SPATS & HIS RHYTHM BOYS

Spats & his Rhythm Boys

Spats & His Rhythm Boys came about when pianist Keith Nichols made a chance remark that a lot of great tunes are seldom played because they are primarily thought of as vocal numbers. Mike Durham took this observation and decided to revive some of these now-obscure tunes and at the same time pay tribute to the men and women who sang them. The period selected was 1924 to 1936, and a show was finally put together to include some well-known classics of that era plus a few items that had virtually fallen off the musical map.

Besides himself on trumpet, the musicians Mike selected for this original presentation were Keith Nichols, Norman Field, Paul Munnery, Spats Langham and John C. Hallam and Nick Ward (sometimes replaced by Pete Soulsby) on drums. Keith is of course an acknowledged master of the piano styles of the twenties and thirties, while Norman has the uncanny ability to capture the sound of the great reed players of the era. Paul’s trombone, by turns tender and declamatory, was also ideal for this project, while John, Nick and Pete all have a perfect understanding of the rhythm section requirements.

Norman Field

Spats Langham

Keith Nichols

Spats is the totally indispensable member of the crew, providing superb period vocals as well as virtuoso performances on banjo, guitar and ukelele. As a special bonus, whenever he can make it, the band includes the great Swedish bass sax player, Frans Sjöström – the big horn lends a real extra dimension in both solo and ensemble (Frans is on our CD). All the chaps have a great deal of knowledge of an affection and respect for the music, music that originally came to the listening public on 78 rpm records “With Vocal Refrain”. We hope that shines through in our public performances, as well as on our recordings.

The Rhythm Boys show, entitled "With Vocal Refrain", lasts for two hours and is ideal for theatres, arts centres, jazz and other music festivals. The band is also available to play private functions. Contact Mike (see Home Page) for details of cost and availability.

Please see the WJRK Recordings page for track listing and how to order the CD.