I felt it was about time we introduced some more photos of the musicians in the band. This time its the turn of Dave Margaronni, trombonist. These photos show that Dave not only plays superb trombone but has a background in playing the double bass. Here you can see Dave on one of his several visits to New Orleans. You will also see him playing with Kenny Ball, the wonderful British Jazz trumpet player.

Cafe Jazz Cardiff

I was delighted to be invited to play at Cafe Jazz, Cardiffs premier Jazz venue at the beginning of January. The band, a new one, is called 'The Workhouse Band' and was the brain child of Bob Goddard and Martin Butterworth. Andrew Naylor fronts the band on trumpet with the unusual line - up of two clarinets, bass, guitar and banjo. No Drums and no trombone at this time.

The evening was a success and there is already an invitation to return to Cafe Jazz in the near future. I will post information as dates are confirmed.

The 'Brolly Parade'.

Sunday 9th December saw something new for the Monty Jazz Club in Newtown, Powys when we staged our first Brolly Parade competition. To the accompaniment of 'The Southern Sounds Jazzmen' playing 'The Saints' our Brolly holders came 'Marching in'. Various designs were paraded and eventually a prize was awarded. But all competitors deserved first prize for getting involved, having fun and providing entertainment for the audience of 50 loyal jazzers. Congratulations!

Sunday 2nd December and here we are on the 'Howlta' Train heading south from Shrewsbury to Llandrindod Wells. It was Jazz all the way! If you fancy a train trip into the heart of Wales, accompanied by live music, this is the train to catch. Left to right: Jeff Matthews: Clarinet, Dave Margaroni: Trombone, Michael Morris: Bass, Matt Saunders: Banjo. We called ourselves, 'The Dixie Jazz Four' - portable jazz fun!

The Howlta Train website link posted below:

http://howlta.ruralwales.org/english/default.htm

We're Back!

After a busy summer, we are back at the Monty Club, Broad Street, Newtown, Powys for our regular 2nd Sunday of the month sessions. - 12.30 - 3.00. Our October session featured David Sherwood on Cornet and our November session Pete Ainge on trumpet. Both of these guys are wonderful musicians and we enjoyed their playing very much.

Stan's back! Our trumpet player, Stan Williams, has not been able to play at our last two Newtown sessions because of previous commitments, but we welcome him back for our December 9th gig in Newtown.

I have formed a quartet playing Dixieland numbers for smaller gatherings. On December 2nd we are playing on a Train trip through Mid Wales, leaving from Shrewsbury and winding its way down to Llandovery before returning to Shrewsbury. The line up is myself, Jeff - clarinet, Dave Margaroni-trombone, Matt Sanders - banjo, Mike Morris - double bass.

On December 21st the quartet will be entertaining customers at the Coed Y Dinas County store (Charlies) in Welshpool.