Bill Bailey Jazz Band

The band was formed in 1997 by Richard 'Bill' Bailey, specifically to perform at the Travellers Rest Inn, Quarnford, Near Buxton, on the occasion of the hostelry being re-opened. This followed extensive renovation, both internally and externally by the new landlord, and the gig developed into a residency. Other local gigs followed, then opportunities further afield presented themselves. By late 1998, the band was travelling extensively in the North West. 1999 brought even more work and by early 2000, gigs were being planned throughout Britain.

Their first CD, "Won't You Please Come Home?" was recorded in July 1999 and has been a great success. Further recordings are planned.

Initially the format was five-piece, (trumpet, reeds, banjo/guitar, string bass & percussion), although this has more-or-less settled into a four-man line-up in latter times (i.e. no percussion), however 4, 5 or 6 piece ensembles (+ trombone) are available as required. For dinner jazz bookings, a trio (trumpet, piano & bass), are also available.

The band has toured the West Country in July 2000 and 2001 and are planning an extended tour there in 2002, as well as being booked to appear at several jazz festivals / jazz weekends.

Brass - 'Bill' Bailey leads the band on trumpet, with both cornet and flugel horn available for variety. "Bill" has over forty years experience of brass playing (he started very young!) in various disciplines. He has a bright fresh approach to his jazz which characterises his Band.

Reeds - Matt Palmer joined the band in 1998, having done some guest appearances previously. Matt's style is very lively and his rapport with "Bill" both on and off stage is a major factor in the band's success. Clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax and even baritone sax all feature in Matt's ensemble and solo work. His experiences include playing with Kenny Baker, Pete Allen and many other "greats", and he was resident at Alton Towers for some time.

Banjo/Guitar - Fred Williams was the original member in this seat, but personal business commitments proved to be limiting. Although still a 'member' Fred's appearances with the band are now less frequent. Pete 'Pedro' Robinson has also played for "Bill" on many occasions both on banjo/guitar and bass/tuba, however the band's resident 'plink-plonker' is Alan Birkinhead. Alan has brought even more life to the outfit if this were possible! He has played with Acker Bilk and many other top names, at times in his career.

Bass - The original bass-man with "Bill" was Paul Cooper, a fine musician. Sadly, business also proved to be a limiting factor again, and eventually Bob Mason was recruited. He has a sparkle in his playing and a twinkle in his eye, which complements the overall style of the band.

Vocals - "Bill", Matt and Alan all take their turn offering variety of sound and style; even harmonies are not unknown!

Augmenting - When percussion is required, "Bill" has several experienced drummers ready to step up, including Dave Attwood and Howard Renshaw. If the band goes "full 6", Alan diverts onto trombone, vacating the banjo chair for Fred or Pete. However, the band's format is normally four-piece, offering a welcome change from the normal five and six piece line-ups - this format works well ----- Very well

Astbury Golf Club, Congleton : Austin British Legion, Birmingham : Blakeys Cafe Bar, Blackburn : Botanical Gardens, Birmingham : British Telecom, Yarnfield : British Waterways, Braunston : Bude Jazz Club : Burton Jazz Club : The Calvert Trust, Keswick : Catford Jazz Club (Rutland Arms), London : Cheadle Festival : Crown Hotel, Boston Spa : Devon Arms Jazz, Torquay : Dunwood Hall, Longsden : Durham Indoor Bowling Club : Eagley Jazz Club, Bolton : Eathorpe Park Jazz Club, Leamington Spa : Endon Cricket Club, Stoke : The George Hotel, Waterhouses, Leek : Golden Coast Holiday Village, Woolacombe : The Golden Lion Jazz Club, Solihull : The Half Moon, Paignton : The Hampshire Arms, Crondall, Hants : The Hampshire Fire Service "Phoenix CLub", Eastleigh : The Harp, Albrighton : The Hesketh Arms, Southport : Hyde Cricket Club : The James Brindley, Birmingham : Jazz Club 90, Shropshire : Jazz Tour 2000-South West, West Country : Keswick Jazz Festival : Keswick Labour Club : Kidderminster Harriers FC Jazz Club : Longton Bowling Club, Preston : The Malthouse Jazz Bar, Ironbridge : The Manor-House Hotel, Alsager : Mount Pleasant Jazz Club, Bath : Nick Holt's Jazz Weekend, Woolacombe : The Old Duke, Bristol : The Outgate Inn, Cumbria : Park Hall Hotel, Wolverhampton : The Plough & Harrow, Sutton Coldfield : The Priory, Nanpantan : Roade Ex-Servicemen's Club, Northampton : The Rossendale Trust, Congleton : The Royal George, West Coker, Somerset : Royal Mail, Leicester : Royal Oak, Keswick : Satchmo's Jazz Bar, Stoke : Shepherd's Arms Hotel, Cumbria : Stafford Jazz Society : Staffordshire Moorlands Festival : Stafford University Pavillion Rooms, Stoke : Star Inn, Tiverton, Devon : Stanton Bowers Outdoor Centre, Newcastle : St. Gabriels F.C. Jazz Club, Castleton, Rochdale : The Stonehouse Hotel, Stone : Swythamley Community Centre, Macclesfield : Swythamley Hall, Macclesfield : Tad Newton's Xmas Special, Northampton : Tamworth Jazz Club : The Three Horseshoes, Seaton : The Toby Inn, Bridgewater : The Trumpet, Bilston : Upton-On-Severn Jazz Festival : Whitewater Hotel Jazz Bar, Cumbria : The Wildgoose, Newton Abbott : Willy's Bar Jazz Club, (Wilbraham Arms), Alsager : Wolverhampton Cricket Club : Wolverhampton Rugby Club : The Wordsworth Hotel, Grasmere : Workington Golf Club : 51 Jazz Club, Cornwall