This is now 2023, and I an still listening, loving and appreciating Ken's wonderful music. Thank you Ken. You left us far too early but are still remembered. England, October. 2023.
Left a comment 4 years ago, and, here I am, still listening and enjoying. Have introduced my grandsons to traditional jazz which (I think) they appear to appreciate. Grew up in the Ken Colyer, Humphrey Lylttleton, Terry Lightfoot, Chris Barber etc era and have have had a lifetime of pleasure as I am now 84, Kind reegards from England. November 2020.
Same here, Chris Barber with Monty Sunshine started me into listening to his dixieland style Jazz with the song "Ice Cream " I took the rational progression to Traditional Jazz and continued way back into time with King Oliver.Who could not like his "West End Blues"! Awesome. I play that song as my main ringtone and it turns some heads when it does. Must have something to do with the coming of age! (I am 82)
This is creame. I now Monty, but I didn't now Ken before I went to youtube. But this the best of the best. He´stand theire and sing a song. I just love him.,
Go back to 1950 with George Webb's Dixielanders due to play at The Shakespeare, Woolwich - "Hot Club of London" - but in their place was the Chris Barber band with Ken Colyer - a magical period for real traditional jazz with Ken definately the best. Can listen to his recordings over and over again. Fabulous.. Chris Barber, Ken Colyer, Lonnie Donegan, Monty Sunshine, Ron Bowden, Just great to listen to some 70 years later
When I was kid in the 50,s before rock & roll, Trad jazz was what teenagers loved. One of the greatest was Ken Colyer. I seem to remember listening to his records and hearing the bands feet stamping on the floorboards of the stage and their driving rhytmh. It was so authentic as if you were there in the local scout hall. fantastic memories.
A real treasure here! Lovely band and Ken sounds great. Brings back memories of Studio 51 in Gt Newport Street in the late 1950's - what sessions they were! Shame he had to give up his regular band in 1971, after his bout with stomach cancer.
Edna od legendite na britanskiot dixieland. Golem e negoviot opus vo britanskiot jazz. Go slusam sekogas so zadovolstvo. Ken Colyer, Velikanot vo jazz muzikafa. Blagodaram Ken. Dusan Stojanovski
I've been looking for Ken Colyer since I joined TH-cam. What a great performance and what a great jazz singer as well as trumpeter. Too bad Ken Colyer and Chris Barber couldn't get along.
EXCELLENT, great musician and a great man, met him many times, Britains BEST New Orleans style Horn Player, I still have his early Crane River Jazz band 45 rpm, 'Take this Hammer" 'BlackCat on the Fence',Creole Song etc., recorded London August 14th, 1951. I followed Ken tthru the years, he was a great man to talk Jazz with, Last time I saw/heard him, he was playing at the Shrewsbury Jazz Club around 1966.Read his book too, When dreams are in the dust.Ken went down in History with his love and skills of the REAL N>O> Stylists. Never to be repeated.Terry Offord.
Saw him many times. Live in a basement in London's Leicester Square. Long time ago, but believe me, this performance is truly authentic. Agree with Pieter, what a shame he left us so early. A true New Orleans jazz legend.
Great to find this site. Used to play Colyer in the mornings in late 1950's before going to my accounting job in Liverpool. So boring I chucked it in and went policing in Kenya and Hong Kong taking my Colyer & Barber records with me.
Just like Dennis Halley below I used to see Ken at the Shakespeare Hotel in Woolwich, which was the venue of " The Hot Club of London " run by that great pioneer of British jazz George Webb. He was always there on the door to greet everyone. A great man and sadly missed. Another regular there was Monty Sunshine who sometimes used to spend the interval with our little group of fans, listening to and telling the latest filthy jokes. We shall not see their like again.
I saw Ken Colyer's band a few times in Kingston in the 1970's. I did not realise at the time how famous he was, knowing very little about jazz at the time, but I loved this music. It was a pub which regularly had free jazz. (I think it might have been called the Grey Horse & was near the railway station.)
Monty always played for his dancers. One time he was playing at Chinford rugby club and the dancers were there in force.4 twentysomethings came in and sat at our table.One bright-eyed sweet young thing turned to me and said,' Is this jazz?..I didn;t know jazz could be like this,Its super.'.
