Chicago Teddybears

Chicago Teddybears are a hugely popular, versatile band, playing Dixieland, New Orleans and Mainstream jazz, and have appeared regularly at the club for many years. From their base in the North West of England, they play at venues around the UK and Europe, and are well known on the jazz festival circuit. They excite audiences with their range of music, are very adaptable to different types of function, and always show a great enthusiasm in their performances. They have given us some great nights on the Low and, not surprisingly, still figure strongly in the gig list.

Band Members

Front Line

Ken Doran – trumpet/vocals/leader

Ken began playing jazz with the Sheaf River Jazz Band while studying at Sheffield University
After graduating, he took up a teaching post on Tyneside and spent some time guesting with local bands
In the early 1970s played with the Lymn Dam Jazz Band
Joined Chicago Teddy Bears in 1976
Cites the Chris Barber band as one of his main influences, in particular their trumpet player, Pat Halcox
Great jazz enthusiast, accomplished trumpet player and fronts the band with lots of energy

Dave Mott - clarinet/sax (alto/soprano/baritone)

Dave officially joined Chicago Teddy Bears during 2003
He is one of the northwest’s best known reed players, and was
delighted at the opportunity to play much more clarinet
Has been a freelance musician since retiring from the day job, and has played with established Manchester bands, such as the Saints and Red River
Occasionally fronts his own line up to play mainstream and showcase the vocal talents of daughter Suzanne
Past highlights include sessions with top American musicians Billy Butterfield, Peanuts Hucko, Bud Freeman, Wild Bill Davison and Ray Nanace
Also guested with the Humphrey Lyttleton band
Favourite reed players include Omer Simeon and Kenny G, and his musical hero is Duke Ellington
Dave brings immense musical talents the band

Tony Dunleavy – trombone

Joined the band in 1976
The longest serving band member
Previous bands include the Keith Pendlebury Band, the Pete Hartigan Band and the Manchester Panama Jazz Band
Main influences on Tony’s style were Jack Teagarden and George Chisholm
Perhaps quiet man of the band, but known for his sharp wit!

Rhythm Section

Neville Goodwin – piano/keyboard

Joined the band in 1983
Main influences include Oscar Peterson and Hogey Carmichael
Has the tag of the band’s ‘elder statesman’, for which he is constantly ribbed
Wide piano/keyboard range is a great asset to the band

Rae Owens – bass

Rae joined the band in 1994
He hails from Liverpool
His musical career started in the 1950’s as a guitarist
Turned to the bass while touring the Middle East with the British All Stars Jazz Band
Super bass player, and well known for his varied vocals

Tony Ormesher – banjo/guitar

Tony joined the band in 1995
Another of the band from Liverpool
Took up the guitar in the 1950’s dance band scene
Added the banjo in the mid 1980’s
His influences include Django Reinhardt, Barny Kessel and Tal Farlow
Also a great fan of the Original Dixieland Jazz Band
Well respected by his contemporaries

Brian Singleton – drums

Brian joined the band in 1980
Took up drumming in the Royal Air Force
Got into jazz listening to Barber, Bilk, Ball, Lightfoot ,Wallace
Main influence on drumming style is Ron McKay
Plays jazz for the love of it, and looks after the band’s booking administration