JAZZ trombone legend Roy Williams, born in Farnworth, near Bolton, 60 plus years ago, makes no secret of his delight at returning to familiar territory to play gigs.
And he has certainly been in his element this week with concerts at The Rhythm Station, Rawtenstall, and Mitton Hall Hotel, Whalley.
On both occasions he was joined by Alan Barnes (saxes) and Bruce Adams (trumpet) to form a brilliant trio calling themselves The Dixielanders.
As I said last week, this is something of a misnomer as Messrs Adams, Barnes and Williams, can play anything from the Brahms to bop, being among the cream of European musicians on their respective instruments.
The Tommy Melville Quartet, resident at The Rhythm Station, also accompanied The Dixielanders to the Mitton Hall Hotel but tonight Roy Williams will provide further evidence of his versatility, technique and love of the North West when he guests with The Pendle Jazzmen at their regular fortnightly Friday night gig at The Whitchaff Inn, in Bury Road, Rawtenstall. This is a considerable coup for drummer Colin Mason and his Pendle Jazzmen following the appearance at The Whitchaff earlier this year of the great Digby Fairweather, trumpet player with Don Lusher's Best of British and bandleader with raconteur and singer George Melly. There is no charge at The Whitchaff and the Jazzmen, who run a raffle, save up until they can afford someone of the stature of Digby Fairweather and Roy Williams to blow alongside them.
That is a measure of the way jazz enthusiasts in the North West have for donkey's years turned out in all kinds of weather to play the music they love with, and for, kindred spirits. It is perhaps the one remaining hope that all lovers of live music have in the seemingly inexorable march of taped backing.
One question I like to throw in when people, especially agents, are crowing about the "financial benefits" (you can guess to whom) of using tapes in preference to musicians is: "What happens when the public gets tired of being fed canned music and wants the proper stuff?"
Replies vary from "Well, I don't see that happening right now" to "We'll handle that situation when, and if, it arises."
Such short-sightedness makes me boil because more and more professional musicians are finding it harder to make a living and youngsters arriving on the scene from traditional and highly-regarded music colleges discover that their options are very limited.
It's not just because I have been involved in music all my life that I hate the canned stuff. It's destructive, impersonal, pretty much a con trick and nowhere near as emotive as the real thing.
Tenor saxophonist Bobby Wellins, who worked with Stan Tracey during the 1960s and played on the classic album Under Milkwood, will feature with The Tommy Melville Quartet at The Rhythm Station in Rawtenstall next Tuesday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article