THE RIVER CITY JAZZMEN-- REPRINTED FROM JUST JAZZ INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE. Part one.

This is a copy of a 2005 article from Just Jazz International magazine by trombonist and leader of the River City Jazzmen, Gordon Solomon. It is re-printed here as a tribute to the band which called it a day earlier this year.

Lance.

The RCJ was formed in 1955, making this year, 2005, the 50°’ anniversary for the band. To the best of my knowledge only two other bands have played together continuously for this length of time - the Chris Barber band, of course, - and the Merseysippi band from Liverpool. The story actually began in 1953 at Max Share's music shop in Percy Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. In an effort to interest young people in music, (if only it would happen today!) Max had formed a weekly harmonica club in a room above his shop. It was here that three youngsters, Ray Shenton, Herbie Hudson and Harry Stevenson met up and decided to set up a harmonica trio which they called the Harmonica Hoodlums! The boys got quite a lot of work, and in 1954 they were invited down to the Lime Grove Television Studios in London to appear on an early talent show called “All Your Own” which was presented by Huw Weldon. Following this they did regular radio broadcasts in the North of England until, with the addition of three more keen friends, they decided to form a traditional jazz band, hence the River City Jazzmen were born. The band was an immediate success with the quickly growing number of jazz followers. The personnel changed slightly at this time but soon settled down to a stable unit made up of John Potts - Trumpet, Herbie Hudson - Trombone, Harry Stevenson - Clarinet, Colin Hopper – Banjo, Ray Shenton - Tuba, Brian Sanson - Drums. Shortly after this Ray Shenton’s brother Joe joined on washboard giving the band a very distinctive sound. Joe also took over as band manager and later proved himself to be an ideal front man for the band. This group became very popular and usually played 5 to 6 nights a week at venues all over the North, -- there were many thriving clubs in the area at that time such as the Royal Arcade , the New Orleans Club and the Downbeat in Newcastle, and the likes of the Coatham Hotel in Redcar and Baileys in South Shields. Obviously there have been personnel changes over the years, and the sound of the band has changed , but it is still going strong and is fortunate to still have a good number of loyal followers. During 1980 clarinetist Bruce Bakewell joined, and his lovely New Orleans style was much appreciated. Bruce later played and recorded with Ken Colyer. Also, at this time, trumpeter Joe Errington, now with Papa Bue in Denmark, was with the group and stayed for many years. Probably the most famous musician to play with us was a certain Gordon Sumner, known nowadays as Sting. Sting had played bass with trombone player Gordon Solomon for 12 months in 1973 in two earlier bands, the Phoenix Jazzmen and the Newcastle Big Band, and when Gordon left to join the RCJ Sting followed and helped out for a few gigs. Gordon Solomon 2005 (to be continued...)

Link to photos.