Graham's Bands and Projects
Stars of British Jazz
Early in 2011 Graham co-formed 'Stars of British Jazz' with John Benson (ex Kenny Ball Bassist), Colin Wood (pianist with Acker Bilk) and Richie Burns (ex Pete Allen Jazz Band). The rest of the band line-up is: Zoltan Sagi (ex reed man with 'The Big Chris Barber Band') and Mike Cotton (ex Acker Bilk, The Kinks and others).
The 'Stars of British Jazz' recreate traditional jazz as made popular in Britain in the 1950s and 60s, which became known as ‘British Trad’. From this period emanated bands that dominated the British jazz scene for many years, such as the bands of Kenny Ball, Chris Barber, Acker Bilk, Terry Lightfoot and Humphrey Lyttelton, all of whom became highly respected on the international jazz scene.
Stars of British Jazz take their show around Europe, performing at larger jazz clubs, theatres and jazz festivals.
Click on the picture to go to their web site.
Graham Woodhouse Swing Band
Originally formed in 1987 for a weekly gig at 'Pymms Champagne Bar' in Derby, the Graham Woodhouse Swing Band is still in existence today despite several personnel changes and periods of inactivity. During a five year period spanning the late eighties and early nineties, The band played weekly Tuesday night sessions at the Sitwell Tavern, Derby, which attracted jazz audiences from far and wide.
The photo to the right is of the original line-up.
Left to right: The late Alan Smith (drums), Willy Watts (bass), Graham Woodhouse (trombone), Mike Taylor (trumpet) and Clinton Sedgley (guitar).
Nowadays the band performs mainly at functions, weddings, birthday parties etc., but still makes the occasional appearance at jazz clubs.
The bands current line-up is: Graham Woodhouse (trombone), Pete Wraight (trumpet), Frank Tyler (piano), Willy Watts (bass) and Mick Saunders (drums)