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St John's Arts Centre Old Harlow, Essex CM17 0AJ
A Night In New Orleans
Thursday 29th July @ 8PM
A Night in New Orleans with The World Champion of Jazz, Max Collie, Gentleman Jim McIntosh, Chez Chesterman, Karl Hird, Lord Arsenal, Keith Donald & John Petters
See a video of Max Collie’s last appearance at St Johns in July 2009
Click the image below.
Following the sensational Terry Lightfoot sell-out concert on 24th June, the season of hot jazz at St John’s Arts Centre, (St John’s Walk, Market St Old Harlow CM17 0AJ) draws to a rousing close for the summer, with a spectacular all star stomping session, recalling the spirit of the New Orleans Mardi-Gras.
Australian trombonist, Max Collie, achieved the impossible - making New Orleans Jazz popular with the rock generation of the ‘70s. His residency at the Trafalgar Pub in London’s trendy Kings Rd was THE place to be seen!
A huge fan base in Europe, and then the unheard of ‘coals-to-Newcastle’ scenario of playing in New Orleans and then being crowned ‘World Champion of Jazz’, in Indianapolis, may seem a little unreal, but it happened to Max.
Not content to rest upon his laurels, Collie launched his ‘New Orleans Mardi-Gras’ show, touring theatres all over the country to capacity crowds. As well as his band, The Max Collie Rhythm Aces, the show featured jazz legends Ken Colyer and Cy Laurie.
Banjoist, ‘Gentleman’ Jim McIntosh was part of that history. Originally a trombone player, from Saffron Walden, Jim depped for Max, decided he liked the band and joined soon after on banjo remaining for some twenty odd years.
Chez Chesterman needs little in the way of introduction to jazz fans. He appeared on BBC Radio 2’s ‘Wogan Show’ and has lead his own successful band for many years. Needless to say, Chez’s cornet is steeped in the New Orleans tradition.
Fellow Australian, clarinet and sax man, Karl Hird is of the younger generation of players. He grew up with the sounds of jazz ringing in his ears – both parents were professional musicians. Karl developed an incredibly, fluent ability on clarinet and is ranked as one of the finest performers in the genre.
‘Lord’ Arsenal is one of the most colourful characters in the jazz world. A highly talented pianist, whose career has included stints with Sammy Rimmington’s band as well as Max’s, his ‘Lordship’ is a natural humourist who could have enjoyed a successful career in comedy
.
Keith Donald and John Petters, then both living in Harlow, then rookie musicians, used to follow the Max Collie Rhythm Aces in the early ‘70s
For Thursday’s concert, which promises to be a night to remember, the band will play a selection of stomps, blues, spirituals, marches and popular songs, all with that elusive and attractive southern beat.
Admission is on £10 on the door.
Details from John Petters on 01406 365 731 or e-mail tjpost@traditional-jazz.com
