Policy Statement
This event is being organised by a local committee of musicians and jazz fans.Our aim is to promote jazz on the Isle of Wight. Members of the committee will not receive any financial reward. Inspected accounts will be made available on request.
The committee will cover the cost of the main venues and headline acts. This will be funded by sponsorship, ticket sales and other fund-raising activities.
Any subsequent profits will go towards funding future events and a donation to charity (IW Mountbatten Hospice).
We will encourage other performances during the period. However, we will not act as agents. It will be the responsibility of the performers and venues to negotiate between themselves.
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Cass Casewell Allstars
Cass formed the Bristol-based band in 1998, trawling several counties for outstanding jazz stars. The band has become well-known for playing an unusually wide mix of jazz - from Traditional to Modern, with fine solos from all members. It has a monthly Monday residency at Bristol's famous "Old Duke", has produced a CD "Millenium Round-up of 1900's Jazz", and appears live at many jazz clubs, festivals, major theatres and other concert settings.Mike Lock (trumpet)
Having played for 10 years in the Staff Band of the Royal Artillery, Mike continued as a professional trumpeter and teacher and has takes music groups abroad. Currently, he is directing two bands as well as playing for big bands and the Allstars.
Bob Tunnicliffe (trombone)
By 20, Bob had formed his own Alpha/Omega Jazz Band in Cardiff. He appeared on a number of HTV broadcasts, and from 1975-95 he worked for the BBC and played alongside Humphrey Lyttleton, Digby Fairweather, Danny Moss and visiting US stars including Peanuts Hucko and Wild Bill Davidson.
Tom Timms (clarinet and soprano, alto & baritone saxes)
Started With Teddy Foster's Big Band. Tom met Cass when they were fellow ships' musicians on the"Queen Elizabeth" in 1967. Has made a great contribution to West Country music as a teacher and arranger, and professional player in theatres and big bands.
John Martin (piano)
John gained a formidable piano and organ technique as a student at the Royal Academy of Music and has embraced a multitude of jazz performances plus arranging and directing for theatre and television. He accompanied Ella Fitzgerald, toured with Harry Secombe and is constantly busy in the jazz world.
Cass Caswell (double bass and vocals)
Cass became a bandleader on the "Queen Elizabeth" and jazz reporter from New Orleans, Canada, New York etc. He has played for countless TV broadcasts and jazz recording stars including Acker Bilk, Art Farmer, John Dankworth, Jack Emblow, Nancy Wilson, Danny Moss, Alan Barnes, Kenny Baker and many others. In addition to the Allstars, he runs bands from 3 to 16-piece.
Frank Woodford (drums)
Frank began as a military drummer with the Wiltshire Regimental Drum Corps. After turning to jazz, his skills were quickly in demand with well-known bands such as the Avon Cities and the Bill Taylor Trio. He has backed jazz stars including Pete King, Don Rendall, Art Themen, Teddy Edwards, Ronny Ross and many more.
watch the Cass Caswell Big Band with Barbara Jay