THE THINGS THEY SAY ! ! . . .
ABOUT THE BAND
"... if you get the chance go and hear this very fine band ..."
Pete Lay, Just Jazz, April 2009
"... What sets the Armada Band apart from dozens of similar bands is the sheer musicianship of the players ..... highly skilled, entertaining and hard-swinging band..."
Jim Denham, Just Jazz, June 2008
"... a perfect example to the up and coming bands and to any ........ youngsters who want to make great music in this style. Get out and hear this band..."
Brian Harvey, Just Jazz, September 2008
"... keeping a presence on the world scene as strong as anything since the 60s and 70s, when Alex Welsh made the world sit up and listen"
Just Jazz; Barry Clare; May 03
"... magnificent tones and superb blend - musicians with expertise of the highest pedigree. What a wonderful evening"
Rochdale Advertiser; Tony Sheldon; 30 July 03
"... a welcome return.. probably his best band yet, an extensive and wide ranging repertoire... the programme showed how varied an evening of jazz can be"
Just Jazz, Jan 2000: Maurice Kemp, Gosport Jazz Club
"... one of the most popular traditional outfits in the country. Combining taste, versatility and swing..."
Jazz U.K. Sep/Oct 99
"... probably the most happening trad band in the country. This is a very tight well rehearsed outfit. The audience at the highly successful Bradford-on-Avon Jazz Club loves this Plymouth band and they ought to - it's real live jazz and it's good"
Bath Chronicle: Charley Dunlap. Dec 99
"....(Craig) Milverton cites turning professional when twenty one with Roger Marks, as the great leap forward, permanently imprinting a vast repertoire of standard and swing numbers"
Jazz U.K. Mar/Apr 98
"... Plymouth based Roger Marks' Armada Jazz Band has gained wide national recognition over the last couple of years for their highly polished melodic approach to the traditional and swing repertoire"
Jazz U.K. May/Jun 97
"...here is a jazz band of quality and disciplined charm.. jazz of imagination, genuine form and cohesiveness....I have no hesitation in declaring the Marks men, without exception, a crew of first class creators. Highly recommended."
The Jazz Rag: Ken Rattenbury. May/Jun 97
"...Roger Marks is a trombonist of enormous talent playing music from all styles with great skill and lyricism. His own Armada Jazz Band is now one the top UK bands on the circuit"
Reading Jazz Club Newsletter. Jan 96
"... I have to say that what I hear on this tape stands up extremely well in comparison with some of the arranged Dixieland things being recorded in the States by infinitely better known bands"
Humphrey Lyttelton on playing a track from the band's then latest album on BBC Radio 2, Jan 96
"...destined for universal acceptance. Each and every one of the players is completely in command of his instrument... surely hot on the heels of the great Barber institution?"
The Jazz Rag: Ken Rattenbury. Apr 96
"...A well organised, entertaining and capable band with a light hearted and eclectic approach, maintaining many aspects of British traditional jazz - including humour, thank goodness"
Jazz Journal International: Hugh Rainey May 96
"... firm festival favourites, renowned for combining musicianship and entertainment"
Jazz U.K. Sep/Oct 96
"...a mix of the familiar and unexpected... a group who are always a pleasure to hear with more than a hint of carnival"
The Jazz Rag: Cyril Wren. Nov/Dec 94
"...quite simply the best band in the West"
brochure Lynton Jazz Weekend: Nick Holt 1992
"...taking the Club and Festival scene by storm"
Independent Jazz Lists: Pat Bebby. Nov 92
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