[Dixielandjazz] Vale Les Crosby

[Bill Haesler]

Dear friends,
The following sad news came in this morning from Stewart Binsted:

> Good morning Bill,
> Just to let you know the sad news that Les Crosby passed away at 2.00am this morning [27th January 2010],
> I’ll let you know funeral details shortly, if you could possibly let people know through your e-mail list.

For those who may not know Les, here are several informative links:
   http://www.shoalhavenjazz.com.au/home.html
   http://www2b.abc.net.au/EventCentral/View/event.aspx?p=10&e=2893359
plus
"The Hacienda Jazz Band was originally made up of members of radio - 4BH show band, in Brisbane in the early 1970's. The band played at a hotel in the valley area of Brisbane called the " Hacienda ", Hence the name. The Hacienda performed at many sporting and promotional events, and also at the Brisbane Festival Hall, where they played with touring jazz groups such as the Dutch Swing College Band, Sarah Vaughan, Peter Allen, Col Joye, John Farnam and Johnny O'keefe. The band broke up when the leader Les Crosby moved to Sydney in the mid 1970's. However the band had a re union at the Brisbane Jazz Festival in May 2000 and since then has been reformed in Sydney by Les Crosby. The Hacienda played regularly at the Soup Plus Restaurant in Sydney plus at numerous clubs in Sydney and on the South Coast. In 2002 they made a successful tour of New Zealand and were the feature band at the Napier Art Deco Festival and the Rotorua Jazz Festival. The current personnel are Les Crosby Vocals, Trumpet and Flugel horn, Alan English, Clarinet and Saxophone, Clem McNamarra, Trombone and Vocals, Eric Bryce, Keyboard, Mike Walsh, Acoustic Bass and Vocals, and alternative Drummers, Max Henderson and Nerille Conners. In addition when the band is performing their Latin Shows, they add the services of Stan Chobinoff on Congo Drums and Percussion. The band has two CD Albums available for purchase. " Hacienda in Concert " and " Jazz at the Courthouse ". Recorded at the Old Berry (NSW) Courthouse."

I will forward funeral details when available.
Very kind regards,
Bill.