Farnborough Jazz Club

The musicians:

Dave Hewett - trombone
Andy Dickens - trumpet
Julian Stringle - reeds
John China - piano
Andy Lawrence - bass; and
Rod Brown - drums

From the Condonians own flyer

The Condonians

A band of like-minded musicians, put together by Dave Hewett to play in the exciting Dixieland style of the Eddie Condon Band. The pedigree of all concerned is first-rate. Under the able leadership of trumpeter Andy Dickens, the programme is drawn from the Eddie Condon repertoire and other ‘Hot’ bands of the period.

Dave Hewett cut his trombone teeth on the styles of Cutty Cutshall, Lou McGarity and Jack Teagarden, but loves Trummy Young’s shouting style and Vic Dickenson’s sense of fun. Dick Carey’s association with the alto horn gave Dave all the excuse he needed to pick up the baritone horn. He eats, sleeps and lives his jazz!

Andy Dickens plays a wide ranging style incorporating such influences as Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, Billy Butterfield and many more, but his love of jazz was fostered in the sounds of New Orleans. He is still top man in any New Orleans street parade. He has a vocal style which is entirely his own. He always presents the band with great charisma and an infectious sense of humour.

Reed player, Julian Marc Stringle, is a truly great player on clarinet, alto and tenor - but clarinet is his passion and he is now recognised as the most stylish performer on the instrument in Europe. He cites his influences as Artie Shaw, Peanuts Hucko an dBuddy de Franco, and was voted ‘Best Clarinettis’ at the British Jazz Awards 2006.

Pianist John China and Dave played together for three years in the Theatre Show ‘Basin Street to Broadway’ with Georgie Fame. John was the arranger and musical director for the show. A first class musician, great pianist and knockout vocalist. Expect some wonderful Fats Waller specialities.

Rod Brown plays with a lightness of touch reminiscent of the great Jo Jones. “Time is definately on his side”. The mainstay of many rhythm sections including Clair Teal, his ound and feel is uncompormisingly American. The absolute favourite drummer of all the guys in this band. Sometimes referred to as Rod “Knuckles” Brown. Find out why!

Andy Lawrence is something of a ubiquitous bas player and for a very good reason. A great sound, accurate, swings like crazy and just does it right. A mainstary of the Terry Lightfood Band since time began. He is much in demand and was the obvious choice for this band. A great driving bass player.

The following information came from other sources on the Internet:

(Found on Johnnathan Vinten’s website: www.jjvinten.co.uk - hope you dont mind JJ)
Dave Hewett’s fiery trombone solos have under-pinned bands such as the Freddie Randall All Stars, The Alan Elsdon All Stars, Laurie Chescoe’s Good Time Jazz Band and Keith Smith’s Hefty Jazz. Dave toured for three years with Georgie Fame in the show ‘Basin Street to Broadway’. He has played with many visiting Americans, including Wild Bill Davison, Peanuts Hucko, and Kenny Davern. Notably, he appeared at the Montreaux Jazz Festival with Teddy Wilson and Stephan Grapelli.

(found on Andy’s own webpage: www.andydickens.com)
Andy Dickens has toured and performed with Americans Slim Gaillard, Franz Jackson (Duke Ellington), Joe Darensbourg (clarinet with Louis Armstrong All Stars), New Orleans Gospel singer Pearly Tyler and UK stars Peter King, Clark Tracey, Annie Ross, Bruce Turner, Dick Morrisey, Humphrey Littleton and John Barnes.

Julian Marc Stringle has his own website (www.julianmarcstringle.com). I am unable to download, but he has an extensive amount of wonderful information about his career to-date. He was a child prodigy and has played with many world-class greats. He is currently with Digby Fairweather’s half dozen. By the by, he, like Digby, is very unassuming too.

Andy Lawrence has played with many jazz greats, including Little Brother Montgomery, Terry Lightfoot, Memphis Slim, BB King, Yank Lawson and Marty Grosz. He toured France and Spain playing rock and roll, later joining Terry Lightfoot with whom he has recorded and toured extensively.

The Condonians will be appearing for the first time at Farnborough on Friday, 13 August 2010