About the . . .
Sylvie's Place
for the best in JAZZ
Gambit Jazzmen
Originally formed in 1982 from Kent based musicians, but now, consisting of musicians who travel from around the South of England and East Anglia. The Gambit Jazzmen have a reputation for good, hot, New Orleans music, and enjoy playing a large repertoire from the 1920s, 30s and 40s intended for dancing or listening. Just like the early Ken Colyer, Kid Ory and George Lewis bands, we consider ourselves a powerful combination creating an exciting atmosphere on stage.
The band is led by drummer Pete Lay, who played with Ken Colyer on many occasions in the 1970s and 80s before joining Kens band for three years before his death. As well as leading the Gambit Jazzmen, Pete also played for many years with Bill Brunskill both abroad and at the Lord Napier in Thornton Heath. He has also been a regular visitor to New Orleans where he has played with Chris Tyles Silver Leaf Jazz Band and has made many friends.
Johnny Rodgers (Clarinet, alto and tenor sax) - Formerly with Barry Palsers Savoy Jazzband, he joined the Gambit Jazzmen in 1999. John is a very accomplished musician who, although influenced by the great clarinettists of New Orleans, has a style that is very much his own. He also plays alto sax and tenor sax and is featured on these instruments. John has given the band a new dimension to its presentation, but the musical direction of the band remains the same. He also plays with the Yerba Buena Celebration Band and Mike Barrys Uptown Gang, amongst many who crave his services. He is a very popular player, with the U.K. jazz audiences.
Dave Waskett- (Cornet) Originally featured with the Savoy Jazzmen alongside Johnny Rodgers, was also with the Original Eastside Stompers in the 1980s and 1990s, and occasionally with Kid Tidimans New Era Jazz Band. In February, 2006 he joined the Gambit jazzmen on a full-time basis. Dave is highly experienced, and also was leader of the New Stompers at its inauguration, and was a founder member of the Yerba Buena Celebration Band. We were pleased that Dave could concentrate his playing with the Gambit Jazzmen, despite his busy schedule.
Barry Weston (Trombone) - Originally from Yorkshire, Barry played with Bob Barclays Yorkshire Jazz Band before joining the London jazz scene when he moved south in the early sixties. Barry is renowned for his earthy Ory style playing and has played with Les Haricots Rouge, Ken Colyer and Sammy Rimington and many other bands both on the continent and at home.
Roger Link (string bass and sousaphone/tuba). Roger has been playing for about 48 years and has worked with Pete and most of the other guys in other bands. He played with Barry in John Defferarys Creole Jazz Band, and he also worked in the Medway Delta Jazz Band, Bob Wallis Storyville Jazz Band, and Classic Jazz with Denny Illett and Dick Charlesworth.
Chris Marney (banjo/guitar) Chris is the youngest member of the band and rose to fame when he was asked to join the Max Collie Rhythm Aces but was recruited to the Gambit Jazzmen when he found it difficult to fit in travelling abroad with his job.
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