WEST JESMOND RHYTHM KINGS
The band was formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1984 by trumpeter Mike Durham. It specialises in classic hot jazz of the 1920’s (there are over 600 tunes in the band’s book), along with some of the “hot dance” tunes of the era. The works of Clarence Williams are a particular speciality, along with the revival of tunes which have fallen into undeserved obscurity. Other favourites include King Oliver, the Armstrong Hot Fives and Sevens, early Ellington, Bix Beiderbecke, etc.
The band is well-known both nationally and internationally on the jazz club and festival circuit (over 40 festival appearances in the past five years, many of them repeat bookings) and has played in the U.S.A., France, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Holland as well as all over the U.K. (Mike himself has also played in the Australia and Japan). Major venues played include London’s 100 Club and Pizza Express, as well as Alnwick Castle for the Duke of Northumberland (where the band once led a conga-line of minor aristocracy around the State Dining Room to the tune of “The Saints”) and Basildon Park for the National Trust before an audience of over 3,000 people.
In Spring 2002 the band played a very successful tour of the mid-western states of the U.S.A., playing in Chicago, Davenport (Bix’s birthplace), Milwaukee and Kenosha, Wisconsin. A highlight was when they played in the Bluebird Inn, Milan, Illinois – a tavern where Louis, Bix and other jazz greats are known to have played in the twenties and thirties.
In addition to broadcasting on BBC and Independent radio, the band has had records issued on the American labels Stomp Off and G.H.B., and on the U.K. Lake label. Their latest CD releases are “Jubilee Stomp” (2002) on Lake Records and “The Music Of Clarence Williams” (2003) on the New Orleans based G.H.B. label.
With the various musicians doubling instruments and a repertoire ranging from ragtime to classic jazz to hot dance, you can be sure that an evening spent in the company of the West Jesmond Rhythm Kings guarantees varied fare and a few musical surprises, all immaculately presented and expertly compèred by the leader. All kinds of work undertaken, both indoor and outdoor, from solo cocktail piano to trios, quartets or the full band.
The band’s motto is “Red Hot – That’s What!” - hear them and see why!
Contact Mike Durham on (0191) 281 2935
or e-mail mikedurham_jazz@hotmail.com
Personnel:
Mike Durham trumpet & vocal, Derek Fleck clarinet & saxes, Brian Chester
trombone & piano, Keith Stephen banjo& guitar, Phil Rutherford tuba and Mac Rae drums