Fleece Jazz

Featuring a starry line-up of UK jazz greats under the direction of award-winning tenorist Simon Spillett, the band’s mission statement is simple: to bring back the heady excitement of the Tubby Hayes Big Band of the 1960s, an outfit which raised the roof whenever and wherever it performed. This band follows in the same spirit, creating an intoxicating atmosphere in which its music communicates on every level, the entire package tied together with the leader’s signature insightful wit.

Utilising a repertoire of Hayes’ own arrangements, many of which were never issued on record, as well as pieces by his contemporaries like trumpeter Jimmy Deuchar and pianist Harry South, the Simon Spillett Big Band has proved hugely popular since its London debut in 2021 at the 100 Club. One writer dubbed them "the most hard-swinging big band in existence right now."

The Simon Spillett Big Band is a genuine all-star jazz orchestra, in this instance uniting some of the most accomplished soloists and bandleaders of today. The all star line-up includes saxophonists Pete Long (leader of the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra), Alex Garnett (Ronnie Scott’s All-Stars) and Alan Barnes (winner of over thirty British jazz awards), a powerhouse rhythm section of pianist Rob Barron, bassist Alec Dankworth and drummer Pete Cater, all under the direction of award-winning tenorist and Tubby Hayes afficionado, Simon Spillett.

Join us in celebrating the colossal musical genius of yesteryear, the late, great saxophonist Tubby Hayes, arguably the nation’s best-loved jazz legend.

• Simon Spillett - Musical director/Tenor sax
• Pete Long and Tom Smith - Alto sax/Flute
• Simon Allen and Alex Garnett - Tenor sax/Clarinet
• Alan Barnes - Baritone sax/Bass clarinet
• Mark Armstrong, Nathan Bray, Steve Fishwick, Ryan Quigley - Trumpet/Flugelhorn
• Ian Bateman, Andy Flaxman, Pete North, Matt Seddon - Trombones
• Rob Barron - Piano
• Alec Dankworth - Double Bass
• Peter Cater - Drums

Fleece Jazz is an independent, non-profit association run by a voluntary committee who have been providing modern and contemporary jazz for 28 years. They book talented musicians and jazz bands from the UK and beyond to perform at Stoke by Nayland Resort, providing the perfect backdrop for these cherished and popular events.

Fleece Jazz events are generally held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.