Following rehearsals at a couple of not very suitable venues, the then Langstone Big Band moved to Fort Widley on the 1st of July 2008. Prior to that event, Alan Ashdowne who I beleive was that bands co-founder, had retired due to very poor health. In September 2008 it was decided to rename the band, the Maury Deans Big Band. I should also add that against the odds, Alan Ashdowne did recover a little and revived the Langstone BB. Maury played the trumpet and spent much of his time arranging and aquiring 400 plus numbers for the band. Maury had been a pro for many years and had played for many of the recognised bands in the heyday of the big band era. Sadly those years slowly came to an end and Maury like many other musicians had to get a PROPER JOB.
He continued doing the increasingly rare paid gigs and started playing with the Dave Pearson Big Band and the Jim Hames band to name just two. Under his guidance, the Maury Deans BB went on to become a very good well structured band. Maury for all his talents was not a manager or diplomat. As a result, Johyn Boyer became the band manager. Maury started playing trumpet at 5 years old and was taught by his father who was a brilliant player in his own right. At the age of 82, Maury's health deteriorated and he stopped playing. He had sadly lost his wife two years or so before that. All was not well with him, he actually had started down the Dementia path and had other serious medical issues. He was taken into care in November 2018.
Sadly, Maury passed away on the 18th of December 2018. A promised was made to him just before he stopped playing that all that was required to make sure the band would continue playing. John Boyer and daughter Louise, Peter Barrett jointly carry on Maury's wishes, helped when needed by other members of the band. They played at the Southwick Village D Day celebrations from 2015 to 2018 at the Golden Lion public house. The band now has an appetite to play out as much as possible. Cowplain based Keys Travel and Trips recently invited the band to entertain at Waterlooville Golf Club.
Nick Keys put on a Big Band evening which was a great success for all. Dave Browne was the guest singer for the evening and the audience loved him. Other events are pencilled in for next year and the December 8th 2019 gig at the Hilsea Lido might also generate other interest and raise some much needed cash for the Portsmouth Dementia Society.
Current band members.
Alto saxes. Louise Boyer and Pete Effamy,
Tenor saxes. Neville Graig, Ian Buchanan and Neil Kennard.
Baritone sax, Bert Simmons.
Trumpets, Peter Barrett, Alan Flood, Steve Hatfield, Jordan Masters and Joan Edwards.
Trombones, Nigel Colebrooke, Mike Innes, Steve Johnston, David Whiteley and Steve Biddlecombe.
Rhythm section. Nick Blunn keyboard, Peter Jackson Bass and John Farnell drums.
We also have help from a number of other local musicians when needed, including Dave Browne vocals and drums. Dave Hardman and John Mason, bass, and Spence Bundy Saxes.
John Boyer is the Band Manager
The numbers played, 8th December 2019
first half
In a mellow tone, Little brown jug, First Light (NC), Cute, Mood Indigo, Hot toddy, Tuxedio junction, The more I see you, By the time I get to Pheonix, l Since I fell for you, Stella by starlight, Marianne, Teddy the toad. Scotts place Cherry Pink, Basin Street blues.
Second half
Jumpin at the woodside, That warm feeling, Opus one, String of pearls, April in Paris, One on one, Ican't get started, Hayburner, Moonlight serenade, American Patrol, Day in day out, Woodchoppers ball.
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Contact the band 07933770833 or email; jlbbiker@aol.com
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