The Hugh Rainey Jazz Band

"Our History"

Hugh began playing jazz on banjo at London University in 1955.  He subsequently worked professionally with many of the top names in British traditional jazz, including Bob Wallis, Acker Bilk, Terry Lightfoot, Monty Sunshine, George Webb and Cy Laurie, becoming a poll winning instrumentalist.

The Hugh Rainey Jazz Band was formed in 1970 when Hugh took up the trumpet and has played continuously  since then, mainly in Essex, Greater London and throughout the UK at clubs, concerts, festivals, functions etc, and in recent years to enthusiastic acclaim at several major jazz festivals.  From the start we've had a healthy diversity of musical preferences ranging from Bourbon Street to Swing Street, Dixieland to Duke.  With so much inspiring music throughout the golden years of jazz why confine yourself to listening to, or playing, only one narrowly defined style?  So our repertoire salutes Bechet and Bix, Louis and the Duke, Oliver and Basie, Fats and Jelly Roll, George Lewis and Condon, Bessie and Billie and all other great artists whose genius created the wonderful kaleidoscope of jazz.  We try to interpret this wide range of material in our own way, aiming at an entertaining and enjoyably varied programme.

Band Musicians:

Hugh Rainey - trumpet / flugal horn / vocals

Jack Clifford - Clarinet & Saxes

Brian Hart - clarinet / tenor sax

Terry Godwin - banjo / guitar

John Baker - drums / vocals

Dave Browning -piano   visit Dave's own website www.browningjazz.com

Les Handscombe - trombone / vocals

Derek Pring - string bass / tuba bass - visit www.derekpring.co.uk for some stunning Marine artwork by Derek!!

Our resident weekly Tuesday jazz session - click here

Mardi Gras Jazz Club information - click here

Hugh Rainey Jazz Band CD's - click here

Meet the Band - click here

2007/8 Public Gig Listing - click here

Links to our Jazz websites of our friends - click here

Return to home page - click here