Welcome to the December Newsletter.

I look forward to seeing you at the gigs in December and January 2026. I wish you a splendid Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

The Trowbridge event on Friday 12th December is our “Christmas Special” – not to be missed!

Friday 12th December – Pete Allen Jazz Band – “Christmas Special”, The Civic Centre, St Stephens Place, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8HA. Tickets £12.50 in advance – £17.50 on door. Showtime 8pm. Ticket: https://thecivictrowbridge.co.uk/

Sunday 14th December – Pete Allen Jazz BandThe Bowlers Arms, (Presidents Suite), Falkland Cricket Club, Wash Common, Newbury, RG14 6TW. Showtime: 2:30 to 5pm. Admission £20:00 at the door  Tel: 01635 47658

Sunday 11th January – Pete Allen Jazz BandThe Bowlers Arms, (Presidents Suite), Falkland Cricket Club, Wash Common, Newbury, RG14 6TW. Showtime: 2:30 to 5pm.  Admission £20:00 at the door  Tel: 01635 47658

Friday 30th January – Pete Allen Jazz Band   Runnymede Jazz Club, The Addlestone Centre, Garfield Road, Addlestone, Surrey,  KT15 2NJ. Showtime 7:30 – 9.45pm. Admission £14. Tel: Box Office 01784 44 https://runnymedejazzclub.chessck.co.uk/

Pete Allen Jazz Band – A Living Legacy of New Orleans, Classic, and Mainstream Jazz.
 

 The Pete Allen Jazz Band, one of Britain’s most enduring and accomplished traditional jazz ensembles, continues to delight audiences with its vibrant interpretations of New Orleans, classic, and mainstream jazz. Led by clarinettist and saxophonist Pete Allen — whose career spans over 47 years — the band is a living testament to the vitality and versatility of jazz.
  

Pete Allen’s distinguished career includes representing England at the Sacramento Dixieland Jazz Jubilee, leading the Worldwide All Stars alongside Louis Armstrong alumni Barrett Deems and Jack Lesberg, and receiving Honorary Citizenship of New Orleans for his contribution to British music and tourism. With over 100 recordings to his name and a legacy of BBC broadcasts and European tours, Allen remains a central figure in UK jazz.
 
The current line-up features some of the finest musicians in British jazz:
 
Max Brittain (banjo/guitar) – A seasoned performer with global touring credits, Max has played with Humphrey Lyttelton, Jamie Cullum, and American legends Barney Kessel and Herb Ellis.
 
Jim Newton (drums) – A versatile and sensitive drummer with a career spanning over six decades, known for his dynamic ensemble work and inventive solos.
 
Roger Marks (trombone) – A lyrical and expressive player with deep roots in both classic and mainstream jazz, founder of the Armada Jazz Band.
 
Trevor Whiting (clarinet/saxes) – Inspired by Sidney Bechet, Trevor brings decades of experience as a soloist and sideman, including work with Ken Colyer and the Big Chris Barber Band.
 
Chris Hodgkins (trumpet) – A respected performer, broadcaster, and advocate, Chris rejoined the band after 45 years, bringing his rich experience and lyrical trumpet style.
 
Andrew Clancy (piano) – A  pianist with deep roots in classic and Chicago and swing, Andrew has played with many of the UK’s top jazz names and brings warmth and flair to the ensemble.
 
Andy Crowdy on double bass, whose versatility and melodic drive are well known across the UK jazz circuit. Andy currently tours with Joe Brown and brings a rhythmic vitality that lifts the whole ensemble.
 

The band’s latest album, New Orleans Wiggle – Jazz Magic, has been released on Upbeat Jazz, The album has already drawn praise for its eclectic repertoire and ensemble cohesion. Barry Clare of Just Jazz called it “the very definition of eclectic,” while Alan Musson in Jazz Rag noted, “The joy in this music is palpable.” These aren’t just throwaway compliments — they reflect the band’s ability to breathe new life into familiar forms while staying true to the spirit of the music.

Whether performing in concert halls, jazz clubs, or festivals, the Pete Allen Jazz Band offers audiences a masterclass in ensemble playing, improvisation, and the enduring joy of live jazz. Their performances are rich in history, humour, and heart — appealing to seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers alike.

Please don’t forget you can purchase my CD’s and my autobiography, “On the Beat” at all the gigs or email Jane (from Newbury) for copies: nana.macgregor@btinternet.com 

Do you know anyone with computer skills who would lend Jane and myself a hand to set up and populate a bandcamp page for the band? Bandcamp is an online music distribution platform. Chris is unable to help due to a pile of work committments – but his bandcamp page will give you an idea https://chrishodgkins.bandcamp.com/music If you would like to help please contact myself or Jane at allenpete886@gmail.com or nana.macgregor@btinternet.com

If you know of anyone who would like to be on the emailing list for future events please email me at this address: allenpete886@gmail.com

Jane has set up a YouTube account and you can see recordings of the Pete Allen Band here: https://www.youtube.com/@PeteAllenJazzBand-lb8tl

Further details of the Pete Allen Band at: https://peteallenjazz.com/

Best wishes

Pete