Savannah Jazz Band

Savannah have been regulars on the Low for many years, and have never failed to put in a heartfelt performance. As their name suggests, their style is New Orleans and they play in a driving and exciting way, thrilling their audiences. This is a truly international band, and their distinctive sound has been enjoyed in America, Canada, New Zealand, Mainland Europe and Scandinavia, as well as throughout the British Isles. Formed in 1979 at the Station Tavern in Huddersfield, South Yorkshire, they have an enviable pedigree in jazz circles, and a large following. Not that new faces haven’t appeared, as their band member profiles show.

Band Members

Front Line

Brian ‘Sam’ Ellis – trombone/piano

Yorkshire man Brian has been with Savannah since the late 1980s
Has played with numerous bands over a long association with jazz
Ten years with the band he formed, The Maryland Jazzmen
Has played many UK venues and in Europe and Scandinavia
Very energetic trombone input to the front line

Bill Smith – cornet/vocals

Bill was born in Stockport and now resides in Romiley, Cheshire
His first band was the Jazz Hatters, led by clarinettist Roy Rogers
Joined Smoky City Jazz Band in 1969, becoming band leader in the 1980s
Other bands played with include Dallas Jazz Band and the Mike Pembroke Hot Seven
Style influences include Muggsy Spanier, Wild Bill Davison and Alex Welsh
Bill plays with lots of energy and humour, and is a popular vocalist

Rod Chambers – clarinet/vocals

Rod started playing in the early 1960s with Jeff Milner in Yorkshire
Moved to Manchester to join The Ged Hone Ragtime Band
First visited New Orleans in 1972 and has been back several times
Accompanied American jazz greats as Alton Purnell, Thomas Jefferson, Louis Nelson.
Helped form the Dave Donohoe Band in 1973,
Moved to London in 1977 and joined Mike Casimir's New Iberia Stompers
Remained with Mike until the band broke up in 1985; when first ‘Joymakers’ were formed.
Seven years with Colin Kingwells Jazz Bandits, before re-forming the current ‘Joymakers’.
Joined the Savannah Jazz Band in January 2006

Rhythm Section

John Meehan – drums/bandleader

John has been with Savannah from the outset
Hails from Halifax in West Yorkshire
Energetic and charismatic band leader
Heart of superb rhythm section

Tony Pollitt – bass

Tony comes from the western side of the Pennines
His second spell with the band began in 1990
Played with Mike Pembroke’s Hot Seven and with Keith Pendlebury
Spells also with Smoky City Jazz Band and Ged Hone’s Big Four
Very accomplished bass player

Louis Lince- banjo

Louis joined Savannah in 2005, following the retirement of Jack Cooper
Hails from St Helens, Lancashire
Late 1950s/early 1960s played with Colne Valley Six and the Memphis City Jazz Band
Formed Louis Lince’s New Orleans Jazz Band in 1986
Highly respected musician, and great asset to the band