JAZZ fanatic, former professional drummer and Lancashire Evening Telegraph journalist FRED SHAWCROSS talks to a man who has devoted his retirement years to promoting entertainment at King George's Hall in Blackburn, a venue which he took to his heart more than 50 years ago.

THERE'S a wrong way and a Wright way of doing things. And as far as musicians in East Lancs are concerned, Alf Wright (pictured) can do no wrong!

The 67-year-old, self-confessed jazz nut from Ribchester has done much to promote live music and is viewed almost as a Messiah, particularly by jazz aficionados.

Yet Alf doesn't play an instrument, which is a pity, because with his enthusiasm and application, he'd probably be world class!

What he does have is a determination to keep at least one corner of the globe a haven for followers, and players, of the music he loves. The epicentre of his little empire is Blakey's Cafe Bar in King George's Hall where Alf regularly stages jam sessions featuring local, national, and occasionally international musicians and singers which attract fans from across the North West.

It all started seven years ago. Alf, worried by the area's shrinking jazz base and saddened that so many good 'musos' were leaving the profession or forced to play in back street joints, decided to do something.

He approached Blackburn Council who gave him the go-ahead for Blakey's, but pointed out that he would have to organise the financial side of things himself.

Undeterred, Alf hawked his idea round, seeking sponsorships to get his jazz concerts off the ground. And he got it.

Well-known local pianist Eric Ainsworth and his trio set the ball rolling and were 'resident' at Blakey's for five years before Alf widened his net to pull in a number of other excellent combos. The rest, as they say, is history.

Alf's passion for jazz goes back more than 50 years when he 'bopped' to the sounds of the name bands of the day.

"As a 14-year-old lad I saw the Harry Parry Sextet at Chorley Plaza and realised that the music I listened to on record was far more exciting 'live.' "Definitely my biggest thrill in those early post-war years was to dance to the great Ted Heath Band at King George's Hall.

"Jack Parnell was on drums. He was terrific. And the front man was a Canadian called Paul Carpenter.

"Paul sang with the Heath band before Dickie Valentine, Dennis Lotis and Lita Roza came along in the wonderful days of the 1950s.

"There were a number of fabulous British bands in those days but the Heath band was boss. Their sound swept you along like a tidal wave. Unforgettable."

National Service interrupted Alf's love affair with jazz and he did his two years serving in Trieste and Khartoum. He wed in 1952 and this year celebrates 44 years of marriage with the ever-supportive Irene.

A plumber by trade, Alf ran his own business until 1990 when ill-health forced him to retire.

It was during his days as a central heating specialist that Alf became aware of the commercial possibilities at King George's Hall. He staged trade exhibitions there and forged working relationships which have blossomed through the years.

These days he works closely with general manager Geoff Peake and promotions manager Steve Burch. They have enough faith in his promotional skills to give him more or less a free rein; an arrangement which has proved very successful, though Alf is at pains to point out that he is in it for the buzz, not the brass.

As I am one of the musicians currently basking in the sunlight of Alf's patronage, I can vouch for the fact that he takes nothing from his productions.

Besides the music, he is an integral part of a number of 'happenings' in Blackburn.

He is an active member of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment Association and was heavily involved in the D-Day and VE Day parades and celebrations in Blackburn.

His VE 50th anniversary shows at King George's Hall, which included the superb Andy Prior Orchestra, and American vocalist Amy Rome, were a thumping success.

So it was no surprise to learn that Alf's entrepreneurial skills have led him to be co-opted as a campaign co-ordinator on the Celebration 96 committee and the arrangements for Christmas 96 in the shopping centre, when music will be very much a part of the entertainment. Why then does this former businessman, who is modest almost to the point of diffidence, throw himself so much into KGH and music?

"I've always been an organiser; a 'doer' if you will. I've made so many friends over the years and had such good times that I couldn't imagine life without jazz."

One thing is for sure, when Alfred Wright arrives at the pearly gates, he's guaranteed a place in that big concert hall in the sky where jazz is played day and night and they never run out of beer.

Hopefully, we'll arrive around the same time - so he can give me a lift with my drum kit!

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