Band Profile
Band Info
Les Handscombe’s Tailgate Jazz Band The band came about after I was asked to take over the band that played the last Sunday lunchtime in every month at The Bell Inn, Castle Hedingham, this was a favourite venue for about 25 years with a pickup band of local musicians playing in the New Orleans tradition led by Brian Buckley Saxon on Sousaphone. When he retired I reformed the band with regular musicians, and we went from strength to strength, until we reached the outfit that we have today. The band play everything from New Orleans, Classic Jazz to Dixieland, Swing, and Mainstream. I like to concentrate on a swinging style, and now we have a banjo/guitar and reed man playing clarinet, soprano, tenor , we can vary the sound considerably. The band is enjoying success in all of the foremost jazz clubs, and is getting re-bookings into 2014. If you Google, Les Hanscombe’s Tailgate Jazz Band at the Electric Light Palace, we can be seen and heard in action. Our latest C.D. ‘Don’t Give up The Ship’ in on sale at events, this is a superb professional recording and shows the broad scope of the band.
Band Members
John Sutton (Drums)
John Sutton – Drums. Started playing in the 1960's with the beat groups. Joined the London Vin...
Dave Jago (Trombone)
Dave Jago – Trombone. Dave took up the trombone at school specifically to play traditional jaz...
Derek Pring (Double bass & Sousaphone)
Derek Pring – Double Bass, Sousaphone and Tuba. A local Essex boy, who has played with most of ...
Brian Hart (Reeds)
Brian Hart – Reeds. Brian played with Monks Jazz Band in the mid 50’s, has also played with ...
Ollie Benson (Banjo and Guitar)
Ollie Benson – Banjo and Guitar. I wanted a guitar when still at primary school but I got a uk...