Jazz Clubs

[snoker]

Wednesday lunch times was my time at the Casino - around 1955-56. but it was rock and roll then.

 

[postie]

Did any of you know a drummer called Aubrey Walton?

 

[sospiri]

Norfolk Brummie:

I've just had a reply back from my bass player pal as follows:- "It's so long ago, but I seem to think he [Neilson] was the Bass Player Vocalist with Ralfini, I have no idea where he is now. I went to Jersey for about 6 months playing at the Hotel de France and let my house to Jan Ralfini and his wife until I came back home with my wife and baby daughter, who was born there. That's about all I know about Ralfini, I did a few deps at the Pavilion for him. Sorry I can't be of more help re Don Neilson."

Maurice

 

[norfolk brummie]

Many thanks for your help, Maurice. I knew that there was not much hope of contacting Don, but again, thanks for trying.

Eddie

 

[Brian inKent]

My husband's cousin (Tony Hobson) used to play with the Eagle Jazz Band. Sadly, he died a while ago. I believe it's called The Millenium Eagle Jazz Band now, with a new lineup.
The only Ronnie Scotts I remember was the one in Frith Street Soho, think they only (comparatively) recently opened and closed the one in Brum.
The Central Jazz Club - ah yes, that was the one in The Kind Edward Pub that I was trying to think of.
George Huxley still plays at various venues - he must be 103 now if he's a day, and probably still plays a mean clarinete.
The Opposite Lock used to be great for Jazz as well, when Martin whatsisname ran it.

Mike Jones,John Dickinson and me, Brian Latham owned the Central Jazz Club and others in Birmingham including Piccadilly. I recall the great nights at the latter with Ken Colyer. I played at the Swingshift a modern jazz in the 50s. The resident band at the Central was Nick Williams Central Jazzmen. Among others who played for us was Danny Lawson. Regretfully I have lost contact with my partners and musicians. Can anyone help?

 

[Charlie]

Mike Jones,John Dickinson and me, Brian Latham owned the Central Jazz Club and others in Birmingham including Piccadilly. I recall the great nights at the latter with Ken Colyer. I played at the Swingshift a modern jazz in the 50s. The resident band at the Central was Nick Williams Central Jazzmen. Among others who played for us was Danny Lawson. Regretfully I have lost contact with my partners and musicians. Can anyone help?

Do you mean Dan Pawson? Sadly he died some time ago at a relatively young age.

 

[Brian inKent]

Yes. Sorry to hear he has died. But my connection with B'ham jazz was in 50s and 60s so I suppose most of the guys from then are old like me or passed.

 

[OldBrummie]

Memories. Where would we be without them. I used to frequent the Midland Jazz Club after 'Tech'. Again, Joined Ronnie Scott's at The Mermaid and had some fabulous Monday evenings there. Also, "worked the door" at a venue in Aston for Basil Wainwright. Last I heard of him, he was "Locked Up" in a "facility" in America. But my cherished highlight was meeting Count Basie at The Odeon in 1963 just before I migrated to Australia. Then, I had only been in Aus for 6 months or so when I met him again. Miss the "old days". OldBrummie.

 

[oldbrit]

WE need you back EDDIE Miss your comments mate. RIP

 

[Jayell]

Memories. Where would we be without them. I used to frequent the Midland Jazz Club after 'Tech'. Again, Joined Ronnie Scott's at The Mermaid and had some fabulous Monday evenings there. Also, "worked the door" at a venue in Aston for Basil Wainwright. Last I heard of him, he was "Locked Up" in a "facility" in America. But my cherished highlight was meeting Count Basie at The Odeon in 1963 just before I migrated to Australia. Then, I had only been in Aus for 6 months or so when I met him again. Miss the "old days". OldBrummie.

