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Band Biography New Orleans, or Dixieland Jazz, is a lively upbeat form of jazz that started in the dance halls of the 1920's. The Stateside Stompers take this music into the 21st century with a thoroughly modern edge: 'a sound that transcends all ages' |
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A London trumpet player, Robin Smith, formed The Stateside Stompers in 1995. From his extensive contacts in the London jazz scene, Robin brought together a group of the very best Dixieland players in the country to create a new Dixieland band. Following the band's first performance at a colleague's wedding, the word of their exciting and innovative style spread. The Stateside Stompers have now become a major force in bringing Dixieland jazz to every corner of the UK. |
| They recorded their first CD in 1998 at a recording studio in South East London, and are soon to record their second, based on the fantastic sound of Jelly Roll Morton. Since their first CD the band has performed in London Studios on the South Bank, the London Eye, Dickens and Jones and 'The Salient' on the River Thames to name a just a few. |  |
| Film credits include the recent Kenneth
Bramagh/C4 collaboration " Shackleton". The Stateside Stompers
also perform across the country for corporate events, weddings and parties. Members of the band also play for 'The Harry Gold Band', 'Dave Chandler Quintet', 'Echoes of Ellington', 'The Pasedena Roof Orchestra', 'Terry Lightfoot Band', the West End show 'Chicago' and 'Itchy Feet' among others. |
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The band promoted a charity showcase night in February 2000 at the Rivoli Ballroom in South East London, in aid of the Musicians Benevolent Fund. This provided an ideal opportunity to extend The Stateside Stompers' audience. The evening was a roaring success with over 200 people dancing to numbers such as, 'Muskrat Ramble' and 'Just a Closer Walk'. |
The Stateside Stompers have since performed annually at the Rivoli - for more information and details of their next concert click here. Due to the huge success of that public gig, The Stateside Stompers decided to present this year's concert in aid of The Drake Music Project. Along with their patron, Jools Holland, The Drake Music Project raises funds to develop music technology enabling disabled people to compose, create and perform music. Over £500 was donated to this worthwhile cause. |
| The Stateside Stompers perform as the traditional New Orleans, 7 or 8-piece, line-up featuring trumpet, clarinet, trombone, sax, piano or banjo, sousaphone and drums. The band will sometimes play steel guitar, cornet, bass sax, upright bass and washboard! They also perform in smaller combinations. |  |
| The Stateside Stompers are: |
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| Trumpet / Cornet Clarinet / Vocals Trombone Saxophone Piano Banjo/Guitar Sousaphone Drums |
Robin Smith John Gowers Dave Chandler/ Pete Hodge Bill Boston Steve Higgins Malcolm Harrison Andy Grappy Bobby Worth/Terry Seymore |
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