[Dixielandjazz] George Webb & Friends at St Johns Arts Centre, Old Harlow 26th Feb

[john petters]

Press Release

George Webb & Friends

St John's Arts Centre Old Harlow

Thursday 26th February at 8PM



A unique musician, who has earned the title, the father of British Jazz,
George Webb, brings a handpicked band to St John's Arts Centre (St John's
Walk, Market St, Old Harlow) on Thursday (26th February) at 8PM.



86 year old pianist, Webb, was responsible for the revival of traditional
jazz in the UK, which led to the trad boom of the '50s.



Totally self taught, George started listening to old recordings by Louis
Armstrong and Jelly Roll.  He found a group of like minded amateur
instrumentalists who started playing in style of their musical heroes, for
fun, at the Red Barn in Barnehurst, Kent.



George Webb's Dixielanders appeared on a few private recordings before Decca
records put them in the studio.



The band was given a boost when a young trumpet player named Humphrey
Lyttelton joined.  Notoriety came in 1949, when in defiance of a Musicians'
Union ban,

 the George Webb Dixielanders not only appeared on stage, but made a series
of recordings with New Orleans jazz legend, Sidney Bechet. Webb was called
to give evidence in the subsequent prosecution of the concert promoter.



With the popularity of jazz gaining ground, George decided to fold the
Dixielanders and join the new band led by Humphrey Lyttelton, which achieved
hit parade success. George eventually left to become a successful promoter.



During the '70s he retired from music and became the landlord of the Kings
Arms in Stansted. Suffice to say, it was not long before jazz became a
regular feature at the pub with star names appearing on a regular basis.



Retiring from the pub in the late '80s, George moved back to Kent and
started playing gigs and organizing sessions once again.



For Thursday's concert, George will be joined by clarinet genius, Dave
Bailey, on tour from Germany, hot cornetist, Ken Sims, trombonist, Mike
Pointon, banjo and guitarist, Tim Phillips, Harlow's own jazz star, Keith
Donald, bass, and John Petters, drums.



The concert will feature traditional jazz stomps, rags, blues and standards,
all with a New Orleans beat.



Tickets cost a mere £10 and are available from the box office on 0800 496
0673

More information on www.traditional-jazz.com.



Jpeg photos available or further information from 01406 365731

John Petters
Amateur Radio Station G3YPZ
www.traditional-jazz.com