We must have been at the same place together many times Old Brummie. I also went to the MJC in Digbeth, Ronnie Scotts at the Mermaid. Saw Count Basie at the Odeon. And was the venue in Aston, over the Golden Cross? I used to go to the Americana and Studio One there. Judy

 

[OldBrummie]

We must have been at the same place together many times Old Brummie. I also went to the MJC in Digbeth, Ronnie Scotts at the Mermaid. Saw Count Basie at the Odeon. And was the venue in Aston, over the Golden Cross? I used to go to the Americana and Studio One there. Judy

Judy I am sure we were together some of the time. I certainly miss those days. Here in Aus there is still some Jazz to be found but it's rather 'few and far between' these days. We used to have a lot of Pub Jazz in Sydney but those days have long gone. Talking of Basie reminds me I also saw "Ella" at The Odeon and I think it was a couple of months or so before seeing and meeting "The Count". At least I still have my CD's. Sadly, the LP's had to go a long while back.
Old Brummie.

 

[OldBrummie]

We must have been at the same place together many times Old Brummie. I also went to the MJC in Digbeth, Ronnie Scotts at the Mermaid. Saw Count Basie at the Odeon. And was the venue in Aston, over the Golden Cross? I used to go to the Americana and Studio One there. Judy

Judy, forgot the last bit. I can't recall the venue in Aston I was doorman but I seem to recall it was ground floor and the room itself was quite large with stage at the far end opposite the entrance. Not a spectacular room but good Jazz and good crowds. One other thing I remember was that Basil Wainwright was driving a VERY LARGE American car.
OldBrummie.

 

[Jayell]

Judy, forgot the last bit. I can't recall the venue in Aston I was doorman but I seem to recall it was ground floor and the room itself was quite large with stage at the far end opposite the entrance. Not a spectacular room but good Jazz and good crowds. One other thing I remember was that Basil Wainwright was driving a VERY LARGE American car.
OldBrummie.

Hello Old Brummie - yes, I miss those days too. They were fun days. I also went to see Ellie at the Odeon and she was fabulous. As to the venue in Aston, well it doesn't sound like the Golden Cross as that was upstairs, but as we seemed to frequent the same places, I'd love to know where it was! Judy

 

[oldbrit]

I loved the old Trad jazz concerts. Hump Lytleton and the gang great stuff

 

[OldBrummie]

I loved the old Trad jazz concerts. Hump Lytleton and the gang great stuff

Now there's a coincidence Oldbrit. Humphrey Lyttleton was my introduction to Jazz, on record, when I was a schoolboy.
OldBrummie.

 

[Mike Bond]

I remember Basil Wainwright and the Midland All Stars in the 1960's , their venue was the Holt public house very near to the Villa football club.There was a large room at the back of the pub with a raised stage, plenty of room to sit or dance and there was always a good crowd.Sadly, the local gangs started to filter in and cause fights and the band eventually moved to a smaller venue near the city centre.Great band. Mike.

 

[oldbrit]

Now there's a coincidence Oldbrit. Humphrey Lyttleton was my introduction to Jazz, on record, when I was a schoolboy.
OldBrummie.

He was one of the best (sorry about the ONE T) My sister Joan lives in Hagley and we go to the "Lyttleton Arms pub. Always think about Hump when we do.

 

[OldBrummie]

I remember Basil Wainwright and the Midland All Stars in the 1960's , their venue was the Holt public house very near to the Villa football club.There was a large room at the back of the pub with a raised stage, plenty of room to sit or dance and there was always a good crowd.Sadly, the local gangs started to filter in and cause fights and the band eventually moved to a smaller venue near the city centre.Great band. Mike.

Mike thanks for the pub name. I would never have remembered in a hundred years.
OldBrummie.

 

[Mike Bond]

Old Brummie, I think the name only stuck with me because as an Apprentice at G.E.C. my wages were peanuts but Saturday night with the All Stars at the Holt was within my budget. We must have past each other on many a Saturday evening. Best wishes, Mike.

 

[OldBrummie]

Old Brummie, I think the name only stuck with me because as an Apprentice at G.E.C. my wages were peanuts but Saturday night with the All Stars at the Holt was within my budget. We must have past each other on many a Saturday evening. Best wishes, Mike.

Actually Mike I probably took your wages at the door.
OldBrummie.

 

[Williamstreeter]

Hi Charlie, it looks as though you and I went to the same places in the late 50's and early 60's!! I also used to go to the Midland Jazz Club in Digbeth and still have my membership card dated 1958. It was all trad jazz there.

