Britain's What's On Event Guide
Dave Moorwood's Rascals of Rhythm
The Rascals of Rhythm have a very distinctive sound and once heard become instantly recognisable. The band does not fall into any obvious catagory, which is one of it's great strengths, but it does provide a refreshing visit to an era of swinging, carefree jazz with a repertoire drawn from the classic Jelly Roll Morton & King Oliver through Fats Waller to Duke Ellington, Luis Russell and Benny Carter. It also includes much from the pens of those wonderful tunesmiths whose work makes up the Great American Songbook. The Rascals of Rhythm are tuneful, swing like mad, exude energy and enthusiasm and are a well organised and distinctive unit.
The Rascals are fronted by two wonderful musicians in Mike Wills and Tony Blincowe who between them play enough reed instruments to start a shop (or possibly a museum!). They carry on the great traditions of Jimmie Noone and Joe Poston, Sidney Bechet and Mezz Mezzrow, Bob Wilber and Kenny Davern - even Wally Fawkes and Bruce Turner. The Rhythm section has always been drumless and is based on Dave Moorwood's acoustic guitar. The original piano and bass chairs were held by Perry Lock & Roger Davis and their strong tradition has been carried on by first Geoff Barwell and now Rod Kelly (piano) and Mike Bennett(bass) They provide a backdrop...as springy as a trampoline and uncluttered as air (to quote Digby Fairweather)
The Rascals are led by :–
Dave Moorwood, a self taught musician who started in skiffle groups in the early 50s playing banjoy, guitar, mandolin and even clarinet. From about 1962 he worked in blues bands, dance bands and with an organ trio, as well as several Oxfordshire jazz bands. In 1989 he formed the Big Bear Stompers, a now almost legendary Frisco style band which survived till 1999, often playing host at their Lains Barn venue to top jazzmen as guests, including Ball, Bilk and Lyttelton. However in 1996 Dave was asked to join the Pete Allen Jazz Band and became a pivotal member of the rhythm secti
The Rascals are fronted by two wonderful musicians in Mike Wills and Tony Blincowe who between them play enough reed instruments to start a shop (or possibly a museum!). They carry on the great traditions of Jimmie Noone and Joe Poston, Sidney Bechet and Mezz Mezzrow, Bob Wilber and Kenny Davern - even Wally Fawkes and Bruce Turner. The Rhythm section has always been drumless and is based on Dave Moorwood's acoustic guitar. The original piano and bass chairs were held by Perry Lock & Roger Davis and their strong tradition has been carried on by first Geoff Barwell and now Rod Kelly (piano) and Mike Bennett(bass) They provide a backdrop...as springy as a trampoline and uncluttered as air (to quote Digby Fairweather)
The Rascals are led by :–
Dave Moorwood, a self taught musician who started in skiffle groups in the early 50s playing banjoy, guitar, mandolin and even clarinet. From about 1962 he worked in blues bands, dance bands and with an organ trio, as well as several Oxfordshire jazz bands. In 1989 he formed the Big Bear Stompers, a now almost legendary Frisco style band which survived till 1999, often playing host at their Lains Barn venue to top jazzmen as guests, including Ball, Bilk and Lyttelton. However in 1996 Dave was asked to join the Pete Allen Jazz Band and became a pivotal member of the rhythm secti
Monday 7 Aug 2023
Bluebirds Social Club, 4 Ham Lane, Longham (opposite Haskins Garden Centre), Dorset BH22 9DP
The club meets on two Mondays per month at the Bluebird Social Club, 4 Ham Lane, Longham, BH22 9DP (opposite Haskins garden centre). There is ample car parking, a large dance floor and a bar with drinks at affordable prices. Each month we try to feature at least one national band and one local band. Admission on the door is £10 for members and £12 for visitors. Doors open 6:30PM and jazz is from 7PM to 9:30PM. Tel: 01202 873071 for more information.
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