THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN jazz band comprises some the most sought-after and successful musicians on the jazz scene today. Performing a wide range of jazz styles through well crafted arrangements, this band of versatile musicians successfully blends music from every jazz genre into an exciting and approachable package.

Calling on their experience of performing with Europe’s most influential jazz bands of the last sixty years, the MAGNIFICENT SEVEN combines a wealth of experience with youthful exuberance. Paying homage to the great jazz masters of the early jazz period as well as keeping alive the sounds of the swing era, the MAGNIFICENT SEVEN’s repertoire also celebrates the jazz revival of the 1950’s, tipping their hat to the great bands of Barber, Ball and Bilk.

This band takes no prisoners!

LtoR: Ben Cummings (trumpet); Ian Bateman (trombone); Nick Millward (drums); Amy Roberts (clarinet, flute and saxophones); Richard Exall (clarinet and saxophones); Craig Milverton (piano); Bill Coleman (bass)

The MAGNIFICENT SEVEN play a varied repertoire, with compositions and arrangements by Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Louis Prima, Errol Garner, Fats Waller, Chucho Valdez, Paquito D’Rivera and many more.

How about inviting Robert Vaughn along to a gig, Richard?

Stay glued to Jazz&Jazz for news about their future concerts.

The MAGNIFICENT SEVEN are currently featured artists on http://www.bookajazzband.com
Contact: [email protected]

OUT OF COURTESY TO TUBA SKINNY’S AGENTS I HAVE BEEN AWAITING OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE CANCELLATION OF TUBA SKINNY’S 2014 UK TOUR. HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE MANY CALLS AND COMMENTS JAZZ&JAZZ HAS RECEIVED ABOUT THE CANCELLATION, WE ARE NOW IMPELLED TO CONFIRM THE CANCELLATION AND UPDATE THIS POST WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT POSTED BY ERIKA LEWIS ON TUBA SKINNY’S FACEBOOK PAGE:

“So, we’ve been scrambling to come up with a tour in the UK this summer, but unfortunately, do not have the funds necessary to make it there and back. We are hoping that next summer will provide the opportunities to make it happen. Thanks to all who have encouraged us to come over, hopefully we will see you next year!”

Yes, Erika, let’s hope for next year. The UK JAZZ COMMUNITY truly want Tuba Skinny to tour the UK and would be only too willing to help make it happen.

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The uppermost aim of Jazz&Jazz is to keep jazz live and alive! Key to this is our aim to promote new bands, emerging bands, YOUNG BANDS.

Tuba Skinny – their sound evokes the rich musical heritage of New Orleans

Tuba Skinny is just such a band. They are rapidly honing their skills in the true roots of authentic jazz. Tuna Skinny are dynamite. 

Given their website introduction, the band can’t fail to be music to the ears of lovers of New Orleans Revivalist Jazz:

“Formed in in 2009, Tuba Skinny has steadily evolved from a loose collection of street musicians into a solid ensemble dedicated to bringing the traditional New Orleans sound to audiences around the world. Drawing on a wide range of musical influences—from spirituals to Depression-era blues,  from ragtime to traditional jazz—their sound evokes the rich musical heritage of their New Orleans home. The band has gained a loyal following through their distinctive sound, their commitment to reviving long-lost songs, and their barnstorming live performances.”

So, anticipating a Tuba Skinny UK tour next year, it should be imperative that we do not miss out on the opportunity of welcoming them as part of the 2015 UK jazz scene. With real jazz resurgent in New Orleans and amongst younger groups in the UK the opportunity could and should be seized to rebuild jazz bridges to their former glory. For instance, to the days when George Lewis toured the UK with our formidable bands of his era. And in return his UK protege Sammy Rimington played in Preservation Hall with him.

Tuba Skinny is: Erika Lewis, Vocals; Todd Burdick, Tuba; Bobby Browne, Guitar & Tenor Banjo; Shaye Cohn, Cornet; Barnabus Jones, Trombone; Robin Rapuzzi, Washboard;
John Doyle, Clarinet

Live set, ABC National Radio, Sydney, Australia: http://goo.gl/cT0Ptr

Tuba Skinny with Erika Lewis on vocals performing at Louisiana Busker Fest in Abita Springs, La 22.4.2013: http://goo.gl/okgl6I

Stills courtesy of ABC, Australia.

See also: Introducing Tuba Skinny! Flying the Flag for a New Era of New Orleans Jazz Bands.

INFORMATION & BOOKINGS

email: [email protected] 

Tickets available on line:  http://www.uptonjazz.co.uk

By phone:  01684 593254

By post:  18 Riverside Close, Upton-Upon-Severn,
Worcestershire WR8 0JN

www.uptonjazz.co.uk

See Also: Sammy Rimington: A Life in Pictures

Perhaps only a few esoteric Blues fans will recall this early 1920’s Duke Ellington number.

Except for Big Chris Barber Band fans who will have heard trombonist Bob Hunt’s spectacular arrangement especially for the band.

Here Chris announces East St Louis Toodle-Ou at a recent concert in this, his 65th year as a bandleader and his 60th year leading his own Chris Barber Bands.

East St Louis Toodle-Oo 

Duke Ellington & His Kentucky Club Orchestra first recorded East St Louis Toodle-Oo in New York way back on March 14th, 1927.

Chris Barber

Bob “Ironside” Hunt

Top row, left to right: Chris Barber, Bob Hunt, Mike Henry, Peter Rudeforth, Richard Exall
Bottom row, left to right: Amy Roberts, Bert Brandsma, Joe Farler, Jackie Flavelle, Gregor Beck

 Be sure to visit The Duke Ellington Songbook to learn more of that glorious era recaptured so successfully by The Big Chris Barber Band.

Peter M Butler
Editor & Proprietor
Jazz & Jazz