Perfect played music with feelings, melody and heart and (!) instruments! What else do music need? Simply great! Ken is my favourite in New Orleans Jazz and it´s too bad i´d never had the chance to see a concert. Wish i´ve could met him in this world. Well, someday i think, it will be, cause i´m sure, they play this wonderful music up there :-)
Beautiful live non-electronic free range music. I saw Ken at the Festival Hall festival of jazz 1956 (?) He played this then. I am all nostalgic now. )-:
Was this the concert Princess Elizabeth attended and Humph played the Thin Red Line. Great music and Ken and the Crane River jazzband always put out great stuff.
I first heard the Ken Colyer band at the Shakespear Hotel in Woolwich S.E.18 in the fifties and immediatly became addicted to N O Jazz. I was "Blown Way'!
I don’t think these guys are resting in peace at a. I think they’re all up there having a helluva jam session. I just hope they’re still playing when I get there.
I believe Ken wrote this number he really understood the jazz played by the originators in New Orleans and was privileged to play alongside so many of them
Always loved Ken's music. He, of course, lived in the shadow of Chris Barber and came a very good second. I would take his version of The Old Rugged Cross to my desert island should I ever be invited on to the programme. He had a go at skiffle and I still have an old 45 rpm of Ken singing "I can't sleep". Thank you so much for this.
real magic - lets hope for a real new revival : once played with his band as trumpeter (stand in for 2 numbers) in camberley in 60s - what a moment! john pitt
Last point. Have you noticed the echo in the hall on this clip? Bet they had more than one mike but slightly recalls those early records. Thank you for your time.
If you really like Ken Colyer, get his tunes on an album series called “Just About As Good As It Gets” and Crane River Jazz Band on "Vintage Crane River Jazz Band” 1950 to 1952. I saw Ken play Eel Pie Island once and in Richmond. So long ago.
The Guv'nor and Monty together - New Orleans Jazz as it should be played! Geoff Downs said to me on one occasion that drummers today were not drummers, but cymbalists. How true - they could certainly build sheds though.
Here is the line-up of Monty Sunshine´s Band: Monty Sunshine, clarinet Alan Gresty , trumpet Eddie Blashfield , trombone Barrey Drew, banjo Mickey Ashman, baß Geoff Downs, drums
WONDERFUL JAZZ. TheOskarsmamma IF YOU GET TO READ THIS CAN YOU GO TO YOUR SITE AND READ MY MESSAGE TO YOU ABOUT YOUR DAD MICKEY ASHMAN PLEASE.5 MORE WELL EARNED STARS,TA FOR SHARING.
This is now 2023, and I an still listening, loving and appreciating Ken's wonderful music. Thank you Ken. You left us far too early but are still remembered. England, October. 2023.
Snap
Left a comment 4 years ago, and, here I am, still listening and enjoying. Have introduced my grandsons to traditional jazz which (I think) they appear to appreciate. Grew up in the Ken Colyer, Humphrey Lylttleton, Terry Lightfoot, Chris Barber etc era and have have had a lifetime of pleasure as I am now 84, Kind reegards from England. November 2020.
Same here, Chris Barber with Monty Sunshine started me into listening to his dixieland style Jazz with the song "Ice Cream " I took the rational progression to Traditional Jazz and continued way back into time with King Oliver.Who could not like his "West End Blues"! Awesome. I play that song as my main ringtone and it turns some heads when it does. Must have something to do with the coming of age! (I am 82)
Made a comment 8 years ago still comeback to this 😊, the music and singing got so much feeling ❤ ❤
This is creame. I now Monty, but I didn't now Ken before I went to youtube. But this the best of the best. He´stand theire and sing a song. I just love him.,
This is classic Ken and a great song, it's wonderful to see a film of him singing this.
What a shame he left us so early. Ken will rest in peace for ever and Ben Rinia's Memorial Band will keep him alive !
Go back to 1950 with George Webb's Dixielanders due to play at The Shakespeare, Woolwich - "Hot Club of London" - but in their place was the Chris Barber band with Ken Colyer - a magical period for real traditional jazz with Ken definately the best. Can listen to his recordings over and over again. Fabulous.. Chris Barber, Ken Colyer, Lonnie Donegan, Monty Sunshine, Ron Bowden, Just great to listen to some 70 years later
When I was kid in the 50,s before rock & roll, Trad jazz was what teenagers loved. One of the greatest was Ken Colyer. I seem to remember listening to his records and hearing the bands feet stamping on the floorboards of the stage and their driving rhytmh. It was so authentic as if you were there in the local scout hall. fantastic memories.
