MARDI GRASJAZZ BAND Take advantage of receiving a regular 'Monthly Newsletter' by signing up for your free email copy on our 'Contact Us' page. Mardi Gras Jazz Band Newsletter February 2010 Dear Reader, On our last visit to Mama Liz Soul Shack, we had a fabulous session which was well appreciated with a packed house. The venue is held in the old wine cellar and has brilliant ambiance, reminiscent of the some of the Jazz Clubs in the London area of the 1950's. The performance at the Picturedrome was well appreciated and the event was very well organized. The band playing under the temporary banner of The Mardi Gras Kid Thomas Band played on stage, without amplification and the performance was enhanced by the splendid acoustics. Several comments were that the sound was "one of the most authentic New Orleans Bands that had played in this country for many years past".
The Mardi Gras Kid Thomas Band This same line up (shown below) are due to appear at the Mama Liz Voodoo Lounge again on February 18th., 2010.. Line Up: Special Guest Ken Pye (Trumpet) who runs his own band, The Creole Serenaders which has been established as a six piece New Orleans Revival band, over a number of years. The present line up have played regularly together for the last fifteen years, and have acquired a reputation for playing good, authentic New Orleans jazz. Ken, whose rhythmic Kid Thomas trumpet style is well regarded by New Orleans enthusiasts. He has played with all the “greats” over the years, and has recorded with Bill Bissonette, amongst others. He has also been a guest with the Mardi Gras Band previously (see the above picture). He regularly visits Denmark, where he guests at festivals with top Danish New Orleans bands. Stan Stephens, also the Trombonist with The Creole Serenaders, provides the perfect foil to Ken's trumpet playing, with his mixture of sweet, dulcet melodies, where the influence of Louis Nelson can be clearly seen, and his more aggressive manner, more in the Robinson mode. Stan has played the New Orleans jazz scene for many years, and is a highly regarded trombonist. On clarinet and saxophone is John Hale, joint founder of the Mardi Gras Band. He, and co-founder, Bev Luton have been the mainstay in the running of the Mardi Gras Jazz Club (until it's closure in June 2009) and organizing the Band bookings, tune arrangements and general welfare for the last 30 years. The rhythm section comprises Paul Spedding who is also the drummer with The Creole Serenaders, a Sammy Penn enthusiast, Ken Eatch - Tuba and string bass. Kens' Tuba playing adds the strong New Orleans Brass Bass sound to the rhythm section Chris Reilley on Piano/Keyboard with a style all of his own, but with influences from many of the past masters of New Orleans Jazz. He also plays with several different Bands in the Midlands area and takes care of this Web Site upkeep and Design. This line up provides a truly great New Orleans Jazz sound. See the Gigs Page for details. Book early to avoid missing a great show. The Voodoo Lounge 9a North St, STAMFORD, PE9 1EL Web site:- http://www.mamaliz.co.uk/ Music starts 8pm -10.30 £6 on the door. A full and very interesting Cajun/Creole menu is available all day, but booking in advance is recommended:- 01780 765888 View the Menu at their website link:- Imagine a great New Orleans style Band playing in a converted basement brick wine cellar with curved ceiling, Imagine very good acoustics, and a Louisiana setting on two floors which includes a restaurant serving New Orleans cuisine, plus of course licensed bars. You've got it, the best venue this side of Bristol and Ghent in Belgium. Mardi Gras Band, have been playing in the midlands for 25 years, and we are pleased to play for the anniversary of this super venue:- Regular Band Personnel: Bev Luton tpt. John Hale reeds Chris Reilley piano Paul (Spud) Spedding drums Ken Eatch Tuba and string bass Stan Stephens trombone Look forward to seeing you there John Hale.
Dear Jazz Supporters,
It is with deep regret that I have to advise that after promoting jazz in Daventry for nearly 30 years, including the time Gerry and Chris organized it, the Club will close indefinitely following Mardi Gras' next session on Thursday 18th June 2009 . Those who attend regularly will be aware that attendance is falling, even for the most popular of guest bands, and the subsequent financial loss is unsustainable. The life blood of any club depends upon attracting younger members, and in this respect we have been most unsuccessful. The inescapable fact is that our music appeals only to the more mature members of our community. Holidays and clashing venues etc can further exacerbate the problems we face. We are proud in having a very loyal following of members who enjoy the music, even apologizing when they are unable to come to our sessions. However, to break even, we need a much larger nucleus of followers (at least 35 people) to attend on a regular twice monthly basis in order to survive. Daventry has a relatively small population, and despite the assistance of the local press, emails, the web, the post (now very expensive) and generous benefactors, we have still been unable to increase our membership. The Mardi Gras Jazz Club is not alone; jazz clubs all over the UK are experiencing the same problems, though obviously, clubs in larger towns and cities may possibly be able to struggle on for longer! I wish to heartily thank our supporters for their generosity and support which has enabled us to continue for so long. We shall miss you all. For further information concerning the venues where you may enjoy music in Northampton , I suggest you log on to our web site www.mardigrasjazz.co.uk, and find this News Page where we will advise you of "local events" as well as the activities of our Band and also visit the links to other sites, particularly: The Gayton Jazz Appreciation Society, Roade Jazz Club and The Headland jazz sites. Keep a regular appointment with our web site, in case we organize a special one-off jazz session at Casey's, of course. Keith Marlow says we are always welcome. Bless him! Furthermore please try and visit events he organizes; we have a link already to his web site: Also please feel free to contact us either by telephone or via email on our web site 'Contacts Us Page' where any comments or questions will be welcome. It is intended to maintain the web site to give news of any forthcoming public gigs of the Mardi Gras Band and any possible future special events which might be organized. Thank you again for all your support in the past. John Hale tel: 01604 505408
|
