Aston band now boasts 60 members

Jul 18 2008 By Alan Cross

In a city that is world famous for the excellence and variety of its jazz big bands, The Notebenders, who are playing at Bearwood Corks Club on Thursday, can claim to be unique.

Formed three years ago by a small group of absolute beginners, two of whom, Ashley Beckford and Avtar Kalsi, were in their teens and still at school, the band has now expanded to involve over 60 regular members who rehearse every week in Aston.

Founded initially under the direction of school teacher Maurice Williams and jazz legend Andy Hamilton, they have built a repertoire that covers jazz, soul and classic pop tunes featuring a selection of vocalists, all in classic big band style.

When Maurice Williams had to return to the USA last year, leadership of the band was taken over by brothers Huw and Chris Morgan. The band has gone from strength to strength with the valuable assistance of Deleyse Campbell whose 12-year-old daughter Romarna plays drums with the group.

Deleyse has taken over the administration of the group and in the last year she has arranged concerts at Symphony Hall, Soweto Kinch’s Hockley Flyover Show as a marching band, and an unforgettable masterclass with the BBC Big Band at Town Hall with whom The Notebenders are official community partners.

This partnership has already led to saxophonists Ashley and Avatar being invited to play at a Radio 2 concert with the BBC Big Band which was broadcast nationally.

The youngest member is nine-year-old alto saxophonist Isaiah Williams who made his debut performance at Symphony Hall over a year ago – an event which has been viewed thousands of times on the internet.

Any aspiring musicians, young or old who may be interested in joining The Notebenders should pop along to Bearwood Corks on Thursday night.