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?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?
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. JudyMemories. 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
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.
I loved the old Trad jazz concerts. Hump Lytleton and the gang great stuff
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.Now there's a coincidence Oldbrit. Humphrey Lyttleton was my introduction to Jazz, on record, when I was a schoolboy.
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.
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.
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
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_G1B2nsFwGHHAIriFFRVeCBu2pYJ3FcDuring 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.
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!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.