Dave’s Jazz Notes for January, 2026

Happy New Year to all you Jazz Notes addicts!

I am really sad to say that an assortment of health problems have caused me to decide I must give up band leading and playing my beloved Gibson L5 guitar and my lovely Ome banjo. I’m sure none of you want the gory details! Suffice it to say arthritis, in my hands particularly, has made playing both difficult and painful which takes away all the enjoyment that I have always had. I also have an appointment at the John Radcliffe in Oxford in a few days to find out if some of these difficulties have a neurological base. But that’s enough of that!

The Big Bears played December’s Zelda’s Jazz Room spot with a wonderful line up. Am I not the luckiest of banjo players to be able to call on such superb musicians such as Andy Woon & ‘Magic’ Mike Henry (trumpets), Graham Hughes (trombone) and Marc Easener (sousaphone) What a brass team! as well as Reedman Mark Aston, pianist Hugh Crozier and Graham Smith (drums) who came in at short notice to cover for an ailing Andy Crisp. (Graham Hughes even spent time helping a certain banjo player who broke 2 strings in quick succession and found replacing them very difficult!!) Other than that, it was a lovely session.

The Rascals ‘Betwixmas’ gig at the Lamb was on Monday, but that didn’t seem to deter anyone. (Thanks are due to Christine Mott who assisted Zelda selling Raffle tickets to give me a much-needed rest) It was a lovely session musically though I had to announce it as my last. Tony Blincowe, and Mark Aston were at their usual sparkling best, as were pianist Andrew Clancy and the everdependable bassman, Mike Bennett.

So what can we offer for all you loyal jazzers in 2026?

Zelda and I will continue as long as we can to keep Zelda’s Jazz Room at the Comrades Club going, as long as we can afford to and by not forward booking more than 4 months at a time.

So on January 15th (Thursday, 2.30 start, doors open at 2.0, £15 on the door) we shall welcome the splendid Kevin Grenfell with his ‘Band of Gold’. Kevin is a terrific trombone player, a very quick witted and amusing chap and no mean trumpeter as well. His band includes Gary Wood (trumpet) James Clemas (keyboard), Simon Smith (bass) and drummer Steve Street. I worked with both Kevin and James in Pete Allen’s band for many years, so come and join us. You will be in for a treat!

Watch this space for events at the Lamb. Tony Blincowe is going to see if he can get his band together to keep the regular dates going. He is optimistic so please give him the support you have given me for the last 24 years or so! The date will be Wednesday, January 28th at the usual time, 7.30. We shall send out a brief “Jazz Notes” to let you know. A million thanks for your wonderful support over the years, Dave