The Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra

Since they were formed in 1968, the eight piece Orchestra have released EP's, LP's, as well as appearing on numerous television shows including a 30 minute feature as part of Granada TV's Music on the Move series. When HRH the Prince of Wales visited Liverpool, the Blue Mags were invited to play for him. The chaps are, of course, widely travelled throughout the UK and Europe. At the Den Bosch festival in Holland, they won the prestigious Band of the Year award in the face of competition from 100 bands all over the world. What makes the Blue Mags so popular is that their style of playing and their uninhibited approach fits in, whatever the occasion. They are constantly in demand for University balls, dinner dances, sports clubs, jazz festivals, weddings, because they are masters at appealing to all age groups. The line up consists of clarinet, trumpet, saxophone and trombone. The rhythm section has drums, piano, banjo and double bass. The chaps will tell you that they are entertainers rather than a 'serious' jazz band and their repertoire supports this view. They claim that jazz is an entertaining and enjoyable music that can be appreciated by everybody. However, let's not underestimate the Blue Mags. You don't win Band of the Year awards and get asked to play at all the major jazz festivals year after year just by producing a happy sound. Nor are recreations of the Morton Hot Peppers and King Oliver classics possible by other than skilled musicians.