The ‘Old Thumper’ Jazz Band

Thursday 19:15 - 20:10 and 21:10 - 22:10

Chris Walker (Clarinet, Saxophone, Leader); Tony Robinson (Trumpet); Win Bowen (Trombone); Greg Painter (piano); Brian Mursell (Double Bass); Martin Guy (Drums).

We are pleased to welcome back this 6 piece band formed in the heart of the New Forest, back in 2003, to help The Ringwood Brewery in the promotion of their “Old Thumper” Real Ale. This band is an extension of the well established Chris Walker Swingtet, and by merely adding trumpet and trombone they become a first rate “Dixieland” band in the very best tradition. The Old Thumper Jazzband can be seen at festivals, promotions and private functions throughout the South and, frequently, play away the Ocean going cruise ships from the quayside in Southampton. Their current album “Thumping Good Jazz” was actually recorded here at the Reading Real Ale & Jazz Festival and copies will be on sale from the band.
Contact details:

W: http://www.swingtet.co.uk
E: chris.walker@swingtet.co.uk
T: 01425 655631

The Jive Aces

Thursday 20:15 - 21:05 and 22:15 - 23:15

Ian Clarkson (Trumpet, Vocals); Alex Douglas (Trombone); Big John Fordham (Saxes & Clarinet); ‘Prof’ Vince Hurley (Piano); Ken Smith (Double Bass); Peter Howell (Drums).

It’s the third year in a row at RAAJ for the Jive Aces, who are undoubtedly one of the hardest-working bands in show business today, performing over 300 shows a year in, so far, over 25 different countries. They have appeared on literally hundreds of TV and radio shows all over the world.

A group of lads from London were drawn together by their love for a style and music that outclassed anything around. The music was hot jive that had the beat, energy and enthusiasm of rock ‘n’ roll and the fun and rhythm of big band swing all rolled into one.

They began as the “Aces of Rhythm”, a guitar based rhythm band which was later added to by horns becoming the “Emperors of Rhythm”. Soon they had a good following in London and changed their name again to the “Blues Busters”. This latest name change didn’t last long, however, as there was already a band of the same name. By popular request they recorded their first vinyl single and the record company wanted to know what to call the band as they had the disc on the press and no name. “The something Aces” said Ian hastily, “but what?” “Jive! The Jive Aces” shouted Ken down the phone to the record company. And so the Jive Aces were born. After the release of their first CD, “Jumpin’ with the Aces” in 1992, the groups’ popularity spread like wildfire throughout Europe and the UK and since that time they have continued to tour every year.

Such was the popularity of the Jive Aces at last year’s RAAJ festival we had to have them back! With their entourage of local Reading based dancers from www.alljazzedup.com they are sure to set the evening off.

Contact details:
Peter Howell

W: www.jiveaces.com
E: band@jiveaces.com
T: 07793 122 646

The Dave Shepherd Dixielanders

Friday 19:15 - 20:10 and 21:10 - 22:10

Dave Shepherd (Clarinet); Chris Walker (Baritone Sax); Roy Williams (Trombone); Enrico Tomasso (Trumpet); Nick Dawson (Piano); Harvey Weston (Bass); Martin Guy (Drums).

Dave Shepherd’s youthful experience with Freddy Randall’s band led to stints with Jazz at the Philharmonic in Europe, tours with Teddy Wilson and later with Ruby Braff, Bud Freeman, Barney Kessel and many others. He was a member of Britain’s greatest Jazz Band in the seventies and led the Pizza Express All Stars from 1981 to 2001. He is still a member of the Great British Jazz Band, and makes guest appearances with many bands across the country. For the Festival, Britain’s leading Dixieland clarinettist leads an all star band, which features Enrico Tomasso on trumpet, Chris Gower on trombone, Chris Walker on baritone sax and Nick Dawson on piano (and vocals).

The name of Dave Shepherd is synonymous with the very best taste in music and he is well known for his swinging clarinet led quintet. Not so well known is his dedication to Dixieland Music. It was Dave who convinced the legendary trumpet star Freddy Randall to reform a Dixieland band back in 1972. Since those heady days Dave has been at the forefront of British Dixieland jazz both as a band leader and as a member of The Great British Jazzband, The Post Office Band and The Best of British Jazz.

Tonight Dave presents his current Dixieland Band drawn from the cream of British jazz stars some of whom have been voted best in Britain on their respective instruments.

