St John's Arts Centre - Jazz

14/09/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, SSound Of Spitfireand Chilli Jazz Radio .
This week, part 2 of the traditional jazz revival, which started in the mid 1930s. In 2012, I ran a jazz festival /course at Dillington House in Somerset. The late Mike Pointon was one of the speakers. Mike was so many things - first class, hot trombonist, entertainer,writer, broadcaster and jazz historian. His death in 2021 robbed the jazz world of one of its greatest champions.

Luckily I recorded Mike’s two lectures on the New Orleans Revival and Bunk Johnson, who of course, was a pivotal figure in that explosionof hot music.

The second show includes some great New Orleans bands plus some homegrown talent, such as Cy Laurie and Ken Colyer.

These shows are a must for anyone interested in hot traditional jazz

Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 16th September and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 2 of my recent interview with clarinettist / bandleader & composer, Pete Allen. Tune in on Sunday at noon and Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows.

30/08/2024

https://youtu.be/lxXI5MmI1xs?si=bUv-bawpkUnYRV8p
Here's one from the archives. John Petters Creole Jazz Band with our King Oliver set from my Louis Armstrong Jazz Festival at Bracklesham Bay in 2009. Sadly three of the frontline have left the building. The very much missed Ken Sims and Chez Chesterman on cornets and Mike Pointon on trombone. They are irreplacable. Dave Bailey is happily still with us and playing in Germany, where he lives. This was made on his final UK tour. His clarinet playing is explosive. Martin Litton, Tim Phillips and Keith Donald make a poweful rhythm section. The whole think cooks. I really miss playing with these chaps. It is not a perfect performance by any means, but it was hot!

www.traditional-jazz.comDippermouth Blues, recorded at the Louis Armstrong Jazz Festival, Bracklesham Bay in September 2009. Ken Sins & Chez Chesterman, corn...

30/08/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire and Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.

Sizzling Shellacs Monday at 7pm - Pete Allen Part 1 Saturday 8PM Plus Jazz News

This week, I delve into my 78 collection and offer a show of sizzling shellacs. There are some really special recordings and yes, I could just play the tracks on CD, but I wanted to give you a bit of a listening experience, as they would have been heard when first recorded, although I am playing them on a modern, electric turntable and I have re-equalised the sound.

Included are the Mezzrow - Ladnier Quintet, Muggsy Spanier’s Ragtime Band, Hoagy Carmichael, Humphrey Lyttelton, Louis Armstrong and some spectular Bix from a box set of laminated Columbia records, which I found on a market stall in Zurich in the ‘80s. In addition there are some Jelly Roll Morton “His Master’s Voice 78s from 1926, 1929 and 1939. A couple of early Ella’s from 1945, demostrating her prowess as a s**t singer, conclude the recital.

Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 2nd September and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 1 of my recent interview with clarinettist / bandleader & composer, Pete Allen. Tune in on Saturday @ 8pm, Sunday at noon and Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

25/08/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire

Bank Holiday Monday Jazz Extravaganza on Sound of Spitfire

Station boss Chris Hyde has decided to re broadcast my 5 part interview and feature on BBC Broadcaster, writer and presenter, Paul Barnes.It runs from 1pm until 6pm tomorrow.

Chris then presents an hour of skiffle @ 6pm , followed @ 7pm by part 3 of my survey of Satchmo’s vocal talents includes recordings with his 1930s Orchestra, a live performance from the Bing Crosby Radio Show, a track from “Louis Plays W C Handy,” some more All Stars, collaboration with Duke Ellington, a couple of spirituals, another track from “Bing & Satchmo” and a Johnny Mercer classic from “Louis Meets Oscar Peterson”.

Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 26th August and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 2 of my 2022 interview with songwriter / vocalist, Jo Sims, who was part of the close harmony trio, The Rhythm Girls, with whom I worked in the 80s. Jo has a great jazz pedigree - being the daughter of the late cornet star, Ken Sims. Tune in on Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen
Please tell your friends about the shows.