Sadly a lost era that will never come back
@@johnhills7257 Ah yes, but it remains fresh in our hearts and minds fortunately 😊
You passed March 1988 but you are still fresh and exciting 2024
Passed what?
Not only Ken but Monty as well and such a typical vocal ,wonderful
A real treasure here! Lovely band and Ken sounds great. Brings back memories of Studio 51 in Gt Newport Street in the late 1950's - what sessions they were! Shame he had to give up his regular band in 1971, after his bout with stomach cancer.
of all time the best recording with two legends and you can see it all "live" superb sound and top from the cam recorders team!! Enjoy!!
Edna od legendite na britanskiot dixieland. Golem e negoviot opus vo britanskiot jazz. Go slusam sekogas so zadovolstvo. Ken Colyer, Velikanot vo jazz muzikafa. Blagodaram Ken.
Dusan Stojanovski
I come back to this video on a regular basis, so relaxed, the music speaks for itself, I don't have to say anything,
Same here
Yes, back here again.
It's always great (for me) to hear and see the "pumping/solid" bass played by Micky Ashman
I love it and thanks for sharing. Long live KEN COLYER and MONTY SUNSHINE.
great ken!! RIP!
7,sn
Thanks 6r8t2qtheUK
I've been looking for Ken Colyer since I joined TH-cam. What a great performance and what a great jazz singer as well as trumpeter. Too bad Ken Colyer and Chris Barber couldn't get along.
2 words,PURE MAGIC
Vecna moja blagodarnost na ubavata jazz muzika vo izvedba na golemiot majstor na diksilendot, Ken Colyer.
EXCELLENT, great musician and a great man, met him many times, Britains BEST New Orleans style Horn Player, I still have his early Crane River Jazz band 45 rpm, 'Take this Hammer" 'BlackCat on the Fence',Creole Song etc., recorded London August 14th, 1951. I followed Ken tthru the years, he was a great man to talk Jazz with, Last time I saw/heard him, he was playing at the Shrewsbury Jazz Club around 1966.Read his book too, When dreams are in the dust.Ken went down in History with his love and skills of the REAL N>O> Stylists. Never to be repeated.Terry Offord.
Ken Colyer: wonderful jazz music!
My dads uncle❤️ Literally amazing
What became of Russell, my aunt lived next door to Ken in Hounslow ?
bev lewis he lives in france now. im talking to his mum right now :)
Saw him many times. Live in a basement in London's Leicester Square. Long time ago, but believe me, this performance is truly authentic. Agree with Pieter, what a shame he left us so early. A true New Orleans jazz legend.
Nick Jones h
Heard Ken with Dave Pyke on clarinet at the Manchester Sports Club around 1968
Tony Pike
Pyke
Great choice thanks.
Great to find this site. Used to play Colyer in the mornings in late 1950's before going to my accounting job in Liverpool. So boring I chucked it in and went policing in Kenya and Hong Kong taking my Colyer & Barber records with me.
real good jazz, unforgettable
Good to see Ken playing with Monty Sunshine.
Just like Dennis Halley below I used to see Ken at the Shakespeare Hotel in Woolwich, which was the venue of " The Hot Club of London " run by that great pioneer of British jazz George Webb. He was always there on the door to greet everyone. A great man and sadly missed. Another regular there was Monty Sunshine who sometimes used to spend the interval with our little group of fans, listening to and telling the latest filthy jokes. We shall not see their like again.
I saw Ken Colyer's band a few times in Kingston in the 1970's. I did not realise at the time how famous he was, knowing very little about jazz at the time, but I loved this music. It was a pub which regularly had free jazz. (I think it might have been called the Grey Horse & was near the railway station.)
Monty always played for his dancers.
One time he was playing at Chinford rugby club and the dancers were there in force.4 twentysomethings came in and sat at our table.One bright-eyed sweet young thing turned to me and said,' Is this jazz?..I didn;t know jazz could be like this,Its super.'.
Ken ,the best jazz voice ever .!!! Jockel
Perfect played music with feelings, melody and heart and (!) instruments! What else do music need? Simply great! Ken is my favourite in New Orleans Jazz and it´s too bad i´d never had the chance to see a concert. Wish i´ve could met him in this world. Well, someday i think, it will be, cause i´m sure, they play this wonderful music up there :-)
Úžasná muzika,prima.
