HOME OF THE COTTON CITY JAZZMEN & COTTON CITY FIVE

The Cotton City Jazzmen has its origins in 1954 when it performed regularly as the Cotton City Jazzmen at the Brunswick Hotel in Bury. In those days, the leader of the band was trumpet player Doug Whaley.  I managed a year or so with the band before being called-up for National Service in 1957.  Since that time the Brunswick has been demolished and the musicians have gone their own ways.  The band was re-formed in 1986, again with a sound and style based on the Armstrong All Stars of the 1950's and again Doug played trumpet.  This band ceased playing in 1996 after a continuous 10 year run at the De La Salle Rugby Club in Salford.  Recordings of the band were made in 1992 and 1993.

After 54 years, it is now time for Cotton City to disband including.  This page will remain on line for the foreseeable future as a historic reference.

The Cotton City Jazzmen usually played as a seven piece line-up comprising three front line players and four in the rhythm section.  For the last few years, the band had a fairly consistent combination of musicians and focused on providing a varied program of music, making the most of the stylists within the band.

The final band line-up is:

Doug Whaley (Tpt); Barry Aldous (Rds); Terry Brunt (Tmb); Paul Medina (Bs); Maurice Gavan (Pno); Dick Nancarrow (Dms); John Gordon (Gtr)

Barry Aldous

The band playing at the Preston Jazz Festival in 2004 (Photo: Dave Robinson)

1. 'Big Butter And Egg Man' - PLAY
2. 'Black And Blue (Why Should I Be So)' Doug Whaley vocal - PLAY
3. 'Charade' Maurice Gavan keyboard - PLAY
4. 'Everybody Loves My Baby' - PLAY
5. 'Mood Indigo' - PLAY
6. 'Way Down Yonder In New Orleans' - PLAY
7. 'Someday You'll Be Sorry' - Doug Whaley vocal - PLAY
8. 'Beale Street Blues, The' - PLAY
9. 'Bourbon Street Parade' - Barry Aldous and Doug Whaley vocal PLAY
10. 'Buddy Bolden's Blues - PLAY
11. 'Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone' PLAY
12. 'Old Rocking Chair' and close - PLAY

Musicians: Doug Whaley (Tpt); Barry Aldous (Clt); Harry Price (Tmb); Maurice Gavan (Pno); Norman Fisk (Bs); Grant Taylor (Dms)

VALENTINES DAY FEATURE  - Barry plays 'My Funny Valentine' - PLAY

Telephone: 01204 882930   

Email: barry@aldous.net