24/08/2024

https://youtu.be/axGX8RmYiw4

I've just mixed the audio and dubbed it on to this video of the late, great Keith Nichols, singing a silly Italian song, with Annie Hawkins and yours truly.
This song always brought a great applause.

The late Keith Nichols singing and playing a silly song, with Annie Hawkins, bass and John Petters, drums.

23/08/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire and Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.
Louis Armstrong Vocalist Part 3 Monday - Jo Sims Part 2 Saturday @ 8pm

This week, part 3 of my survey of Satchmo’s vocal talents includes recordings with his 1930s Orchestra, a live performance from the Bing Crosby Radio Show, a track from “Louis Plays W C Handy,” some more All Stars, collaboration with Duke Ellington, a couple of spirituals, another track from “Bing & Satchmo” and a Johnny Mercer classic from “Louis Meets Oscar Peterson”.

Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 26th August and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 1 of my 2022 interview with songwriter / vocalist, Jo Sims, who was part of the close harmony trio, The Rhythm Girls, with whom I worked in the 80s. Jo has a great jazz pedigree - being the daughter of the late cornet star, Ken Sims. Tune in on Saturday , Sunday at noon, and Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows.

16/08/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire and Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.
Louis Armstrong Vocalist Part 2 Monday - Jo Sims Part 1 Saturday @ 8pm

This week, part 2 of my survey of Satchmo’s vocal talents includes recordings with his 1930s Orchestra, an early session with Ella, as well as some of their ‘50s collaborations, a curious track of Satch singing Disney, a duet with long time All Stars vocalist, Velma Middleton and some great Louis / Duke Ellington.

Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 19th August and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 1 of my 2022 interview with songwriter / vocalist, Jo Sims, who was part of the close harmony trio, The Rhythm Girls, with whom I worked in the 80s. Jo has a great jazz pedigree - being the daughter of the late cornet star, Ken Sims. Tune in on Saturday , Sunday at noon, and Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows.

09/08/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire and Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.

Louis Armstrong - The World's Greatest Jazz Singer - Monday 7pm & Blue Note Part 3 Saturday at 8pm

This week, I make the bold, but confident statement that Louis Armstrong was the world’s greatest jazz singer. He more or less invented the art. Starting with his s**t vocal in 1925 on “Heebie Jeebies”, with his Hot Five, the show features Louis in the film soundtrack of the “Glenn Miller Story”with his All Stars, plus Gene Krupa.

Two tracks from the 1960 album, “Bing & Satchmo” follow.

The famous Armstrong Town Hall Concert from ‘47 is featured, along with a rare mid ‘30’s collaboration with Fats Waller and Jack Teagarden.

Louis social comment on racial discrimination, “Black & Blue” is included. Crosby & Teagarden join Satch on Hoagy’s “Lazybones” and the classic, “Jack Armstrong blues”, from Symphony Hall is added to the mix. Three exemplary tracks from Louis and the Mills Brothers, notwithstanding the non PC lyrics are a sheer delight. Finally a Walter Donaldson hit from 1930 concludes a packed show.

Chilli Jazz features part 3 of my series on Blue Note Records, Saturday , Sunday at noon, and Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows.

HOT SOUNDS FOR COOL PEOPLE

03/08/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire and Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.

Now You Has Jazz, Jazz, Jazz - Mon 5 Aug @ 7pm, Blue Note Part 2 Sat @ 8pm

After a series of guest interviews, this week it is back to just me and my record player.

This week’s show starts with a tribute to the superb trombonist, Geoff Cole, who sadly passed away last month at the grand age of 90 years old.

I worked with Geoff many times and he was a creative and exciting musician as well as a great chap.

Geoff was a long time member of the Gresty / White Ragtimers, with whom I spent a wonderful couple of years. There will be a track from my Pakefield Festival in 2009.

Geoff was a long time member of the Ken Colyer Jazzmen and the Johnny Bastable Chosen Six, which was formed when Ken disbanded.

There are two excellent Colyer tracks featured in the show.