Contact details:
W: none
E: none
T: Dave Shepherd 01425 627107

The Doctor Teeth Big Band

Friday 20:15 - 21:05 and 22:15 - 23:15

The Doctor (Vocals); Simon ‘The Duke of’ Kemp (Piano, Harmonica, Dodgy facial hair); Sheepy Parva, (Guitar, backing vocals); Chris ‘The Jive Lobster’ Mapp (Double Bass, Vocals and Choreography); Morton Pinkney (Drums’n'Money); Mike “Double Meat” Addlington, Mikea Addlington or Metal Mike Addlington (Trumpet, Ska Appreciation, Depravity); Jay “Choo Choo Cha” Moody (Tenor Saxophone, Ad Hoc Choreography); Simon “Let the Good Times” Robilliard (Trombone, Band Welfare); Paul ‘The Apostle’ Evans (Master of all); Sean ‘Walls of Jehrico’ Joshua (Paul’s groupie).

The Dr Teeth Big Band brings you an intoxicating mix of non-stopjumpjive, swingboogiewoogie and rhythm & blues we call “newbreedswing”

The band was formed over seven years ago to reinvent the great sound of jazz/blues and swing and serve it up for the new millennium. If you hear bands play music from the 40s and 50s these days it often sounds like it should be in a museum! But not with these guys!

This band plays with an energy and enthusiasm that is infectious. So, chuck out those tired jive compilations and turn off the X factor. For some hard hitting-smart arsed-driving-soulfull-boogielitious music, Insist on… The Dr Teeth Big Band

Contact details:

W: http://www.thedrteethbigband.com/index2.html
E: thedr@thedrteethbigband.com
T: 07717 006925

The T.J.Johnson Band

Saturday 19:15 - 20:10 and 21:10 - 22:10

TJ Johnson (Vocals / piano); Adrian Cox (Alto Sax / Clarinet); Jamie Lawrence (Double Bass); Richard Simmons (Piano); Jules Fenton (Drums); Mike Henry (Trumpet)

We welcome back TJ Johnson & his band after a two year gap. TJ Johnson is widely considered to be one of the UK’s finest jazz and blues singers. He is also an accomplished piano player, drummer and a respected bandleader, and over the last 20 years he has toured extensively with his own band. In his latest venture TJ, backed by his group of top British jazz musicians, leaves the piano chair to concentrate purely on his vocals.

TJ draws on many musical genre’s including jazz, blues, country and gospel and is influenced by the likes of Ray Charles, Dr John, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, BB King, Nina Simone, Alberta Hunter, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Witherspoon and many more. His distinctive voice and unique personal stage manner brings both the band and the audience together to create an intimate yet exciting atmosphere that is rarely equalled.

‘Spicy modern day jazz’ (The Independent)

‘A Barnstorming outfit driven by youthful enthusiasm’ (Jazz UK)

‘Never fails to get an audience going…TJ Johnson & his band are the best live jazz and rhythm & blues band around. Brilliant.’ - Jack Hepplewhite - (The Jazz Agency)

Contact details:

W: www.tjjohnson.co.uk
E: info@tjjohnson.co.uk
T: 0207 5038731

The Slammers Maximum Jive Band

Saturday 20:15 - 21:05 and 22:15 - 23:15

James Gray (Lead Vocal, Baritone Sax and Harmonica); Neale Hobday (Double Bass and Backing Vocals); Claire Hamlin (Piano); Gary Richardson (Drums); Andy Burns (Tenor Sax and Backing Vocals); Bob Lane (Guitar and Backing Vocals).

Maximum Jive at it’s best; a kicking horn section rides a driving rhythm of boogie piano, powerhouse bass and sizzling drums…commanding vocals take the lead as raunchy sax riffs underline sparkling guitar…a dash of blues harp…there’s a buzz about this band, a captivating excitement, energy, passion and sheer infectious enjoyment in the good time sounds inspired by the 50’s greats: Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris and King Louis “Swings like Crazy” Prima.

Formed in 2004, the Slammers Maximum Jive Band embarked on a whirlwind journey, fusing a high energy mix of swinging, rocking, jump jive’n boogie into a wild show packed with fun, excitement, and great music! Highlights so far include live shows from London’s 100 Club to Planet Music in Athens, Festival Appearances on the Southbank, at Kinsale Jazz Festival, Ireland, and Warrington’s BluesFest, and the first CD!

So, add it all together, shake, and stir up a Slammer Cocktail of Big Beat Jumpin’ Swingin’ Rhythm’n’Boogie-Blues…it’s alive, it’s wild, it’s swinging, it’s so much more than the sum of the parts…. This is Maximum Jive at it’s Best!

Contact details:

W: http://www.slammersmaxjive.co.uk/
E: theband@slammersmaxjive.co.uk
T: 07984 331420