Performing Artists
The Oxford Classic Jazz Band was formed in 1994 and has subsequently entertained hundreds of people at concerts, parties, wedding receptions, village hall gatherings and fund-raising events of all kinds. Its members are all experienced jazz musicians mostly from the younger generation, who perform regularly at jazz festivals. The band seeks to give pleasure through its interpretations of elegant classical ragtime pieces by Scott Joplin, the great American songs of Gershwin, Porter, Berlin etc and the swinging jazz of 1920/30s Harlem as played by ´Fats´ Waller et al. Irresistible rhythms combined with lightness of touch and originality make the band a delightful and classy entertainment for young and old alike. Some of the musicians perform at The Crown and Trumpet, Broadway in duos and trios as part of the pub´s monthly Thursday Jazz Night.
Thomas "Spats" Langham is one of the finest exponents of classic jazz guitar/banjo playing and singing around today. Having only just reached 30, Thomas has played professionally all his working life, touring with The Passadena Roof Orchestra and others from the age of 16! He plays regularly at The Crown and Trumpet with his trio "Hot Fingers" and has recently released a CD modestly titled "The Hottest Man in Town".
Debbie Arthurs (Percussion and Vocals) has played in the professional Charleston Chasers Jazz Orchestra since school days and is one of the country´s finest exponents of 1920s hot jazz percussion and singing. She has recently been featured at both the Keswick and Bude Jazz Festivals with her own band "Debbie Arthurs´ Sweet Rhythm", which contains members of Oxford Classic Jazz and has recently been awarded a record deal by Lake Records.
Nicholas Gill (Piano) has been playing professionally for the last fourteen years, specialising in the hot jazz styles of stride, swing and boogie-woogie as well as the elegant classical ragtime of Scott Joplin. Now performs regularly as a soloist at national jazz festivals and with Keith Nichols´ Collegians and Debbie Arthurs´ Sweet Rhythm. He is possibly unique (or just foolhardy) in transporting a real piano to all his gigs.
Malcolm Sked (Sousaphone and string bass) is the best young classic jazz bassist in the country today, having served a long apprenticeship with the Charleston Chasers. He now plays regularly in Spats Langham´s "Hot Fingers" as well as"The Bob Kerr Whoopie Band"
Nicholas Gill and Andy Woods |
Thomas "Spats" Langham |
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Debbie Arthurs
Nicholas Gill |
