For the second time at GNSH, we are proud to present the internationally renowed 'John Petters Swing Band', with a brief to re-create the Big Band Sounds of the Savoy Ballroom in the 1930 - 40's.
Having worked with the likes of Slim Gailard (AKA Slim and Slam), John was an obvious choice for GNSH. Due to rave reviews, we just had to bring them back to light up the dance floor.
The band has a vast reportoire from Ragtime, Dixieland, Swing, Be-bop, Gospel, but this weekend will reflect the sounds of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Flecther Henderson, Gene Krupa, Artie Shaw and other great musicians from the swing era
John Petters was born in Stratford, East London, on 13th April 1953. He was fascinated with music from a very early age and collected 78rpm records, which gave him a wide exposure to music, in particular Jazz. At the age of 13 he became interested in amateur radio and gained his transmitting licence in 1969 with the callsign G3YPZ. He has written for several amateur radio magazines, including Practical Wireless and Radio Communication.
In 1971 he took up drums, teaching himself by playing along with classic Jazz & Swing records. Together with bassist Keith Donald, John gained his first playing experience in local jam sessions organised by drummer Bill Cornell in Bishops Stortford, Herts. He formed his first band while at college in Harlow, Essex.
He started gigging in 1976 and met cornetist Ken Sims and clarinettist Dave Bailey. He formed "The New Dixie Syncopators". In November 1977 he recorded his first album, "Red Hot Jazz" for SRT records. The band featured Ken Sims, Ragtime pianist, John Gill, and a young female bass player, Tessa Mellerick, who he married in 1980.
John joined "Ken Sim's Dixie Kings" in 1979 and played a long residency at London's famous "100 Club". In 1983 he formed "John Petters' Swing Band" with Julian Stringle and Peter Neighbour, clarinets, John Boumphrey, piano, Derek Winter, vibes, and Tessa Petters, bass. Eddie Blackwell at Essex Radio gave the band a broadcast from which the album "Stealin' Apples" was released. The band played regularly at London's "Royal Festival Hall" and was reviewed in the "London Financial Times".
In 1985 John Petters started the "Square Jazz Club" in Harlow, attracting a wide range of guest musicians from the UK and USA. Those who played include Slim Gaillard (AKA Slim and Slam), Al Casey, Wild Bill Davison, Art Hodes, Yank Lawson and Kenny Davern from the USA. Georgie Fame,George Chisholm OBE,Maxine Daniels, KenColyer, Cy Laurie, Monty Sunshine, Humphrey Lyttelton and Terry Lightfoot from the UK.
1985 was the beginning of his serious recording career, recording with Kenny Davern, Humphrey Lyttelton, Wally Fawkes and Al Casey.
He wrote a three part series on the History of Jazz Drumming, from New Orleans to Be-Bop for the world famous "Jazz Journal International". In 1986 he was commissioned by George H Buck of "Jazzology Records", New Orleans, to record the album "Mixed Salad", which was produced by veteran British Jazz producer James Asman. He recorded the album "Makin' Whoopee" with Yank Lawson. He then started a long association with the "Casa Bar Jazz Spot", Zurich. He also played Paris Jazz venues, "Caveau de la Huchette" & "The Slow Club".
In 1987 John Petters designed his first Jazz Theatre show with the valuable help and advice of agent and promoter Martin K Ross, "Queens of the Blues", which marked the 50th Anniversary of the death of Bessie Smith. The show featured Beryl Bryden, Rusty Taylor and Helen Gould with his six piece band. The show played theatres all over the UK and such major festivals as Cork and Northsea. He met and recorded with Chicago piano legend Art Hodes.
John has played the Cork Opera house to a capacity audience; the "John Petters Dixie Marching Band" appeared for ten days at the "City of London Festival", then joined the Jazz Cruise to the Mediterranean on board the P&O Canberra, appearing alongside Georgie Fame. He has appeared on a TVS chat show with George Melly and his "John Petters' Roarin' 20s Jazz Band" was seen by millions on BBC TV providing the music for the London Marathon.
We could go on, but evidently John has a vast amount of experience within the Jazz Era and has been on TV, Radio, Theatre and thrilled crowds across the globe at major jazz festivals and now we bring this amazing talent to GNSH.
Whatever you had planned for Monday night after GNSH 2010, cancel it, as Sunday night has just got a whole lot better..
