THE THINGS THEY SAY  ! ! . . .

ABOUT THE BAND MEMBERS

 

JOHN SHILLITO - Trumpet


"... another superbly accomplished hot musician with a beautiful rounded tone, a never-ending fund of great improvisatory ideas, and lots of clever licks "
Brian Harvey, Just Jazz, Sept 2008

"... one of the best most experienced British stylists in the New Orleans idiom"
Jazz Journal International: Hugh Rainey Feb 99

"... impressively authoritative trumpet"
Just Jazz: Tony Foulkes, Jul 99

"... one of the most gifted and experienced trumpets around in the New Orleans style. Based loosely on Kid Howard, his phrasing, creative both lyrically and rhythmically, has touches of Red Allen and very noticeably of Sidney De Paris" 
Jazz Journal International: Hugh Rainey Oct 99

Born in Sheffield, began playing at the age of 14. Formed first band at local youth club. Moved to London 1958 and formed Kid Shillito Jazz Band, later joined Mickey Ashman Ragtime Band. After National Service resumed career as solo cabaret artist, then came to prominence when he took the trumpet chair over from Ken Colyer when that band metamorphosed into Johnny Bastable's Chosen Six. Moved to Devon in 1971. Led his own bands, namely his Mardi Gras Jazz, Rhythm Aces and Dixie Ramblers before joining the Armada in 1998. Peerless trumpet lead of great precision and poise, listing his influences as Louis Armstrong, Sidney de Paris, Jabbo Smith and Bill Coleman.

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KEN RENNISON - Reeds

"... bold and decisive and a pure delight"
Just Jazz: Tony Foulkes Jul 99

"... Ken Rennison, playing every sax plus clarinet, brings another dimension to the band with styles from Bechet and before to Webster and beyond; a marvellous musician.."
The Bath Chronicle: Charley Dunlap Dec 99

Liverpool born, played for the local Phil Morgan Band at The Cavern, remembers the first appearance there of the Beatles, opposite them in a double header. Moved to Teignmouth in 1963 and joined the Teign Valley Stompers where he remained a loyal sidesman until 1995 (32 years!). Left to join the Armada where his very first gig was a Radio 2 Jazz Parade broadcast from Pebble Mill. Extremely accomplished and effervescent player whose undoubted flair adds a little sparkle to everything he touches. Admires the work of Sidney Bechet, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Lester Young and Ben Webster.

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EDDIE EDWARDS - Banjo.

Born Bristol 1940. Took up his first professional opportunity in London with Eric Allendale's New Orleans Knights in the early sixties. In 1965 became a founder member of Max Collie's Rhythm Aces, leaving after three years to join the newly formed Mac Duncan Band. Moved to Devon in 1976, became a founder member of Roy Pellet's Hot 4 in 1986 until the present day, a spell that included two television series for Westward, with guests Humphrey Lyttelton, Beryl Bryden and Roy Williams. His early influences include Johnny St. Cyr, Lee Blair, Lonnie Donegan and lately Bela Fleck. As well as being a strong rhythmic player Eddie is a first class soloist.

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TERRY TURLAND - Bass Guitar

Born Islington, London 1939. Began his professional career as a guitarist appearing at a Soho strip club at the tender age of fifteen. Upon moving to Cornwall in the seventies he joined the emerging Keith Smith's Hefty Jazz with whom he was to tour Europe extensively working with visiting artistes that included Billy Butterfield, Wild Bill Davison and Buddy Tate. Terry became a founder member of The Roger Marks Quartet/Quintet in 1988 where his unique style contributed to the identity of the group and he remained in situ when the Armada was formed in its place. After a five year absence he rejoined Roger last year - welcome back.

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TERRY LIDIARD - Drums

Born in Plymouth 1940 where he has remained ever since. His first band was the early Mike Westbrook Band which included John Surman (circa 1960), later being a founder member of Plymouth's Climax Jazz Band. Terry joined John Shillito's Dixie Ramblers in 1992 for a three year spell followed by a similar duration with Plymouth protege Richard Bennett and his New Orleans Jazz Band where his experience was beneficial to his younger colleagues. He cites his favourite drummer as Joe Morello and since joining the Armada he has demonstrated his understanding of all jazz styles from New Orleans onwards.

 

 

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