Charles Connor, soprano saxophone and clarinet -
Ian Turner, clarinet -
Tony Cardwell, trombone -
Roger Howlett, banjo -
Andrew Houston, sousaphone -
Bill Finch, drums
Influences
Sidney Bechet, King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, Clarence Williams, Jabbo Smith etc.
Vintage Reeds was originally formed in 1986 by Charles Connor and John Thurgood to re-create the Bechet/Mezzro sound with a soprano saxophone and clarinet front line. The band rapidly became one of the most popular and exciting bands in the South East with its unique sound and enormous repertoire for which it has become famous.
John Thurgood retired a few years back and Ian Turner has replaced him on clarinet. Roger Howlett, banjo, and Andrew Houston, brass bass, have been with the band since it started and Tony Cardwell is a very welcome recent recruit on trombone.
The band is active on the jazz club circuit around London and the South and East of England and plays all types of private functions.
