The Jazz Gentlemen

The band was formed in 2004 for a specific engagement in St Helens, and as often happens when bands get together in this way, they stayed together afterwards. They have been entertaining and thrilling audiences since then, mainly in the north west of England. Audiences often tell the Band how much they enjoy the freshness and variety of their music, with plenty of shifts of focus and scope for the fine soloists to shine. ‘New Orleans to Harlem, by way of Chicago’ is how the band’s musical territory has been described, with traditional stompers, rags, blues, swing numbers and ballads from the ’great American songbook’ all finding their place. Above all, The Jazz Gentlemen’s emphasis is on lively, entertaining jazz, and we certainly think they achieve just that. A good band to have among our regular visitors to Jazz on the Low

Band Members

Front Line

Terry Brunt - trombone/vocals

Hugely popular with audiences in the UK and Europe
Terry’s enthusiasm and joie de vivre come through in his playing
His long, brightly coloured scarf and beret are trademarks
Has been a member of several of the north’s top bands
His showmanship is legendary
He’s also a terrific player and a wizard with the mute
Not surprisingly, he adds lots of energy to the band

Terry Porter- clarinet/saxes/flute

Terry hails from London, but now lives in the north of England
Tremendous player on clarinet, saxes and flute
Taught by the legendary Harry Hayes; later became pro on London scene
Pedigree includes playing with Sid Philips, Eric Winstone and BBC bands
Toured with Danny Moss and often played with the great Spike Robinson
Equally at home on a driving swinger or a tender ballad

Derek Skepper – trumpet/vocals

Derek’s lyrical, melodic playing is much admired by fellow musicians
Great admirer of Bobby Hackett and Ruby Braff
Formerly with Chester’s Phoenix Jazz Band, Razzamajazz and Doctor Jazz
Well known for his ‘cheeky’ musical quotes
Shares the vocal duties with Terry
Also plays the flugelhorn
Has in his repertoire several fun vocals which go down a treat

Rhythm Section

Maurice Gavan– piano

Maurice is a fine clarinettist and pianist, playing piano in this line up
He was a member of the Smoky City Jazz Band for many years
Has led his own bands, as well as featuring with the Don Long Band
Plays a vital role in a dynamic rhythm section
Varies his style to suit the material, contributing some fine solos

Keith Allcock – bass

Keith cut his musical teeth on the 1950s trad scene
Later played in trios and quartets led by John Rotherham and Ken Lea
More recently was a member of Razzamajazz and Doctor Jazz
His ‘walking bass style’ is a feature of a lively rhythm section
For his sins, though, he looks after the band’s administration

Dick Nancarrow– drums

Dick is another former member of the Don Long Band
Has backed Peanuts Hucko, Harry Edison, Kenny Baker, Humphrey Lyttleton, Alan Elsdon and Bruce Turner, among others
Stints with the Manchester Panama Jazz Band, the Colin Tomkins Band and Doctor Jazz
Forceful drummer, with loads of swing; makes the band really motor!