Bill Jones is the Head of Spring Grove School in Wye as well as being passionate about music, in particular jazz. He is also a very talented cornet player. Louis Armstrong is his jazz hero and was a major force for decades in the world of jazz and other related genres of the time. Bill gave us a fascinating history of him from his birth in August 1901 and his poverty stricken upbringing in New Orleans to him hitting the music scene in 1929. Bill gave us a brief history of other memorable jazz musicians, playing some of their music and comparing the quality and different sounds to Louis Armstrong. He told us that the origin of Dixyland jazz originated from white musicians.
The black jazz players faced considerable colour prejudice. Louise Armstrong went to Chicago where he was part of a band of very talented musicians but his playing stood out from even them. Bill gave us a lot of very interesting history on the development of jazz as we recognise it now and the outstanding musicians who played with Louis Armstrong, with snippets of some of these wonderful jazz musicians playing with him and all playing by ear, as was the norm, not from sheet music. We were delighted that Bill brought his cornet with him and we had the pleasure of listening to an all too short sample of his wonderful musical ability.
Alan Paterson gave the vote of thanks.
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Mayor Larry Krause told us about his early life in Australia and how he now supports local Charities: 'The Friends of William Harvey' and 'Men in Sheds'
moreMember Stuart McRae tells the Club abut his life and the lucky breaks that have helped him and his wife through a successful and happy life.
moreThe Rotary Club of Ashford's Community Shelter at Conningbrook Lakes Country Park was opened today.
moreOn Monday 10th January, following a frugal supper, PP Kitty Brook, her granddaughter, Kristina, and Kristina's partner, Akeem, gave a talk on 'Malcolm's Soup Kitchen'.
moreHaving talked about her plans before the event in South Korea, Megan returned as promised, to tell us how it went. A very exciting trip!
moreOonagh and Kate spoke to our meeting about their work. Samaritans is one of President Renate's charities for her year.
moreOn Sunday 26th June we ran a Charity Cream Tea Party for around 100 people in aid of President Liz's chosen Charities -'Canine Helpers' and 'Kent MS Therapy Centre'. Thanks to all who helped make it a memorable afternoon.
moreMcArthurGlen Management teams up with the Rotary Club of Ashford to raffle prizes freely donated by many retailers at the Outlet Centre.
moreOutstanding Community Service awards to three people we have worked so successfully with in recent moths.
moreWe were delighted on Monday night with a talk by 12 year old Lilia who explained the meanings of Ichimatsu Ningyo, Hina Ningyo, Daruma Ningyo, Kokeshi Ningyo and Gosho Ningyo; various forms of Japanese Doll.
moreSophie's entry, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ashford, took first place at National level in the Rotary Young Photographer Competition.
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