Antique Six Jazz Band
Chris Pearce (reeds) Chris Mercer (t) Richard Leach (tr) Clinton Sedgley (bjo,g) Ian Parry (b) Graham Smith (d)
The band was founded in 1994 by veteran trombonist and antique dealer Keith Hockin (hence the name!), who began his career in the Nottingham area in the 1960's playing with the bands of Eric Peat and Brian Woolley. Keith was instrumental in bringing together the original line-up of Alan Bateman (trumpet & reeds), Dick Chapman (clarinet/saxes), Richard Rose (drums), Pete Long (banjo) and Jackie Chapman (bass) which set the standard for the subsequent ten years and saw the band make the transition from a fortnightly gig at The Trout at Lechlade to its present successful touring and festival status. The band’s development has been aided by changes in personnel over time and the present line-up with Richard Leach (trombone), Chris Pearce (reeds) Chris Mercer (trumpet) Ian Parry (bass) Clinton Sedgley (banjo/guitar) and Graham Smith (drums) came together in the autumn of 2005, after Dick Chapman’s death and Keith and Jackie’s retirement, with Ian Parry (bass) joining the band last year.
The band's popularity and eclectic repertoire, influenced by the works of such musicians as Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver and the Revivalist bands of the ‘40s, ensures it continues to be one of the busiest on the circuit. Joining the band for its session at the festival is 'rising star' and '2009 Jazz Awards' winner Amy Roberts. Amy has performed with the band on numerous occassions in the last 7 years since she first played with them, at Dick Chapman's invitation, when she was just 15 years old. Both Graham Smith and Richard Leach are regular members of Amy's 'Gentleman of Jazz' line-up.
Abbreviations: as alto sax; b acoustic bass ; bjo banjo; bsax bass sax; cl clarinet, ct cornet; d drums; eb electric bass; eg electric guitar; fl flute; flg flugel horn; g guitar; org organ; p piano : sousa sousaphone; t = trumpet; tr trombone; ts tenor sax; viol violin; voc voice.