Diary

The welcome return of the Last Minute Five March 21st 2024, you may well remember that Chris Walker’s Pedigree Five were due to appear but had to cancel that morning due to Chris contracting covid, After a series of panic phone calls and text messages we had a replacement band within the hour. This “pick-up” band gelled from the word go and delighted the unexpectant audience with a spontaneously selected programme.

Such was the enthusiastic reception from the audience and the enjoyment of the band members we decided to get the Last Minute Five back together for a gig in 2025 with a bit more notice this time!

Matt Palmer (reeds & vocals), Will Robinson (trumpet), Jim Wright (banjo), Al Harris (bass), Rob Cotterill (drums)

We are delighted to present an eagerly awaited return visit for a band who made their NRC debut in 2022 and were an instant hit displaying virtuoso musicianship combined with great entertainment.

Phil Lucas (trumpet) and Phil Shotton (reeds) are both established musicians on the North-West jazz scene who individually are involved in several different projects. When working together around jazz venues the usual format is to appear as a duo guesting with various rhythm sections. For this night the rhythm section consists of Pianist Roger Browne who appeared frequently at the club during the 1990s and 2000s with Mart Rodger’s Manchester Jazz, a band which he now leads, while bassist Rae Owens is no stranger either having appeared with the Chicago Teddy Bears
Society Jazz Band. The line-up is completed by Jack Amblin, a vintage drum specialist and collector who amongst many other things has recently toured the UK with post modernThis promises to be a great evening of music and humour bringing together some great young musicians alongside some well- established performers.