Phil Mason’s New Orleans All Stars

Jazz critic Brian Harvey writes (2008): “Probably the best 'club' band in Europe. They are the most exciting, the most able to generate the sort of heat that was once the sole province of bands like Chris Barber and Ken Colyer. And vocalist Christine Tyrrell is in a brilliant class of her own - she brings a rare warm sensitivity to our music. Oh yes - and there's the cornet player. What more can I say other than he's that rare thing in jazz - a superbly gifted man with a sound that's instantly recognisable - also a fine soloist and leader.” We certainly wouldn’t disagree with Mr Harvey, and are very pleased to have the All Stars back once again. Well, what are you waiting for – call the Box Office!

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Hot Antic Jazz Band

Mon Dieu! Possibly the finest small hot band in the world today, and hot jazz is just what you get when these five super-talented Frenchmen and one equally talented German begin to play - and oh, those vocal trios! Founded way back in 1979, the band with its Gallic charm, supreme musical ability and unique brand of semi-arranged classic 1920’s hot jazz (with a heavy emphasis on the work of Jabbo Smith, also Bix & Tram) has become a truly world-wide success. And with all but the piano player doubling on two or more instruments, there’s no lack of tonal variety, either. The Hot Antics have made appearances in Africa, Asia, North America - including a concert at New York’s legendary Carnegie Hall - and of course all over Europe.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Nick Gill’s Byzantines

It’s always good to see a new band emerge on the scene, especially when it is made up of younger musicians. And when those musicians are a) possessed of outstanding talent and b) offer us an exhilarating blend of familiar jazz standards and quirky original compositions – well, it all adds up to an irresistible combination. The Byzantines made their big debut at the Bude Jazz Festival last year, and have excited considerable interest with their fresh approach to the music. Led from the piano by Nick Gill, the remaining musicians are James Evans on reeds, Jake Gill (Nick’s nephew) on guitar, Peter Morgan on bass and Debbie Arthurs on percussion. There’s a lot of talk about the need to encourage young musicians, so here’s your chance to show your support…..

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Saville Swing Septet

This band scored a resounding success at the Keswick Jazz Festival in 2003 (as pictured), then disappeared without a trace. Now after six long years, we proudly present its second-ever appearance, this time on its “home ground”. Playing small-band swing tunes from the thirties, the outfit consists of Mike Durham on trumpet, Paul Munnery on trombone, Derek Fleck on clarinet and saxes, Brian Chester on piano, James Birkett on guitar, Iain Mcaulay on bass and Pete Soulsby on drums, with vocals very much in the period style by Theresa Armstrong. “A really nice mix of relaxation and heat” said a visiting American enthusiast at the time and that’s what we’ll be aiming for this time around.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Keith Nichols’ Blue Devils with Jeff Barnhart (piano,USA)

The ten-piece Blue Devils (formerly the Cotton Club Orchestra) are just about the hottest, most authentic vintage big band playing in the UK today. Under the inspired leadership of Keith Nichols, they brilliantly breathe new life into the jazz and hot dance classics of the twenties and thirties. The band has always featured the best of the available jazz talent, and on this occasion will include, alongside such luminaries as Rico Tomasso, Martin Wheatley, Richard Pite and of course Keith himself, the richly-talented American pianist, Jeff Barnhart. Although Keith is on trombone on this occasion, we can on past experience expect an episode or two of four-hands-at-the-piano fireworks amongst the big-band music…..

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Tim Kliphuis (Holland) with Keith Stephen's Hot Club Trio

Some three years ago, violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy famously remarked that the legacy of Stéphane Grappelli was safe in the hands of Tim Kliphuis. This classically-trained young musician has made a deep study of the famous French violinist’s style - so deep that he has progressed far beyond mere copying. Wedded to Tim’s phenomenal technique and the superb foil provided by Keith Stephen’s Django-inspired guitar, this profound understanding of the Grappelli style means we can hear the music of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France played with a freshness and vigour that open new aural perspectives on old favourites. Roly Veitch’s supple rhythm guitar and Bruce Rollo’s propulsive bass complete the picture.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Nany Swing Musette (France)

A welcome return (after two years) to the Saville Exchange by this highly-acclaimed group from the South of France, playing a wonderful variety of styles from the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhart to the languorous waltzes and bittersweet ballads of Left Bank cafés, but also straight-ahead jazz numbers, passionate tangos and popular songs of the nineteen-thirties. Nany Swing Musette comprises piano-accordion, lead and rhythm guitars, string bass and clarinet doubling saxophone, giving a tonal quality all of its own and with an unmistakeably Gallic flavour. Don’t miss this second visit by these five virtuoso musicians from the Marseilles area: the way the pound is going against the Euro, they may not be back for some time!

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

Gentleman Jim McIntosh’s Jazzaholics

It’s always nice to see a new band appearing on the scene, and when it’s led by someone like Jim, you can be sure it will be a really good one. He has put together a team that combines youth and experience in an exhilarating blend, and they are already knocking them out in clubs and festivals down south – so we thought it high time we inveigled them to venture to the Far North East! Denny Ilett is on trumpet, a veteran of many fine bands including Terry Lightfoot and Max Collie, the excellent young James Evans is on clarinet and Bob Hunt, renowned for his work with the Big Chris Barber Band, is on trombone. The rhythm comprises Jim himself on banjo, the effervescent Annie Hawkins on bass and Baby Jools (just out of his teens!) on drums.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

West Jesmond Rhythm Kings with Keith Nichols

This year’s theme for our Christmas event is “The Good Old Good Ones”.The WJRK, augmented by the celebrated Mr Nichols, will play a session that reveals two very different interpretations of this phrase: in the first half, a selection of classic jazz pieces from the 1920s repertoire of Oliver, Morton and Armstrong, followed in the second half by a programme of “traditional jazz favourites” – the tunes for which we most frequently get requests, played more in the Barber/Colyer Bilk style of the 1950s. In the true spirit of Christmas, Mr Nichols will make his own special gift to the audience in the shape of his inimitable piano and vocal renditions of the works of Mr Thomas Waller.

Concert starts at 8.00 pm

All details correct at time of posting: we reserve the right to make changes without notice.