Monday 12 August 2019 Excel Jazzmen joined us last night for another night of lively entertainment. Tunes included Dallas Blues, written by Hart Wand in 1912, Dippermouth Blues by King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band in 1923, and The Isle of Capri, Gracie Fields, 1934. Continue reading
Monday 11 June 2018 A lovely summer evening with some great live jazz from Excel Jazzmen. Some of the favourites were the beautiful Burgundy Street Blues (George Lewis, 1953) a 12 bar Blues in C; High Society (King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, 1923 and Chris Barber’s Jazz Band with Ottilie Patterson, 1955); Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans (first heard in the movie New Orleans in 1947, where it was performed by Louis Armstrong and sung by Billie Holiday) and June Night (Ted Lewis, 1924 and Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra, 1957). Continue reading
Monday 15 August 2017 A smartly redecorated Hive bar provided the setting for Excel Jazzmen‘s return to the club with a lively session including St Phillips Street Breakdown, a George Lewis composition played by Ken Colyer in 1953. Other favourites included The Dipper Mouth Blues, King Oliver’s Creole Jazz band in 1923, and also a hit for Louis Armstrong in 1943, and I’ll Never Say Never Again, a Nat King Cole tune. Continue reading
Monday 12 September 2016 A warm evening and another splendid session of lively entertainment from the Excel Jazzmen. Favourites were Wolverine Blues (Jelly Roll Morton), Too Busy (Ken Colyer), Isle of Capri (Chris Barber 1963) and Panana (Chris Barber 1956).
Cornet – Tony Karavis
Trombone – Simon Wyld
Drums – Pete Littleproud
Clarinet/Sax – Bernie Murtha
Double Bass – Mike Bennett
Banjo – Tim Wake
Join us again on Monday 10 October when the Backyard Boys join us.
Monday 9 May 2016 Excel Jazzmen had the room jumping with their mix of Old Orleans Blues and jaunty upbeat tunes reminiscent of a 1920s jazz party.Favourites were Treasure Island which Humphrey Littleton used to play sometimes, Tuxedo Rag by Papa Thurston and The Whining Boy Blues by Jelly Roll Morton, beautiful and soulful. The band was joined by some new members this evening on Trombone and on the impressive looking Sousaphone. This instrument is part of the Tuba family, which normally points the sound of the instrument upwards, whereas the Sousaphone points it forwards towards the audience. Continue reading
Monday 14 December 2015 It’s been a while but the Excel Jazzmen joined us once again at the club, this time for our festive celebrations. Much fun was had and particular favourite tunes were All I do the whole day through is dream of you and Jellyroll Morton’s Blue Blood Blues and also CC Rider Blues. Continue reading
Monday 12 January 2015 Excel Jazzmen started the new year off with some great entertainment last night with a mix of tunes including Thank you Mr Moon, Canal Street Blues and I Double Dare You. Continue reading
Griffin Park Jazz Club 