About The Band And Its Leader
A few words from Dave Pearson
My part is simple. At an early age I studied piano at the Truscott School of Music in North Harrow (Kenton), Middlesex. During the 60s I played in venues in London, such as The Plough Jazz Club in Brixton and depped for two winter seasons with a quartet opposite The Charles Johnson Band at the Caxton Hall. My very last paid gig was in October 1966 for the Redhill and Reigate Conservative Club.
I ceased playing partly because my country-wide marketing career demanded it and also because of the lack of the necessary music study and practice time. So it was then, that as a failed piano player in 1970 I met with Terry Porter (BBC musical arranger, award winner and acclaimed lead trumpet player). With his help and guidance, I eventually took over a several times reformed orchestra, which I have had the privelege of working with over the last 40 years.
There have been many changes of personnel throughout the years. In recent years I have been very lucky and grateful to call upon the experience of Jan Zawada, lead trumpet and outstanding soloist, together with John Hammond, a percussion genius; also Ian Luxford lead trombone, and Paul Daff, lead alto and Craig Henderson,, lead tenor. They have helped me maintain the band's musical direction and keep the standard of the music at the constant high quality all the musicians achieve.
The regular band members
- Trumpets
- Jan Zawada (lead), Andy Urquhart, Ian Webber, Steve Hatfield, Pete Barrett, Jordan Masters, (Joan Edwards)
- Trombones
- Ian Luxford (lead), (Nigel Colebrooke), Adrian Clift, Brent Vaughn, Peter Jones (Bass)
- Saxes
- Paul Daff (lead alto), Louise Boyer, Craig Henderson (lead tenor), Steve Taylor (Pete Hill) (Dan Harris), Jenny Flatman (baritone)
- Ryhthm
- Nick Blunn (Piano), Malcolm Parrot (Bass), John Hammond (Drums), Dave Brown (Congo & Vocals)
- Sound Engineer
- We'd like to acknowledge the great work done by John Mason.
- Guests
- We are very privileged to have some of the finest musicians coming into The Band occasionally when one or more of the guys are unable to be with us. Our thanks go out to them for their support.