Beautiful live non-electronic free range music. I saw Ken at the Festival Hall festival of jazz 1956 (?) He played this then. I am all nostalgic now. )-:
Was this the concert Princess Elizabeth attended and Humph played the Thin Red Line. Great music and Ken and the Crane River jazzband always put out great stuff.
they really did a great job on this tune!! thanks for the post!!
I first heard the Ken Colyer band at the Shakespear Hotel in Woolwich S.E.18 in the fifties and immediatly became addicted to N O Jazz. I was "Blown Way'!
I was probably there too, every Sunday. All the bands played there from time to time, brilliant , all due to George Webb
I don’t think these guys are resting in peace at a. I think they’re all up there having a helluva jam session. I just hope they’re still playing when I get there.
still thrilling after all these years
Ohne ken colyer kein chris barber
Best Colyer video ever!!!
he was the man thanks KEN r i p brother
Will they ever another band as good
Aahh my dear friend Eddie Blashfield on trombone there....R.I.P Eddie x
Nice playing.
I believe Ken wrote this number he really understood the jazz played by the originators in New Orleans and was privileged to play alongside so many of them
Ken did make this tune his own but the credit for writing it goes to Johnny Wiggs and Raymond Burke.
Always loved Ken's music. He, of course, lived in the shadow of Chris Barber and came a very good second. I would take his version of The Old Rugged Cross to my desert island should I ever be invited on to the programme. He had a go at skiffle and I still have an old 45 rpm of Ken singing "I can't sleep". Thank you so much for this.
Very good second indeed/I don't think so.
what you mean by second? abssoöutely number one!! barber learned from him. you are really innocent!
real magic - lets hope for a real new revival : once played with his band as trumpeter (stand in for 2 numbers) in camberley in 60s - what a moment! john pitt
what a nice music
Quite simply, a Classic!
TANTA ROBA
Really great feeling and trueness
Una obra Maestra....
Been a While.. great
Great tune
Skønt nummer.............................................
Love this music
Last point. Have you noticed the echo in the hall on this clip? Bet they had more than one mike but slightly recalls those early records. Thank you for your time.
If you really like Ken Colyer, get his tunes on an album series called “Just About As Good As It Gets” and Crane River Jazz Band on "Vintage Crane River Jazz Band” 1950 to 1952. I saw Ken play Eel Pie Island once and in Richmond. So long ago.
Still got them. Some sound as if they were recorded in a cave.
The 'Guvnor' R.I.P. Ken !!
Ken One of the greatest
The Guv'nor and Monty together - New Orleans Jazz as it should be played!
Geoff Downs said to me on one occasion that drummers today were not drummers, but cymbalists. How true - they could certainly build sheds though.
Beautyfull I love it
hi jazzers,,im George Tidimans son Paul,,does anyone know if Barrie Dew on banjos still kicking,,not seen him for years,good stuff,,,,
Barry Dew passed on some time ago.
Here is the line-up of Monty Sunshine´s Band:
Monty Sunshine, clarinet Alan Gresty , trumpet
Eddie Blashfield , trombone Barrey Drew, banjo
Mickey Ashman, baß Geoff Downs, drums
OLuton jazz club, saw all the greats, what memories
magical
I've got another short sequence with Ken Colyer. I just puted it on Youtupe under the title "Ken Colyer Just A Little While to Stay Here"
Wondrous...
I wonder if this music will ever become popular again?
It's still alive mate,trad is still being played Look on TH-cam lots of bands still playing!!
of bands still playing!!!
It's not much of a job but its better than walking the street..
See jphar. Loaded it last month
What a sweet number. The Brits could really play NO jazz as well as us Yankees.
who is on clarinet?
Grace Atkinson that's monty
I know Eddie Blashfield the trombonist here.....he is not very well at the moment.....bladder cancer..... :-(
...and I trudge and sing rhis song,,,
I just loaded another sequence with Ken Colyer on TH-cam !
The real deal.
WONDERFUL JAZZ. TheOskarsmamma IF YOU GET TO READ THIS CAN YOU GO TO YOUR SITE AND READ MY MESSAGE TO YOU ABOUT YOUR DAD MICKEY ASHMAN PLEASE.5 MORE WELL EARNED STARS,TA FOR SHARING.
hmm...did Acker Bilk steal Kens act?
...or was it Kenny Ball
Zzzyzyzy😊
The ghastly mouldy fig musical bigot!! Ken plaigarist Colyer.