DID YOU know Saddleworth has had a Jazz Club for the last seventeen years? No, well read on.
What started as a trial run so many years ago has now established itself firmly on the jazz scene.
In those far off days it was the Uppermill-based renowned trombonist Dave Donohoe who asked the management of Delph Band Club if they would give his jazz band an opportunity to rekindle the interest in the area.
The Club Committee were a little wary of the music clashing with their own brass band rehearsals but gave it a go and the rest, as they say, is history.
Eight successful years on Dave moved to Scotland and the rest of the band under new leader Dave Pogson became The Spirit of New Orleans Jazz Band and have carried on with the same success.
The band of very talented musicians is gathered in from as far afield as Leeds, Barrow, Burnley, Liverpool and occasionally Scotland.
Their repertoire is not totally New Orleans and is mixed with Swing, Rhythm and Blues and Country and Western, played in a jazz style.
Another big attraction to the venue is the now famous Band Club Beef Butties. Served in the interval it is fact that people have been known to forego their evening meal so they can enjoy one of the best butties around.
The Jazz Club has a free entry policy with the Band Club paying the band, but there is a raffle to help subsidise the cost.
Committee man Bob Rodgers said: “We are looking for more support but at the end of the evening it’s between you and your conscience how much you wish to contribute.”
Naturally over seventeen years the Jazz Club has lost some supporters so new visitors are always welcome and as the jazz critic writes on the Band’s website “there is always a great atmosphere and a genuinely homely feeling”.
The Band Club is open every evening at 4.30pm and the Jazz Club is held every Friday from 8.30pm. You can find them on You Tube, by simply entering ‘Jazz at Delph Band Club’.
For more information contact Bob on 07843 082582 or the Band Club 01457 874465.