I also used to go to the Golden Cross pub in Aston where there was Jazz Studio 1 (modern jazz) and on another night they had Cha Cha at The Americana, held in the same room above the pub. I think we also went to the Swan at Yardley.

I also have a membership card for Ronnie Scott's Club dated 1961, but can't remember where this was in those days - does anyone know?

Judy

Judy just noticed this post was it on Broad St almost next to The Granville public house top of Granville St ?

 

[Mike Bond]

My few pennies were well spent Old Brummie.Mike.

 

[John D]

I was a a keen fan of George Huxley, in the late 50’s early 60’s. Bobby Pratt was trumpet, Charlie Powell trombone, and a guy who drove an old Austin 7 on banjo. Friday night upstairs at the Old Crown and Sunday night at The Firebird restuarant in Carr’s lane. With George’s wife on the door collecting the money. I was a very poorly paid apprentice at that time, and if the money lasted I would go to the Edward 7th pub opposite the old fire station. At that time George must have been one of the best Dodds style players anywhere. Great years.
John D

 

[sospiri]

Welcome to the Forum, John D. I really wasn't a fan of trad, so didn't go down Digbeth much at all. I knew of George Huxley and knew Bobby Pratt from his later big band work. I knew the Firebird and the late Chris Padan very well. I spent many lunchtimes down there gorging on Chris' marvellous Spanish omelettes & chips, and got to meet many visiting American jazz musicians - Brubeck, Ellington, Basie, the MJQ. I was quite often down there of an evening, sometimes playing (piano), and one night sitting in with Acker bilk and Roy Castle for a bit of a jam session. I got to know Roy much better after I moved to Dorset in 1961 because he had a house not far from me and we used to go to the same musician's parties. Great times.

Maurice

 

[Jayell]

Hello John, I also remember the Firebird with happy memories, also Ronnie Scotts at the Mermaid and Studio One at the Golden Cross amongst others. Judy

 

[sospiri]

Hi Judy,

I hope you're keeping well. Those were great times and some of my best in Brum.

Maurice

 

[Jayell]

Hi Maurice, yes they definitely were good times and a lot of fun. I'm well - hope you and Jan are too.

Judy

 

[sospiri]

Hi Judy,

Had a 9-day spell in hospital & now awaiting the results of some CT scans (diabolical cough). On the mend, but not quite gone. Jan's fine - immune system & constitution of an ox! I'll email you later as this is rather off topic.

Maurice

 

[EmJay86]

During my (mis-spent?) youth in the late fifties/early sixties, I used to go to quite a few jazz clubs. Tops was, of course, the Midland Jazz Club in Deritend (before it moved to Aston). Second City Jazzmen were usually there and they had top visiting bands: Kenny Ball, Chris Barber etc. Then there was the Piccadilly Jazz Club in the Piccadilly Arcade and also a good club in the pub at the end of Steelhouse Lane - I think it's called the Sack of Potatoes now. Great times, great bands, great music. Lots of beer and cider and good friends.

Great to see some posts about Second City Jazzmen on here. I will enjoy reading through them. I am Len Coton’s (drummer) granddaughter. I was only 12 when he passed and so never got the chance to learn about the band first hand. I have managed to find pictures on a few forums and also someone has amazingly and very kindly added the bands album to You Tube and Spotify. Here is the You Tube link if anyone would like to listen: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nR_G1B2nsFwGHHAIriFFRVeCBu2pYJ3Fc

It would be great to hear from anyone who remembers going to see them play.

 

[Richard Dye]

Great to see some posts about Second City Jazzmen on here. I will enjoy reading through them. I am Len Coton’s (drummer) granddaughter. I was only 12 when he passed and so never got the chance to learn about the band first hand. I have managed to find pictures on a few forums and also someone has amazingly and very kindly added the bands album to You Tube and Spotify. Here is the You Tube link if anyone would like to listen: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nR_G1B2nsFwGHHAIriFFRVeCBu2pYJ3Fc

It would be great to hear from anyone who remembers going to see them play.

Hello Melonza, welcome to the Forum! Long time lister to the SCJ, could not get the link to play. Says the videos are hidden. Might be me!