| |
 |
 |
|
The Band |
|
The Heart of England Jazz Band comprises experienced musicians playing traditional and Dixieland jazz, most of whom are vocalists as well as instrumentalists. All have played for many years in both Midlands based and Internationally renown bands.
The Band has played at most of the major jazz clubs in the UK and at numerous jazz festivals both at home and abroad, where its entertaining and accomplished repertoire brings pleasure to varied audiences everywhere.
The musicians have performed many times in Europe, and have made repeated visits to The Canaries, the twenty-fourth time being in April 2009, and have toured St Louis and New Orleans in the USA.
The Band is available for weddings, anniversaries, barbecues, promotional and corporate events; in fact, any event which requires live music to suit the occasion.
|
| |
|
|
Band Members |
| |
|
|
|
|
Pete Ainge - Trumpet
Pete’s musical career began when he enlisted into the airforce at the age of sixteen. He joined the trumpet band at RAF Cosford to escape more strenuous duties and taught himself to play valve trumpet a couple of years later. Pete's driving and exciting style contributes so much to the overall sound. Hobbies include aviation and model aircraft, electronics and computing.
|
 |
|
Kevin Grenfell - Trombone
The youngest member of the Band, Kevin began playing cornet, aged six, adopting the trombone at eleven. Principal trombonist with the Cornish Youth Brass Band, at 18 joined Queen’s Own Hussars, studying music at Kneller Hall. 1990, left the army to become a freelance musician and teacher. Influenced by Don Lusher, ‘Tricky Sam’ Nanton, Tommy Dorsey and Roy Williams. An MG enthusiast. |
 |
|
Dave Smith - Banjo
Starting in the late fifties playing skiffle, Dave was drawn to the banjo in the Ball, Barber and Bilk trad revival era, contributing to the swinging sound of the Band with his accurate and reliable chordwork. Now retired from his computer graphics business, which produced artwork for cassette and CD covers for many of the top UK jazz bands. His hobbies include cycling and lager tasting! |
 |
|
Roger Heath - Bass
The second member of the rhythm section to have his roots in skiffle, Roger soon moved over to the jazz scene. A much sought after bass player in all styles of music, Roger was a Jazz Awards winner in 1994. Roger is also a founder member of the band. Now retired from a major motor manufacturer, when he is not playing he is involved in local charity work and is a keen fisherman. |
 |
|
Nick Millward - Drums
Undoubtedly encouraged by his dad, the late, legendary, Clive Millward, Nick had his first set of drums when he was five. Clive was the first and only drummer with The Heart of England Jazz Band, and it is fitting that his son, despite commitments to other bands, fulfils as many engagements with ‘The Hearts’ as he can. Nick has been a professional musician all of his working life, playing with The Pete Allen Jazz Band, Terry Lightfoot’s Jazz Band and, since 1999, The Kenny Ball Band. In his spare time, Nick enjoys keeping fit and has completed the London Marathon in a respectable time. |
 |
|
Reedsmen - Reeds
We are very fortunate in the fact that the reed chair is currently being shared by a variety of musicians, including John Barnes, John Crocker, George Huxley, John Hallam, Chris Pearce, Paul Harrison and Zoltan Sagi amongst others. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
hollywebdesign |
|
 |
|
