Diary

featuring John Hallam, Jim Swinnerton & Graham Smith

It is with great pleasure we present for the first of two appearances this year, pianist, vocalist and raconteur from the USA, Jeff Barnhart.

Following the last year’s stunning debut of the Swingin’ Blue Jays we once again present this all-star lineup which, alongside Jeff consists of stellar performers from the British Jazz scene.

Fronting this line up playing clarinet and saxophones is the great John Hallam who has made several appearances at the club over the years. Jim Swinnerton (bass) anchors the rhythm section and is also no stranger to the club, he has appeared most recently with the Jazzaholics, another familiar face completes the all-star cast, drummer Graham “Big G” Smith.

The band present a diverse and eclectic selection of great music ranging from George Lewis to Irving Berlin compositions with some Fats Waller along the way coupled with virtuoso musicianship, singing and humour.

We had an amazing evening last year as I’m sure anyone who was there will confirm.

Be sure not to miss this one!

Considered one of today’s finest trumpeters, Enrico Tomasso started playing the trumpet at the age of five. His father, jazz clarinetist Ernie Tomasso, nurtured and encouraged his inherent talent and gave him every opportunity to hear and meet many jazz greats such as Benny Goodman, Roy Eldridge, Oscar Peterson, Buddy Rich, Dizzy Gillespie, and the Basie and Ellington bands. His biggest inspiration was Louis Armstrong who he met and played for during Louis’ visit to Britain in 1968. This led to a correspondence and friendship until Louis’ death (You may have seen some of Enrico’s TV interviews about Louis).

He spent twelve years with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra followed by long stints with Ray Gelato’s Giants and Acker Bilk’s Paramount Jazz Band. An exciting stage presence and a lively personality, combined with Enrico’s fine command of his instrument and stylistic invention place him among the finest jazz stars of today.

Enrico will be joined by Matt Palmer (reeds) with Brian Mellor (banjo & guitar) and Tim Jones (drums), both of whom are long-standing colleagues of Matt performing together regularly with the Eagle Jazz Band, we are also delighted to present legendary bassist Bill Coleman who has performed with several jazz greats including a long stint with Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen.

Following two successful appearances we are delighted to present once again Tom “Spats” Langham’s Hot Fingers. This exciting and well-presented combo take tunes from all eras and of all sources and give them their own, unique treatment, but what is more important, vital even, is that they do not lose the essence and they do it with soul and respect. The band consists of Tom “Spats” himself, who hails from Gloucestershire’s own New Orleans, Stow-on-the-Wold, on banjo and guitar, Malcolm Sked on bass and tuba, multi-instrumentalist Danny Blyth and vocalist Emily Campbell complete the line-up.

They play everything from Fred Astaire to Sonny Terry and Brownie Magee with a couple of numbers from Broadway musicals thrown in. All the tunes are played beautifully with wit and aplomb and are held together by their unique style, which is similar to that of the Bonzos, the Temperance Seven, Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band and others, many of which Spats and other trio members have played with.

with special guest Tom “Spats” Langham plus Matt Palmer, Will Robinson and Nick Ward.