Author Archives: Diane

Golden Eagle Jazz Band, Sunday 15 May 2022, 2:00pm-5:00pm

Alan Cresswell plays clarinet, accompanied by leader Kevin Scott of Golden Eagle Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 17th June 2016.      Photographed by Mike Witt.

I hope you will pass this information onto others, as I am still in problems with extreme lack of Wi-Fi.  I am unable to reach people (by phone or email) to tell everyone that the ‘Golden Eagle Jazz Band’ are at Farnborough Social Club in Kent on Sunday, 15May2022, 2:00-5:00pm. I’m not even sure who will be playing, but I expect to have band leader golden boy himself, banjoist Kevin Scott and  clarinetist Alan Cresswell. If I am able to phone Kevin, or he tries to call me and says who is playing with him before Sunday, I will try my hardest to let you know. We are relying on everyone to try to support us anyway they can. With discovering that the Cable had perished, it was no wonder that no-one knew we had started up again, that we were so empty!  

Even this website has given so much trouble.

Diane & Keith 

News letter for last Sunday 1may2022

Keith and I enjoyed seeing everyone who turned up to show their appreciation of ‘Tim Huskisson & Friends’. They were rewarded with a lovely afternoon of happy music. 

 

Tim Huskisson (clarinet), Peter Rudeforth (trumpet) and Roger Curphy (dbl bass) plus uncaptured – Chris Gower (trmbn), Paul Seal (gtr/bnjo) & Rod Brown (drms) with ‘Tim Huskisson’s Friends’ at Farnborough JC Sunday afternoon 1May2022. Photo by Alan Walker

(work in progress – Photos to follow by Alan Walker)  I am confident that more of you would have joined us, if it hadn’t been for the fact that Sunday was Mayday Weekend and that you had made family dates. But more so, for the fact that we were out of action for two weeks at home. The underground Cable providing us with Wi-Fi, was eventually found to be perished. Virgin did a brilliant job replacing it, although it’s not perfect yet – still not problem-free. It was actually 35yr’s ago that it was provided by Nynex. When one thinks, it lasted pretty well, but no wonder it caused me so much trouble over these recent years. It came to my knowledge just yesterday, that since September 2021, several of you had not received my emails, telling you when, where and who was on. You needed to know which Sunday in particular. There I was, needlessly worrying that you were being irritated by my sending too many emails!

Anyway, back to you, Tim, Peter, Chris, Paul, Rod and Roger, thank you for giving us so much fun with your talent. It’s got to have been absolutely dreadful for you not being able to play in front of an audience during those last two+ Covid years, as it was for us too.  It was such a long time, wasn’t it. Thank goodness we are through all the worst of it. Many of you are still afraid to come out, but it will do you all the world of good (especially all who have had their inoculations), to get back to normality. Music is so good for the soul and will bring back our ‘youth’. Many clubs have sadly closed, but many have like us, although cannot afford to, are trying to shouldered our losses.  Our wonderfully talented musicians have also taken the drop in money and play for long hours, cope with travel costs both ways and because of less places open, sometimes go days without earning anything too,  Some musicians have given up (on their years of learning) and doing other things, which is a great loss to the world.  Things look pretty miserable for everyone at  the  moment, but with a little bit of extra support by all of us collectively, they will survive and we can all enjoy ourselves.  We have all lost family and friends throughout this and I, from past experience, survived through music and laughter. 

If you make it out to Farnborough, I promise not to kiss you (unless you two want to!).  By the way, one little bit more info, A sense of humour goes a long way to making you feel better. too.

About last Sunday, Keith and I were taken aback, when they played our tune (which many of you know about). We shouldn’t have been so surprised, because Tim and Peter learnt and played it with Bob Dwyer in own band (Bob previously learnt it for me to sing to). The song being ‘Nice to Know you Care’, a No: 1 hit in the 50’s, written by our ol’ friend Lesley Baguley (see tribute Page above about him). The only trouble, Keith was unable to dance – dodgy leg – lack of dancing for such a long time – maybe next time!

