HOME OF THE COTTON CITY JAZZMEN & COTTON CITY FIVE

The Cotton City Jazzmen has its origins in the 1950's 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.

The name Cotton City lives on and is used to announce the new line-up of The Cotton City Jazzmen and The Cotton City Five currently playing at the jazz clubs listed on the Venues page including JATG in Ramsbottom.

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

The fulcrum in the band is horn player, Doug Whaley, founder member of the original band in 1954.  Doug has suffered severe health problems and has lost the use of his right hand.  He has persevered and is playing very well, not only with Cotton City but the Red River Jazzmen and one or two big bands including the Stan Kenton styled 'Shades'.  During the summer of 2007 Doug is once more leading the band.

Doug Whaley (Tpt); Barry Aldous (Rds); Guests (Tmb); Paul Medina (Bs); Maurice Gavan (Pno); Grant Taylor (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

GIG  DIARY 2007/8

Grant Arms, Ramsbottom - Sunday 9th March

Hyde Cricket Club - Wednesday 19th March

Didsbury Cricket Club - Thursday 29th May

Preston Jazz Club - Sunday 6th July

Didsbury Cricket Club - Thursday 31st July

Grant Arms, Ramsbottom - Sunday 9th March

Bolton Cricket Club - Thursday 16th October

Didsbury Cricket Club - Thursday 30th October

Telephone: 01204 882930   

Email: barry@aldous.net