The High Society Jazz Band

 

If you agree with Whitney Balliett that "jazz is the sound of surprise", then High Society,

with our hugely varied repertoire, could be the band for you.

 

 Based in the North Lancs/Cumbria area, the band's current line-up is a three piece rhythm section with two on the front line. We aim to provide our audiences with an insight into the many different aspects of jazz, from the classic New Orleans style of Oliver, Armstrong and Morton, through the tight arrangements of Ellington, to the swing era of Goodman, acknowledging Bix and the New Orleans Revivalists along the way, played with respect but also with a great deal of originality. But most of all, we want to entertain, and for our audiences to have fun and enjoy the music as much as we do.

 

Before COVID struck, we had two very well supported regular monthly venues, as well as a busy diary of private and public functions. The Refreshment Rooms at Carnforth Station hosted our 'Jazz Lunch' sessions on the third Friday of every month (12.30-2.30pm). Over the years we have also had a number of 'evening specials' when we have been joined by guests such as Roy Williams and Enrico Tomasso for summer evenings and strawberries out on the platform - with occasional contributions from the station announcer and some rather elderly trains! We were absolutely delighted when we were invited back to the newly refurbished 'Brief Encounter Refreshment Room and  Bistro' at Carnforth Station, and our regular 'Jazz Lunches'  began again in September 2022. 

 

Bare Village Club in Morecambe re-opened earlier in the year as the venue for our other regular monthly session (4.00-6.30pm) on the third Sunday of every month. This session is well supported and has become increasingly popular with other musicians who come along to sit in with the band for a number or two. We continue to support the jazz clubs at Kendal and Carlisle, and we made further appearances at Dove Jazz Club and Glossop Jazz Club during 2019, before Covid struck. Individual members of the band enjoy appearing at jazz clubs and festivals from Scotland to Cornwall!  

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In keeping with the concept of variety, we sometimes perform as a quartet, or even as a trio, and we may augment the band to a six or seven piece when required. Most members of the band contribute to the vocals, which ensures a wide range of variety and styles!  Robin has introduced blues harmonica and ukulele to add to his contribution on washboard, and following the sad news that Gerry Clayton had passed away in March 2023, we were pleased to announce that Paul Guppy has now joined the band on a regular basis, on bass - and adding to the variety with occasional outings for the tuba!

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The current regular members of the band are :

 

Peter Boswell - cornet and trombone

Bruce Carnaffin - clarinet, bass clarinet and vocals

Dave Bateman - banjo, guitar and vocals

Paul Guppy - bass and tuba and vocals

Robin Andrews - drums, washboard, harmonica and vocals

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Roger Hartley is our regular drummer at the Bare Village Club.

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Enquiries about booking the band should be made to :

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Bruce Carnaffin : 01539720172

Dave Bateman : 01524822065

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For further information, why not visit our website :

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www.highsocietyjazzban.wix.com/jazzband

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or follow us on Facebook on The HSJazz Band page.