Welcome to the official Phil Mason's New Orleans
All-Stars web site. |
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Phil Mason's "New Orleans All-Stars" came together In 1992 as a result of a memorable reunion appearance at the Isle of Bute Jazz festival of that year. It was made up of former members of Max Collie's Rhythm Aces plus other hand-picked musicians including the world renowned drummer, Colin Bowden, and the very popular Jamaican-born spiritual & gospel singer, Christine Tyrrell. It clicked with fans and promoters right from the word go, and a string of spectacularly successful appearances at major festivals in the UK and abroad soon won it an enormous and very loyal international following. In the next few years the band consolidated its appeal and is now widely regarded as one of the biggest traditional Jazz attractions on the international scene. Its music is exhilarating and emotional, with a distinctive sound of its own, and its relaxed yet professional presentation, marked by spontaneous humour and colourful individuality quickly puts even the hardest audience at their ease.
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Christine Tyrrell
| The versatility of the band is shown by the variety of engagements it undertakes, being equally at home in the most formal concert hall, the electric heat of a crowded festival venue, or the informal atmosphere of jazz clubs, which as the grass roots of the music it has always been the band's policy to support as much as possible. They have also become specialists in Jazz & Gospel Church services, and their album 'Spirituals and Gospels', recorded live in various churches around the UK, was chosen as "Best Gospel Album of The Year" by the UK Music Industries Association. There have been two changes in the band line-up since the last date list. Veteran drummer and singer Ron McKay finally called it a day in April because of health problems - his contribution to many bands and to British traditional jazz over decades has been immense. He has been replaced by another renowned jazz warrior, Laurie Chescoe, who has settled in very smoothly. And trombonist Micky Cooke has left the Acker Bilk Band to join us - we welcome both these very fine musicians.
For details of our current line-up click here | Considering the band's formidable Itinerary, It is surprising that there have been so few personnel changes. They have toured extensively, taking in visits to USA, Australia, Canada, Spain, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Prance, Ireland and all parts of the UK. And there an no plans to ease up! Check out the Gig List for our current tour dates. Over the years a number of CDs have been Issued, all selling very well and enthusiastically received by fans and critics alike. Full details of these can be found here. . | To contact the All-Stars for further information
write to :
Phil Mason
5½ Argyle Place
Rothesay
Isle of Bute
Scotland
PA20 0AZ
Tel : +44 (0)1700 500635
e-mail : philmasonallstars@btinternet.com
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