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Millennium
Eagle News
EAGLE NEWSLETTER MAY
2010
So – what changes have
there been since the awful, jazz-unfriendly winter of 2010? Well, to take
the personnel chronologically….Peter continues to improve after his car
crash, and flashes of the old fire come scorching through, particularly
when he’s recording for a CD. What a trouper! Matt has acquired an alto sax, which has launched us on to more
early Ellington tunes like “Harlem Bound.” (He only needs a
flute now to have a full house!) Jack sailed through his driving
test first go and is now a fully paid up member of the band drivers’
club. Meanwhile Andy, Brian and Chris continue to face the old
dilemma: how to lose any old (bad) habits and acquire any new (good) ones.
It took us and most Midland bands till mid-January to get out of the
winter rut. When we resumed club
gigs we found the punters more keen to get going than ever –
especially at Solihull BL. After the
snow and ice we had fog for the trip to Dove Holes – but this is
Buxton Pies territory, so we didn’t mind. Plus Raffles-and-Jokes! February found us
at Winterton church near Scunthorpe. As
ever churches provide a remarkable atmosphere and acoustic, not to mention
a large Congregation. We made our next CD in Nottingham Rhythm Club under
the superb professionalism of Peter King, he can introduce
“attack” into the music even when the band is being a bit
careful!
The gig list grew during March and
by the end of April we had covered the Motorway Map of Britain from
Gateshead to Southampton. Our London Tour was a highlight, Peter
and Chris did the culture vulture bit, while Brian covered the golf
courses. How many other bands have golf bags in the car alongside the
double-bass? It was a pleasure to
have Bob Smith of the original Eagle back in the front line for Lichfield clarinettist and raconteur extraordinary.
On the Essex coast the rhythm section was
augmented by Southend Bob. And The Globe at Hackney is a must-visit almost
a time-capsule of a 1950’s Jazz Pub and full of real characters.
In fact it’s people
that keep you touring, really. Brummies in their ‘70’s braving
the unique décor of The Public in West Bromwich to hear the band,
barrackers in the back row at Sidcup, getting over the loss of George Webb,
the hardy faithful at Norton C.C. creating their unique
atmosphere…”You either do it or you don’t” - so we do.
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The Band
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Continuing the tradition of hot and
entertaining jazz...
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The Millennium
Eagle Jazz Band
are available for all kinds
of functions
Indoor or Outdoor
Formal or Informal
Amplified or
Acoustic
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We are a Midlands band, but, like good wine,
we travel awfully well. Cheers!
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The Millennium Eagle Jazz Band have
made their mark in several UK jazz clubs and at
society functions (where they are equally at home) and have a healthy
diary for the coming months.
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The band are able to perform acoustically and therefore
are suitable for outdoor events and for strolling.
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