Brian Newton began playing trombone at the age of 17, quickly developing a passion for jazz and big band music. He performed with many dance bands around Birmingham and was a member of the Mike Burney Sextet, as well as playing in symphony orchestras in the region.
In 1955, Brian’s love of big band music deepened, particularly influenced by the Ted Heath Band and the recordings of Stan Kenton. His trombone style was shaped by greats such as Frank Rosolino, Carl Fontana, Bob Burgess, and J.J. Johnson.
Determined to bring his own vision of big band music to life, Brian formed his own band initially as a rehearsal ensemble, featuring six brass, five saxes, and a three-piece rhythm section. Over time, the band grew to include a full brass section of ten players, performing music inspired by Kenton, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Oliver Nelson, and Maynard Ferguson, with original compositions by Brian Hadley.
Brian’s dedication to big band music and his commitment to excellence made a lasting impact on Birmingham’s jazz scene. His legacy lives on through the band he built, which continues to celebrate the music he loved.