Our own afternoon carried on till much later than 5:00pm (as you can guess). Just a little story to finish. What makes me believe jazz will carry on till long after we have ‘gone’! First of all, advertisers are using jazz, I know, probably not having to pay copy-rite, much enjoyed by football crowds. But secondly, this little story for you. Keith and I sit enjoying a drink (or three) with a DVD playing. A young couple plus their 3½yr old son, arrived at the club, visiting their dad. The little lad began dancing to our music. Oh, he was amazing, such a natural talent a star already. He just ‘performed’ and didn’t want to stop. The DVD was ‘Temperance Seven’ (with another dear friend of ours, Mac White , paying clarinet). Apparently, this little lad enjoyed music, according to his parents, not with this enthusiasm. I hope they comes back (as they said), maybe I will ask mum if she will let us put the little bit of videoing she did, copy it and be able to published here.

Now I know you were unaware, we were Every third and third Sunday, we can now look forward to seeing you up and dancing here to the Golden Eagle Jazz Band, Sunday, 15th May Sunday.

Keep music ‘Live’ – especially Jazz.

Cheers from Diane and Keith.

……..Pete Rudeforth returns 3july2022 with ‘Barry Palser’s Savoy Jazz’

Tim Huskisson and Friends – 1st May 2022

Tim Huskisson

Tim Huskisson

TIM HUSKISSON – clarinet       PETER RUDEFORTH – trumpet

CHRIS GOWER – trombone           PAUL SEAL – guitar/banjo

ROGER CURPHEY – double bass       ROD BROWN – drums

The guys in this band are Tim’s good friends, yes he’s been their friends for some years.  Tim is our friend too – he’s also been our friend for some years.

Well – we expect a lot of you to turn up in your hordes too, ‘cos I don’t know anyone who doesn’t really like him – and that also reflects in his traditional jazz (sorry to embarrass you Tim – who luv’s yer babe?).

Well I don’t really need to say anything more, except to say we start at 2:00pm till 5:00pm and only charge £10. 

30apr2022: I have just re-published this news letter today.  Our ‘Cable’ was found to be completely perished and had to be replaced.  No wonder I had years of dreadful trouble – and why I learned some naughty words.  Di 

Peter Rudeforth plays trumpet for ‘Granties Dixie Six’ at Farnborough Jazz Club, Kent 8feb2019. Photo by Alan Walker,

 

 

Another great photo of Roger Curphey (double bass) – a real action one playing with Alan Clarke (drums) for Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band at Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent) on 5th June 2015, Photo By Mike Witt. 

Write-up for 2022 April 17th – Windy City Weatherbirds

I am writing a few words to describe just how much we enjoyed the experience of this Sunday, although I cannot really show just how superb the excitement was felt, you just had to be there. What a truly wonderful session of jazz – these guys are so incredibly authentic with their choice of Chicago jazz in a west coast style. They are young (in their twenties), but professional with their feeling felt for those past maestro’s.

Magnus, came playing with a cornet (I’m told an old Besson). Wow, what a beautiful sound – and he sang in the same authentic way. Plus Daniel, with his smooth trombone playing too. Yep, equally great, was Joe’s clarinet AND his tenor sax, wowie. What three incredible brothers, Keith and I enjoy seeing how they smile with pride at each other’s playing of solos and we know they will be a great success on the Circuit. This includes their friends as well … Chris on double bass also played so warm-hearted and Harrison, just as exciting on guitar, which he told me, was the difference between Chicago jazz and New Orleans Jazz.  And last, not least, Adam playing those drums … so perfectly great … nothing but wonderful …

…………………………they are back 21st  AUGUST 2022

Diane and Keith

Windy City Weatherbirds, 17th April 2022, Easter Sunday Afternoon (2:00pm-5:00pm)

‘Windy City Weatherbirds’, is a newly-formed band of six very fine, extremely talented young musicians.  Three brothers, three  friends – met at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.  How proud their parents must be, especially Mr & Mrs Pickering. 

Keith and I run this Jazz Club, love jazz in most of its forms.  We came across ‘The Mick Collins Jazz Orchestra’ in The H.G. Wells Centre in Bromley, Kent, UK (since raised to the ground), we enjoyed the brilliance of their professionalism and thus became firm fans.  Mick took great pride encouraging  many graduates to join to give them a start, so they would gain confidence.  It was always a thrill for us too, to enjoy their excitement at joining these well- great professionals and to ‘grow’ in confidence.  It was so sad for all, when Mick died, but his wife, Trisia (who had supported his efforts for so many years), was determined to keep his wonderful work alive, as did all the musicians. 

