REFER TO THE REVIEW OF LATEST CD HERE
AVAILABLE FROM FRIENDS OF BIG BAND JAZZ AND CDBABY
COPIES AVAILABLE IN THE UK FROM 01675442050
Featuring the wonderful Mark Nightingale
Usual personel:-
*This is usual occupant. It can change
Telephone enquiries re the band 01675 44 22050.
Send e-mail to: mainlybigbands at btinternet.com.
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In the fifties,the City of Birmingham in the West Midlands (in the U.K.) had a reputation for a negative attitude towards live music,and in particular towards visiting artistes, national and international. Although there are pockets of rabid support for Kenton, Herman, Rich and so on, it has not been unknown for auditoria to be less than half full. I believe it was in the fifties that headlines were created as the result of negative attitudes and support for visiting bands.
Although there must be some truth in this, it must be said that a significant number of people recall halcyon days, when the pubs, clubs and dance halls featured a mouth watering selection of jazz artistes. Many still talk fondly of seeing Vic Lewis, Ted Heath, Tubby Hayes, Jack Parnell and more . With the exception of any reference to the music of Glenn Miller, JAZZ events are now considered to be such a risk, that, with some understatement,I will say that the incidences of local big name concerts are getting fewer and fewer.
I recall seeing Woody Herman (Jimmy Campbell era), in the Odeon Cinema when the theatre must have been only a quarter full. Seeing Harry James in The Town Hall, when that was only maybe half full. Similar experiences with Clark Terry's Big Band, Gil Evans. Even Stan Kenton and Buddy Rich have failed to fill the Town Hall on occasions. There have been exceptions of course, Basie was fairly reliable as was Dave Brubeck, the Modern Jazz Quartet and some others. Nowadays, brave promoters go for smaller venues, use local backing for visiting solo headliners and cross their fingers!
What's my point?
My point is that given the above, the area has long produced some of the finest musicians in the U.K. The London session scene is littered with Midlands musicians. To penetrate the inner-sanctum of first call musicians there, you must have a significantly potent talent.
In recent years, the reason why this situation continues, goes back to a couple of areas of influence, one is the fine 'one to one' tutoring from some great caring local professionals, the other is the existance of the MIDLAND YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA under the direction of John Ruddick.
On MYJO's page I have already underlined John Ruddick's mixed emotions as and when fine young players leave on age limit and either go on to quality professional careers or cannot find challenges of the standard of MYJO.
Of course a fine musician like Mr.Ruddick also likes a challenge. He too wants to be in a good band. Like some leaders he also likes to relax in a section for once!
John Ruddick (Junior)an ex-trumpet player, decided to form his own big band; find some MYJO alumni; add a few of the best local professionals and see what happens!
The result was FAT CHOPS.... a startling epithet for new big band that has a trumpet section that must rival any in the UK (and beyond) a trombone section that brilliantly underpins the quality of the trumpets. A saxophone section that has the sort of authority you have hitherto associated with the best American bands. Last but not least is the rhythm section... with Neil Bullock in the drum chair, you have the impact of a Buddy Rich and more. Difficult to fault the keyboard and bass skills of the rest of that section.
The band's library is exceptional. While there must be references to music by the great American big bands including Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Buddy Rich, Bill Holman, Bob Curnow. There is another source. One of the finest all-round musicians to have benefited from the MYJO experience is tenor man Martin Williams. As well as being a multi-instrumentalist, Martin composes and arranges. click to contact Martin for information about his music, commissions etc. I am convinced that he is the most important new arranger in the U.K., and his progress should be watched closely.
A number of recent concerts have impressed the local big band supporters. One remarkable instance was the Midland Region, Musician's Union Big band Competition. Not only was it the first time ever that the entire audience, including supporters of other contesting groups, gave a thrilling standing ovation, but FAT CHOPS scooped all awards (missed out on the flower arranging).
Please contact 0167544 2050 to book the band for your festival unless if you are prepared to succomb to the demands of your customers and arrange further appearances. In the event of the need to support other artistes, I can guarantee that this band is among the best sight-reading bands anywhere. They will read and perform any new music with the enthusiasm and efficiency that it would have for it's regular library.
Noting the date of this most recent revision. The band goes from strength to strength and performs regularly in the West Midlands. It's debut CD still sells well at concerts and via the telephone number above and HERE use the e-mail link on the MYJO site.
Copyright © 1997 John Killoch.
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revision JULY 2007
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