John Shillito Select Six
John Shillito (t) Bob Martin (bjo,g) and Barry Nicholls (d) with Bob Jarvis (bg) and Derek Maughan (d)
John Shillito first heard jazz on recordings of some of the early American “masters” when he was a schoolboy. Inspired by them, he borrowed an old cornet and started his playing career in his hometown of Sheffield in the 1950’s. He later moved to be based in London for 15 years. There he successfully led his own band, (which included a very young Sammy Rimington), and also toured the UK and Europe with some of the popular jazz bands of the period. In the 1970’s he played in John Bastable’s Chosen Six – a band that was in fact Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen without Ken, who had been forced by ill health to give up playing for a while. With the Chosen Six he toured the UK and European jazz scene before heading south-west to settle in Devon, where he’s worked continuously in a variety of guises. John will be well known to many as the trumpet-lead in Roger Marks’ Armada Jazz Band, a position he’s held for over ten years, but he also celebrates over 50 years of band-leading under his own name and is in constant demand with his “Select” line-ups. He’s become known as a fine lead trumpeter in his field and has played and sung at all the major UK festivals and throughout Europe; in Russia and South Africa as well as in New Orleans, Louisiana - the historic birthplace of jazz.
Comprising Devon based musicians with national and international credentials; John’s Select Six is a most exciting and popular line-up, and a happy band, which he assembles from time to time, often specially for jazz festivals. John has an “ear for a good tune” and the band’s wide ranging and interesting repertoire of melodies and songs is always an enjoyable listening experience. Many, but not all, have New Orleans and Harlem associations and they are all presented with style and flare.
Teaming up with John in the front line is the fantastic reedman, John Wurr on clarinet, alto and baritone saxes, and, on trombone, Bobby Fox. Although this is just an “occasional” band, the three front-line players link together in an accomplished, melodic and exciting partnership, reflecting their considerable experience.
John Wurr is arguably one of the finest European reeds players in his field. His formidable talent and versatility ensure that he is in continual demand for festival and concert appearances, either in bands of his own or as a featured guest.
There is no trombonist quite like Bobby Fox, whose ability to combine punchy, attacking phrases and restrained introspection make him a most compelling stylist for the listener. Nowadays in increasing demand on cruise liners, Bobby’s exciting and emotional playing has enhanced the appeal of many popular jazz bands over the last half century.
The rhythm section is just as thrilling. Derek Maughan is the energeticoccupant of the drum stoo l. He adds a special flavour, swinging and driving the Select Six as only he can.
John Whitlock is known as one of the finest banjo-players in the country. He originally teamed up successfully with John Shillito in the Roger Marks band and is a regular in John’s quartet, the Select Four. He plays wonderful, swinging, rhythm guitar and usually features one of his own banjo compositions in the Select Six programme.
Bob Jarvis completes the band, on bass guitar. He is also a former “Armada” side man and member of the Select Four, and gives the whole ensemble a dynamic rhythmic pulse that makes each tune irresistibly foot-tapping.
John Shillito’s Select Six has recently made a significant impact on tours outside of the West Country and has been described by 2 successful jazz promoters as “a band that’s a cut above the others” and “…fine musicianship with that little bit extra”.
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.