September’s Old Down Jazz session marked the start of The New Delta Jazz Band’s eighteenth year of regular monthly sessions of ‘jazz in the New Orleans tradition’.

For the last fifteen years, these regular monthly sessions have been held at The Old Down Inn at Emborough, near Chilcompton, initially due to the enthusiasm of the pub’s former landlord, Bill Filer, and for the last twelve years thanks to the current landlady, Maxine.

Established in 1999, the band still has two of its original members – trombonist, Pete Middleton, and banjo player, Roger Bonsall. However, the band has always been able to attract quality players to replace departing members of the band. When ‘deps’ are needed, other fine musicians are always ready to help out, maintaining the high standards of the music which the band has achieved.

For October’s session, Roger will be absent, a rare occurrence, so the session will be in the capable charge of Pete Middleton and Clive Johnston. In addition, the Band will be joined by two new faces but old friends and experienced musical colleagues of Clive’s, trumpet player, Ian Philips and banjo player, Alan ‘Oggy’ Hogg. Regular ‘deps’, John Massey on bass and John Coad, on drums, complete the line-up for what promises to be an excellent night of music.

So, for another session of jazz in the New Orleans tradition, why not join the regular ‘Old Down Jazzers’ at The Old Down Inn, at Emborough (on the A37) near Chilcompton, where everyone – audience, landlady Maxine and The New Delta Jazz Band will make you very welcome. The event takes place on Friday, 6th October, with the music starting at 8.30 p.m. There will be the usual raffle and a small admission charge is made.