In 2007 Nottingham Matt was offer a monthly residency for a five-piece jazz band at the Beekeeper Inn in Attenborough on the outskirts of Nottingham. Matt used his regular trio with John Smith (guitar) and Tony Bagot (bass) as the core of the band and brought in trumpeter Dave Leithead and drummer Geoff Hobson.
The band was an instant success and won the approval of several local jazz fans thus ensuring full houses every month to the delight of the management and band members alike. Sadly, the residency was short lived due to enthusiastic and successful manager being moved on to another establishment and the Beekeeper closing for refurbishment. Pub residences are a rare thing these days but the Beekeeper Five continue meet occasionally and bring their brand of happy and entertaining jazz to audiences around the Midlands as and when their individual schedules allow.
The music is based around ‘Chicago Style’ Dixieland reminiscent of the great Eddie Condon Groups through to swinging sounds associated with the small bands lead by saxophonist Johnny Hodges.
Matt Palmer (reeds), Dave Leithead (trumpet), Richard Smith (guitar), Al Harris (bass), Andy White (drums)