete Hartley on fiddle. From the accounts we heard, a great time was had by all, with Bev and the guys providing the special kind of entertainment only they can generate. Thanks to all of you for turning out in goodly numbers to support them. And many thanks also to Gordon and Derek for managing the evening in Len's absence on duty elsewhere.

That duty was a jazz weekend down in sunny (yes, it was) Weston, which culminated in a riproaring final session from a band put together for 'one nite only' that included Chris Pearce, Richard Leach, Alan Bateman, Graham Smith, Len Thwaites and Phil Probert. You would have been proud of us!

Next up - 26th October - Bev Pegg

2008-10-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

We look forward to the welcome return of Bev and the boys, including special guest Pete Hartley on fiddle, a quite extraordinary talent we haven't welcomed to Spring Lane before. Please give them a hearty welcome, while us old lags are away in Weston. We'll try to remember to bring you back a stick of rock for the raffle!