Last year, between bad Covid times, Keith asked Magnus Pickering, if he would like to put together a group and play in traditional style jazz, to which he agreed? Keith suggested to Magnus they think up a name to call themselves. ‘The Windy City Weatherbirds’ was the name they wanted.  Keith was worried it wouldn’t be commercial enough, so came up with various ones, but I said to let them keep the name, being young. They had actually thought up the name, for very good reason – to describe the Chicago-sounds of Bobby Hackett and Jack Teagarden. that they loved.  I am sure Mick would be so proud of this spin-off.  I know Keith and I are just as proud, as I’m sure Tricia must be of these ‘Birds’ – so many ‘proud’s’, aye.

So now let us introduce these likeable guys, they are:   
                               ‘The Windy City Weatherbirds’
      Magnus Pickering – cornet                 Joe Pickering – Clarinet
                                     Daniel Pickering – trombone 
      Harrisson Dolphin – guitar        Chris Hyde-Harrison – bass
                                            Adam Merrell – Drums

 Their first public appearance was on Sunday afternoon

                (2:00 till 5:00pm) 5th December 2021 £10 

                 at our Farnborough Jazz Club (Kent, UK) 

Their second appearance is this Easter Sunday afternoon

                (2:00 till 5:00pm) 17th April 2022,   £10

                                                        again at our Farnborough Jazz Club. 

Come over and enjoy a great young jazz band on a happy Easter Sunday afternoon – pop over early and enjoy a meal in The Woodman Pub, phone them to ensure they are not fully booked, to avoid disappointment.

Mick Collins Legacy Jazz Orchestra – 3rd April 2022

This wonderful 15pce Orchestra, ran by Mick Collins’, has existed for many years – Keith and I were introduced by dear friend, Don Leach (late) who ran jazz himself (took over some of our gigs, when I was ill back in the day) and led it to the success it is  now and further run in Knockholt – Sevenoaks ect. (ooh did I digress} But wow, were we drawn into a fabulous sound of regular monthly entertainment.  First at The H.G.Wells Centre in Bromley (Kent, UK) that has since been razed to the ground – and since moved to Sundridge Park, SE London (1st Monday of the month £10).  They were relaxed – chatty, never seem to be ready, but from the moment they struck their first note, they were together and whatever they were about to play, it was fantastic – we were hooked!  Now we hope to help Tricia add to their gigs – they deserve it…..

Jolly Good Timers – 20th March 2022

Hey – what a great time this jolly lot gave us.  First time they performed – although not strictly so.  This band is a six-piece derived from the seventeen-piece fun musicians  ‘Force Ten Big Band; who play such favourite songs.  I shall be adding more to this.

Phoenix Dixieland Jazz Band – 6th March 2022

Phoenix have been with us for what seems a lifetime – a band begun by a friend of Keith’s – Robin Coombs (clarinet).  He was taken extremely ill a few years ago, whilst in Dubai (I think) and flown home as it happens to Biggin Hill Airport.  He got better – and continued playing for a time, Then decided to retire to Devon /Cornwall and handed the band to Allan Clarke (drummer).  He made a lovely job of it too – great drummer (teaches too, I believe he still does).

I shall return to add more later.

Barry Palsers Super Six – 20th Februarry 2022

Unfortunately, 30th February 2022, was booked back on 25th February 2021, but sadly a Christening booking had been missed by the management of our new club.  Of course with all the dreadful coronavirus and the rules they had to deal with, we had no choice, but to ask Bridget Palser and Peter Rudeforth to cancel.   Everyone concerned at the club was very apologetic  We have rebooked later in the year.  Of course it couldn’t have happened at a sadder time for us all.  We wanted to give our biggest send off to Barry.                            We have all been in such a dreadful place these last two and half years – so many painful losses, both personal and public, aye.  We will never recover, I’m sure, but I intend making the rest of my time that I might have left, enjoy all of the wonderful music all you magical people have given to me –  If I have 10 minutes or ten years left – Barry was definitely one of those magical people I was proud to count as knowing.