NOW EVERY FRIDAY AT BEAR TAVERN 498-500 Bearwood Road (corner of
Three Shires Oak Rd), Smethwick B66 4BX - 9pm (doors 8.30)
R.I.P. Maurice Williams
Maurice conducting The Notebenders with Andy Hamilton & Vic Evans.
Some sad news. We have just heard of the passing of Maurice Williams from his son, David. Maurice died peacefully in his sleep on 1st August. An American Trombonist and Educator Maurice came to Birmingham in the first decade of this century, where, with the help of a grant from The Scarman trust, he worked with Andy Hamilton to create and direct The Notebenders, a community based Big Band with members of all ages. The Notebenders, of course, are still going strong.
Maurice performing with his own little big band.
In Brum he also played with his own band, featuring accomplished pianist Stephen Sherriff, Tom Hill (upright bass), Alan Mason (guitar) and Nick Gibbs (drums), who were later joined by singer, Sarah Kaye (left), and then by a horn section featuring Steve Ajao on alto, Ray Butcher on trumpet and of course Maurice himself on trombone making it as hot a little big band as you're likely to find.
In the words of his son, David:
“Maurice Williams was born in Chicago, Illinois and has been a Professional Musician since 1972, with extensive experience in performing as a sideman, solo performer, and bandleader with numerous professional live entertainment venues. Maurice demonstrated the ability to deliver superior performance and musical direction. Maurice was professionally proficient in Trombone, Tuba, Baritone Horn, Acoustic Bass and Electric Bass. He also arranged and composed dance music for various groups.
Maurice held a Master of Science degree in the Entertainment Business from Full Sail University and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Loyola University and had 25+ years of experience in music education.
Maurice worked as a sideman and ballroom dance bandleader with Majesty Cruise Lines, Premiere Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruise Lines, and Cunard Cruise Lines. He performed as featured artist and with several groups at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, “Kool” Jazz Festival, Birmingham Jazz Festival (Birmingham, England), and the Great Barr Summer Festival (Birmingham, England).
Maurice held Qualified Teacher Status from the General Teaching Council of Great Britain and was a music teacher in the Chicago Public School system. During his time teaching in Birmingham England, he received a grant from The Scarman Trust to form a community music group, under the direction of world-renowned saxophonist Andy Hamilton (Member of the Order of the British Empire). This group was composed of community members that range in age from 10 to over 50 years of age who want to learn to read music and perform in an ensemble setting in front of live audiences.
Maurice has written and arranged shows for several new artists that perform on land and on cruise ships. He has served as rehearsal conductor for several community and professional big bands. Maurice dedicated his life to the teaching and performing of music and he spread this enthusiasm all over the world. Maurice strongly believed in community involvement in the performing arts and had a great deal of knowledge pertaining to the instrumental music business. He was an unspoken giant in the music scene and will be sorely missed by his family and scores of friends around the world.
Ciao, Maurice!”
Blue Notes Jam Night ♦ Thursday 17th August ♦
It’s a Blue Notes Jam Night this Thursday. Bring your instrument if you'd like to join in. If not, just come along and listen to some sweet, sweet music.
Last night before we take a Summer break! Be there if you can!
Dr Steve's Jazz Surgery ♦ Thursday 10th August ♦
The theme for the 10 August Dr Steve’s Jazz Surgery is jazz rock fusion. What is rock about it? What is jazz about it? Originating in the 1960s and proliferating thru the 1970s and beyond, jazz rock fusion took the music by storm - a storm that is still (bitches) brewing well into the 21st century. Dr Steve will be joined by electric guitarist Dave Nock, electric bassist Simon Paton and drummer Lee Allatson for an exhilarating exploration of the crossover genre.
Simply electrifying! All welcome!
John Smith (Guitar) ♦ Thursday 3rd August ♦
Ace guitarist John Smith returns to the Silvershine Club to bring us some more scintillating Jazz guitar. John is one of the very best Jazz guitarists in the West Midlands and have played with some of the best the region has to offer including our founder Andy Hamilton MBE and Silvershine favourites the Steve King Big Band.
An absolute must for all lovers & players of guitar based music.
Blue Notes Jam Night ♦ Thursday 27th July ♦
It’s a Blue Notes Jam Night this Thursday. Bring your instrument if you'd like to join in. If not, just come along and listen to some sweet, sweet music.
Malcolm Gibbons Quartet Thursday 20th July
Ace guitarist Malcolm Gibbons returns to the Silvershine Club to bring us some more scintillating Jazz guitar. Malcolm is one of the very best Jazz guitarists in the West Midlands and has played with some of the best the region has to offer including our founder Andy Hamilton MBE and Silvershine favourites the Steve King Big Band.
Love Jazz Guitar & you’ll love this!
Dr Steve's Jazz Surgery “Time and Timelessness” ♦ Thursday 13th JUly ♦
The theme for the 13 July Dr Steve’s Jazz Surgery is “Time and Timelessness”. Time is paramount to the making of, and experience of, music - for performers and audiences alike. Without time, music cannot exist: music is a time-based art. But thrre are different conceptions of time in relation to our understandings of music. Tonight's jazz surgery will explore those differences. Dr Tromans will be joined in this musical-philosophical exploration by the drummer Ed Gauden.
Dr Steve Tromans - piano and philosophical interludes
Ed Gauden - Drums
Come, listen and enjoy!
Blue Notes Jam Night ♦ Thursday 6th July ♦
It’s a Blue Notes Jam Night this Thursday. Bring your instrument if you'd like to join in. If not, just come along and listen to some sweet, sweet music.