I’ve been involved in a project looking at the musical influences of the blues/ Merseybeat of the ‘60s. Some of those roots include the legendary blues singer/guitarist, Robert Johnson, pianist and composer,Leroy Carr and singer / guitarist Josh White, who provides and early recorded version of “The House of the Rising Sun”.

All music of the 20th century was affected by Louis Armstrong and I’ve included a splendid record with the Mills Brothers in 1938. An unexpected influence on John Lennon was Bing Crosby, whose recording of “Please”inspired him to write “Please Please Me”. Included here is a swinging collaboration of Bing, Eddie Lang and the Mills Brothers.

I‘ve included one of the tracks from my “Sing, Sing, Sing” CD by the John Petters Swing Band, with James Evans, clarinet, now resident in New Orleans, Australian guitarist, David Blenkhorn, bassist Heather Birt and Charles Condy on piano. The CD is available from my website as adownload https://traditional-jazz.com/shop/downloads/sing-sing-sing-8-detail

Or physical CD

https://traditional-jazz.com/shop/physical/sing-sing-sing-detail

Some early Ellington, featuring Johnny Hodges follows,driven along by Wellman Braud’s powerful slapped double bass and containing some marvellous Tricky Sam Nanton trombone.

Louis Armstrong next with a spoken tribute to his favourite drummer, Big Sid Catlett, followed by one of the steaming, early Louis Armstrong All Star recordings from Symphony Hall.

Ella and Duke follow from1966 – a track which has some superlative Cootie Williams trumpet.

Finally a bit of fun from Harry Roy’s orchestra featuring piano duo, Ivor Morton and Dave Kaye.

In all an hour crammed with first class, swinging hot music.

Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 5th August and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 2 of my series on Blue Note Records, Saturday , Sunday at noon, and Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows.

27/07/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire and Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.

Paul Barnes Part 5 Monday @ 7pm, Blue Notes Part 1 Saturday @ 8pm

Part 5 of my interview with BBC Broadcaster, Paul Barnes features chat and lots of music including Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli, Frank Sinatra with Count Basie, Hoagy Carmichael, The Original Benny Goodman Quartet, Fats Waller, Lee Wiley with Eddie Condon, Blossom Dearie, Rosemary Clooney with Duke Ellington, Ivie Anderson, Bing Crosby & Johnny Mercer concluding with Paul’s theme tune, Fluter’s Ball by Henry Mancini’s Orchestra.

Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 29th July and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 1 of my series on Blue Note recordings starting in 1939.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows.

20/07/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire and Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.

Paul Barnes Part 4 Monday 7PM - James P Johnson Part 2 Saturday 8PM - Katya Batchelor Appeal Update

Part 4 of my interview with BBC Broadcaster, Paul Barnes features chat and lots of music & special features including, Michel Petrucciani, Louis Armstrong, Chick Webb, Susannah McCorkle, Sr Rosetta Tharpre, Artie Shaw, Art Hodes, Mel Torme, Wally Stott Orchestra, Steam Trains, The Goons, Fats Waller with George Chisholm OBE, Round The Horne & Oscar Peterson

Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 22nd July and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 2 of my series on James P Johnson with my guest, Kris Tokarski Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows.

The appeal for the late Katya Batchelor, beloved wife of clarinettist, Ducan Batchelor is doing very well. It had raised £22,448.00 a week ago. It now stands at 64,061.10.

I’ll repeat the information about this good and worty cause.

In Duncan’s words:

