A 7-piece Traditional Jazz Band playing the music of the 1920’s and 30’s, based in Auckland.

Originally formed by Bob Ward and Tony Parker, Bob and Tonys recent passing has seen the band with new personnel, the addition of piano (to a 7 piece) and Brian Kelly leading on trumpet. The new sound is more of a New Orleans and Chicago sound.

Over the years the band has had several different personnel but continues to play joyful music in the New Orleans tradition. They play classic jazz, Rags and Marches, through to the Dixieland sound of the 1960’s.
The band is unique in that it combines the experience of Thomas, King and Cummings, (a combined 180 years musical experience) with the youth of Goodinson and Douglas. Kelly and Palmer sit somewhere in between! It is happy, toe-tapping driving music that has attracted the attention of the Auckland Swing dance scene.

Personnel: Brian Kelly - Trumpet, Merv Thomas – Trombone, Carlos Palmer – Clarinet, Arthur Cummings – Piano, Jessie Douglas – Banjo, Will Goodinson – Double Bass, and Bruce King – Drums.