My Dream Man - The Dud Clews Jazz Orchestra

My Dream Man - played by the
'Dud Clews Jazz Orchestra'-
(A UK Midlands Jazz Band)
at the 'Burnt Post Inn' Coventry in 1976

Original analogue stereo recordings by
Peter E C Wasmuth © 1976
Digitally copied, edited and enhanced by
'MidNiteSun' © 2005

A MidNiteSun Audio/Video 2009 - http://www.midnitesun.co.uk

For band history and details and other audio recordings from the same session refer to :-
http://www.midnitesun.co.uk/otherhtm/dudclews.htm

Orchestra comprises :-

Brian Bates - Trumpet
Brian Wathen (Watty) - Trumpet
Terry Perry - Alto Sax
Mac Randle - Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax
Ollie Dow - Tenor Sax, Clarinet
Cliff Williams - Baritone Sax, Alto Sax
Paul Munnery - Trombone
Fred Brownson - Piano
George Beach - Banjo
Derek Habberjam - Leader, Tuba
John Astle - Drums

The following tribute to the band is written by Mac Randle and kindly donated for inclusion onto this video.

The young Coventry jazz trumpeter Dud Clews was determined to revive the exciting sounds of the 'big bands' of the twenties, like King Oliver and the Dixie Sycopators, Luis Russell, Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington that bridged the gap between the New Orleans & Chicago jazz bands and the later swing bands of the early thirties.

In 1963, after a long period of preparation and rehearsal, he opened the Club Harlem with the Dud Clews Jazz Orchestra. The band quickly progressed in repertoire and popularity but suddenly Dud was fatally injured in a motor accident. This was a terrible shock but almost spontaneously it was decided that the band must continue as best it could and Dud's parents were in agreement with the keeping of his name at the head of the venture, so the Dud Clews Jazz Orchestra continued.

Dud's fine Oliver-styled trumpet was greatly missed but the band recovered its composure and picked up again under the leadership of Derek Habberjam who at the time was switching from second trombone to superb tuba.

What typifies this band, capable handling of the material and retention of the idiom being taken as read, is the enthusiasm and good humour which is brilliantly captured in these recordings and which has never been surpassed by other bands since. Most of the arrangements were created and copied out by members of the orchestra plus the highly valued supporter and excellent arranger Peter Bright. The original few printed arrangements from the early days were still kept and played.

The Dud Clews Jazz Orchestra finally folded in 1981 when, unfortunately, Derek left the district.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jazz
• Blues
• Band
• Group
• Clarinet
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Saxophone
• Banjo
• Piano
• Drums
• Bass

[joastle1]

my daddy pops was in this fantastic jazz band,he passed away last year n left a huge void in my life ,when ever i here this wonderful tune it takes me back to when i was little,my poppy was a truely amazing gentle man, n his talent will always be legend to this particular style of jazz music! love you poppy n the band xxxx

[Squarerig]

Yes,yes;I like this band!Excellent music +great band = Satisfaction!Shades of the Temperance 7-was it?