“We are trying to raise a HUGE amount of money for Cancer Research

In memory of Katya Batchelor 20th Apr 1975 - 12th Jun 2024
My Story

Katya Batchelor died in June, aged just 49. She was a beloved wife to Duncan, and a loving mother to Anna and Sasha. Katya was perfectly fit and healthy - she ate healthily, she had no bad habits, she exercised, she did everything right in life. She had no symptoms and everything in life was perfect - until the end of March. In April she was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and by 12th June she was dead. Her death, and her illness, was incredibly sudden. We are deeply affected by her loss. Everything has changed incredibly suddenly. She did not want to die at this age; she had so much more life to look forward to. We want to take this opportunity to make a difference for other people and to achieve some good, and to help make sure that others can be protected from the same fate. Duncan, Anna and Sasha are running the Tonbridge Half Marathon on 29th September 2024. We will be joined by other friends to form Team Katya, running to raise money for Cancer Research. What matters is not the half marathon, or any particular athletic challenge or event. What matters is how well we can all contribute to raise money for Cancer Research to help other people, and to save others from this disease. We would like you to use your network to try to send this page as far and wide as is possible. We would like to raise donations from as many people as possible around the world to make a difference to help others, in memory of Katya. Please donate on this page. Help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured”.

The link to the page is here:

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/duncans-giving-page-159

Cancer touches all of us. My own father died from lung cancer, a whole host of our jazz musicians and friends have been taken by this cruel disease over the years. I would ask you to stand with Duncan, Anna and Sasha and help to turn Katya’s passing into something positive.

Thank you in anticipation.

16/07/2024

Simon Nelson reported that clarinettist, Pete Oxborough passed away. I didn't get to play with him very often, but every session was a joy. Here's one from a memorable concert in 2019 at Kings Lynn from my Roarin' 20s Show. Sean Moyses Richard Exall Keith Donald RIP Pete.

www.traditional-jazz.comFrom the Roarin' 20s Show at st George's Guildhall, Kings Lynn.With Simon Nelson, Richard Exall, Pete Oxborough, Sean Moyses & Keith ...

06/07/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire and Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.
BBC Jazz Broadcaster - Paul Barnes, Part 2, Monday @ 7pm - Gene Krupa, Saturday @ 8PM

Part 2 of my interview with BBC Broadcaster, Paul Barnes features chat about discovering Humphret Lyttelton and seeing him live, as well as finding New Orleans cornetist, Tommy Ladnier. We discuss Paul’s efforts to play both trumpet and tenor sax. Music includes Woody Herman, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Gene Krupa Trio with Charlie Ventura, Jelly Roll Morton, with his namesake Paul “Polo” Barnes, Louis Armstrong’s Hot Seven, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong, with the All Stars and Buck Clayton’s All Star Jam Session with Jimmie Rushing.

Part 2 is on Monday. Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 8th July and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 9 of my seies on Gene Krupa with Brooks Tegler and Jerry Brennan Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows

29/06/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfire and Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.

BBC Jazz Broadcaster - Paul Barnes, Part 1, Monday @ 7pm - Gene Krupa, Saturday @ 8PM

Thirty or so years ago, I got a call from the BBC - or more precisely the presenter of the late night phone-in show on BBC Radio Norfolk - a fellow who introduced himself as Paul Barnes or “Barnsey” as he was more commonly known. Our paths had not crossed, but somehow, he found out that I existed and that I had released a number of CDs, so he requested some copies for his show.

The BBC are appalling bad regarding our type of jazz and I enthusiastically bundled up a selection of my best recordings, posted the same and this kicked of a friendship which lasts until this day.

The BBC tried to axe Paul’s show. He got rid of the phone-in and ran a Monday to Friday presentation, playing jazz, swing, dance bands and popular, as opposed to ‘pop’ singers. He would also occasionally play a recording of a steam train. Light music would be featured from time to time.

The show moved to Saturday and Sunday nights - a total of 6 hours of top quality broadcasting, hosted by a presenter thoroughly immersed in his subject. Nowhere else on the BBC network would you find Lee Wiley, Slim Gaillard, Ivie Anderson as well as a list of current artistes. Barnsey, as he was known, was one of the first broadcasters to give airplay to pianist / singer Diana Krall. He referred to Bing Crosby, one of his favourite artistes, as “The Boss”.

Some pop fans complained about Barnsey playing eighty year old, Louis Armstrong 78s. To Paul, the recording date didn’t matter. If a record was great in 1927, it was still as worthy in 2005.The BBC tried to remove Paul and a listener campaign with the slogans “Gold for Grown-ups” and “Music Tha Matters forced BBC Bosses to capitulate. Barnsey sought to uphold the tradition of BBC Founder, Lord Reith, who said the Corporation existed to “inform”, “educate” and “entertain”.

