The sad news that the River City Jazzmen have finally called it a day brings to a close an era that, to my knowledge, ran for about 60 years.
Failing health and a shortage of stylistically compatable players have caused trombonist Gordon Solomon to finally say 'enough is enough'.
However, before it is too late I'd like to ask anyone, either players or fans, to mail me their memories and photos so we can put together a lasting memorial to the band.
For example, can anyone recall the names of the founder members?
Let's hear from you.
Lance.
Extract from an article by Peter Gascoigne ca 1960s.
"...the River City Jazzmen are a team of fine musicians who are very much jazz-based, but also include a fair amount of comedy, both spoken and musically, in their programme. They run sessions at two pubs in Newcastle. One at the Bridge Hotel on Mondays, and one at the Corner House Hotel, just in the suburbs, on Wednesdays."
As a teenager,some 45 ago and living out in "the sticks" (ie Ashington) you would not think I would have got to much live jazz. Not so - my diary regularly read:-
ReplyDeleteFriday. Travel to Newcastle's New Orleans Club to listen to the Vieux Carre Jazzmen
Saturday. Go to the Universal Social Club ( at the end of our street) to hear the Joe Shenton's River City Jazzmen
Sunday. Walk to the other end of Ashington to hear Clem Avery's Jazz band and Skiffle Group in the back room of the Portland Hotel
So am I correct that the River city were originally a "club turn"?
Very sad news indeed Lance. Hearing it was as if the Tyne Bridge itself had collapsed.
ReplyDeleteGeorge