Saturday, 29 September 2007 - BOBBY WELLINS QUARTET

Veteran tenor-saxophonist Bobby Wellins possesses one of the most distinctive sounds in all of jazz.  A masterly ballad player, Bobby is in peak form and is presently enjoying a purple patch of creativity. His pianist Mark Edwards is a soloist of consequence and bassist Andy Cleyndert brings his own commitment to swing, as does drummer Spike Wells, a clever stylist in his own right. 

Saturday, 20 October 2007- MARTY GROSZ AND KEN PEPLOWSKI   

These two American artists embody the jazz tradition in the best possible way.  Each is a first-rate musician, Grosz on acoustic guitar, Peplowski on tenor-saxophone and clarinet, and as they know each other so well, their interplay is invariably suffused with humour while still possessing a strong jazz identity.  Grosz’s second reputation as a raconteur and vocalist promises much by way of merriment and Peplowski will doubtless add his own wry observations too. This is one of few opportunities to hear them together in the UK, so take advantage and we guarantee you will love it.

Saturday, 17 November 2007- GEORGIE FAME AND SONS

The ultimate family firm.  Last time round, we presented Georgie Fame with the Blue Flames, his band of all-star instrumentalists, in an unforgettable concert.  Lurking in the back then were his sons, Tristan Powell playing guitar, and James Powell on drums.  Now, they take centre stage with Georgie on piano and Hammond organ in a tight-knit trio whose repertoire embraces great rhythm & blues, straight-ahead jazz and some of the most compelling vocals you’ll ever hear from Georgie.  Fame is in demand all over Europe and beyond; tonight he’s in downtown Pinner - miss this ‘bona fide musical legend’ at your peril.

Saturday, 8 December 2007 - ALAN BARNES MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

How’s this for a line-up?  The mighty Barnes himself on alto & baritone saxes, leading Bruce Adams (trumpet), Mark Nightingale (trombone), Andy Panayi (tenor-sax & flute), Dave Newton (piano), Andy Cleyndert (bass) and drummer Matt Home.  Enough said?  These musicians have all been garlanded with awards: each is known for his superlative jazz skills.  If there was ever a case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts, this is it.  ‘Magnificent’ hardly covers it!

 Saturday, 12 January 2008 - SCOTT HAMILTON QUARTET

It’s not true that Scott has his own locker in our vestry, it just seems like that. This genial American tenor-saxophonist is a regular participant in our Pinner programmes for two good reasons. One, he plays beautifully, and two, audiences love what he does.  Welcome back Scott, and the trio, old friends all, that’s John Pearce on piano bassist Dave Green and drummer Steve Brown. 

Saturday, 16 February 2008 -  THE BIG CHRIS BARBER BAND

We’ve been trying for years to fix a date with Barber’s office for Chris and his band to play for us.   Now, finally, they’re here, and in numbers.  The original small group with Barber on trombone and his lifelong chum, Pat Halcox on trumpet, still plays classic New Orleans style jazz but a significant part of their set is now given over to the massed ranks of the Big Chris Barber Band.  An extra trumpeter (the very fine Mike Henry), a second trombonist (Bob Hunt, great with the plunger mute) and no less than three saxophonists, all make a big sound, too, especially so on a rich selection of early Ellington numbers.  Look out for our chum, Dave Green, on bass. 

Saturday, 15 March 2008 - FRANK GRIFFITH NONET WITH TRUDY KERR

Two down on Barber’s bunch, the Nonet is back again but with the added bonus of Trudy Kerr’s silky vocal skills. Making a second visit to Pinner, the amiable Griffith, a transplanted American who looks after the jazz course at Brunel University, also finds time to perform in clubs – and churches!  He’s a rewarding soloist on tenor and clarinet, a superb arranger and a genial bandleader as well. Frank’s regulars include another US citizen, the fiery altoist Bob Martin, plus trumpet great Henry Lowther and his up-and-coming counterpart Robbie Robson, trombonist Adrian Fry and pianist Tim Lapthorn, a young player who turns heads everywhere.

Saturday, 12 April 2008 - DIGBY FAIRWEATHER AND HIS HALF DOZEN

Digby’s Half-Dozen ticks every box.  They swing, they entertain, they sing, they play great mainstream jazz.  What’s left to do?  Our audience loved them last time they played at Pinner and you’ll love them this time, too.  Cornetist Digby reaches for the stars every time he solos, as do the brilliant clarinettist Julian Mark Stringle, the fine trombonist Chris Gower and that guitarist’s guitarist Dominic Ashworth.  They’re backed by the mercurial pianist Craig Milverton, with ‘Time Lord’ Len Skeat on bass and the very lively Nick Millward on drums.  A great way to end our season, for sure.

Programme notes by Peter Vacher  - June 2007