Paul’s show was the antidote to the Glastonbury Festival or the Eurovision Song Contest. It was a retreat from the pop / rock sodden environment of the standard BBC output. It was an oasis of musical excellence. Paul, like drummer, Buddy Rich, was allergic to country music!

The final manifestation of the show was entitled, “The Late Paul Barnes”.

Barnsey’s career spread from the “Today Programme” & “Sunday” on BBC Radio Four, to Granada TV and Anglia TV, where he presented “The Village Show” around the region.

Paul Barnes is also a film maker - his documentary, “The Black Five - the last Days of Steam” was highly accalimed. He co wrote “The Bluffer’s Guide to Jazz” and has a regular column in the Eastern Daily Press.

In 2018, he sacked the BBC for failing to pay him a decent fee for “The Late Paul Barnes”, which was broadcast over the entire Eastern and South Eastern region.

I spent a happy few hours last month chewing the fat over Paul’s unique career. He trusted me to select the music.

Part 1 is on Monday. Tune in for some fun at 7pm on Monday, 1st July and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 7 of my seies on Gene Krupa with Brooks Tegler and Jerry Brennan Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows

23/06/2024

Smile, Darn You, Smile with Sarah Spencer, Sean Moyses and Keith Donald from today's super gig at Welney.

23/06/2024

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfireand Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.

Pete Allen Part 2 - Monday at 8pm - Gene Krupa Part 7 at 8pm Tuesday

I conclude my conversation with Pete Allen this week.

Pete Allen, who recently celebrated his 45th year as a band leader, has been a major figure on the traditional jazz scene. We worked and recorded together (available here: https://traditional-jazz.com/shop/physical/havin-fun-detail ) and I was a member of his band for a period. He is always exciting to play with. Pete tells his remarkable story commencing on Monday

Tune in 7pm on Monday, 24th June and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.
https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 6 of my seies on Gene Krupa with Brooks Tegler and Jerry Brennan Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows

16/06/2024

Now You Has Jazz, Jazz, Jazz - Pete Allen Part 1 - Monday at 8pm - Val Wiseman Part 1 Tuesday at 8pm

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfireand Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.

I’ve got some great shows over the next couple of weeks. I interviewed bandleader and reedman, Pete Allen a few weeks ago. Part 1 goes out on Monday. Part 2 airs next week. Follwing that, will be a two part interview with broadcaster and writer, Paul Barnes.

Pete Allen, who recently celebrated his 45th year as a band leader, has been a major figure on the traditional jazz scene. We worked and recorded together (available here: https://traditional-jazz.com/shop/physical/havin-fun-detail ) and I was a member of his band for a period. He is always exciting to play with. Pete tells his remarkable story commencing on Monday

Tune in 7pm on Monday, 17th June and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 1 of my interview with Val Wiseman on Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows

08/06/2024

New Orleans Night Owls - Monday @ 7pm - Terry Maton Interview Part 2 Saturday @ 8PM

On Spalding's local radio station, Sound Of Spitfireand Lincolnshire's specialist jazz channel, Chilli Jazz radio.

A feast of recently recorded Ragtime and Cakewalks is set for Monday with an interview with American drumming star and jazz historian, Hal Smith, who leads a splendid band - The New Orleans Night Owls.

The music comes from a recently released CD, “St Louis Rag”, available here: https://rivermontrecords.com/collections/new-releases/products/2266?variant=40878809055293

Tune in 7pm on Monday, 10th June and at 1pm (13:00) UK time on Wednesday.

https://www.soundofspitfire.co.uk/

Chilli Jazz features part 2 of my interview with recording engineer and jazz promoter, Terry Maton, who recorded many of my early sessions. The show is broadcast Saturday at 8PM, 12pm Sunday and Tuesday at 8PM.

Chilli Jazz Radio https://chillijazz.com/listen

Please tell your friends about the shows
Hal Smith Kris Tokarski