Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a look at the appeal of big bands. "Like my dad, I have the most fun when I am in front of that kick-butt big band" Natalie Cole (1950-2015). Highlighted in The Guardian, January 2nd. What is the attraction of playing in a big […]
Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a roundup of the big bands that will be performing across Sussex in 2016. Happy New Year. Now’s the time to make a list of resolutions. Or not, as the case may be. If I were to make a list, I suppose it might include […]
Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a look at The Seaford Rock & Jazz Orchestra and Saxshop. The end is nigh. Of 2015, that is. Bands are preparing for the festive season. Christmassy charts not played for the best part of twelve months are dusted down for their annual appearance. After […]
Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a look at The Paul Busby Bigger Band and The Johnny Spice Swing Orchestra. Occasionally I have been at a workshop or jam session and have encountered a horn player who had a great sound and could make an improvised solo seem effortless. But […]
Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a look at Terry Pack’s Trees. Once again, some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that the fangs of austerity have once again bitten deep into the Brighton Jazz scene. Lack of funding means that The Lantern Fayre, planned for the first week-end […]
Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a look at The Maestro Academy Players and The Sussex Universities Big Band. Recent news reports have suggested that nightclubs are facing extinction in this country. Fewer than half have survived from 2005. Clubbing has ceased altogether in some towns. There is much speculation on […]
Big Band Scene Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a look at Big Band Sounds and The Downbeat Swing Band. When setting up a big band, there is rarely any problem in recruiting saxophone players. Other musicians may be harder to find. The rhythm section is the essential component. Ideally, […]
Big Band Scene Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a look at The Ronnie Smith Big Band and The Phoenix Big Band. Was there ever a big band ‘Golden Age’? I like to think so. From the 1930s to the 1950s. Many large towns and cities had at least one […]
Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a look at The Les Paul Big Band and The South Coast Big Band. The Brighton Festival is over for another year. The election has been and gone. So it’s back to business as usual, with some glad news, and some sad news. First […]
Saxophonist Patrick Billingham continues his monthly column with a look at The Studio 9 Orchestra and Straight No Chaser. This month we feature two exciting regular Brighton based big bands, plus an overwhelming ad hoc ultra big band which, it is hoped, will become a regular feature of the May jazz scene in Brighton. […]