Brian newton big band


Meet The Band



We are proud to have some of the Midlands' finest musicians working with us. Please see below to find out more about our current chair-holders.



SAXOPHONES



Charlie Wright



Tenor Saxophone // Bandleader



With over 40 years experience, and sporting a rich, hard bop sound reminiscent of the likes of Tubby Hayes and Pete Christlieb, Charlie has developed a reputation as a versatile, sensitive musician performing with the likes of Dave Newton and Bruce Adams.


A longstanding member of the band, Charlie took over the leadership following Brian’s passing, driven by a deep commitment to preserving his legacy. With his expert direction, Charlie has helped the band remain at the top of its game, delivering outstanding performances that continue to honor Brian’s vision.



Alex Clarke



Alto Saxophone



As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and three-time nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Alex is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene.


As well as working as a bandleader, Alex performs alongside many notable names such as Alan Barnes, Alex Garnett, Alec Dankworth and Art Themen, and regularly works with prestigious larger ensembles such as the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, the Simon Spillett Big Band and Down For The Count.



Stephanie Barnes



Alto Saxophone



Steph is an accomplished saxophonist and a valued member of the Brian Newton Big Band, having worked with the group for many years.


A former member of the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (MYJO), she is also part of Coventry's Swingshift 10 and has backed some of the country’s finest musicians, including Steve Fishwick and Dave O’Higgins.


Known for her big sound and exceptional reading skills, Steph’s versatility and expertise make her an essential part of any saxophone section she joins.



Jon Field



Tenor Saxophone



Jon has been a valued member of the Brian Newton Big Band for many years, known for his solid tenor playing and his infectious positivity.


With a strong sense of fun and a passion for the music, Jon brings a vibrant energy to every performance.



Dan Buxton



Baritone Saxophone



Dan studied saxophone performance, clarinet and flute doubling with second study jazz at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.


Dan has played with many big bands throughout his career, including the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, London Jazz Orchestra, Louis Dowdeswell Big Band and the Fat Chops Big Band.


Dan plays assorted saxophones and clarinets in a wide variety of small combos, chamber groups, musical theatre, concert bands and function bands across the UK.



Trumpets



Keith White



Lead Trumpet



A well-known figure on the Midlands big band scene, Keith is recognised for his powerful lead playing and dedication to the genre.


As well as working with numerous big bands across the Midlands including the Fat Chops Big Band, he runs the State 51 Swing Orchestra, which has performed at high-profile events for celebrities such as Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone.



Karl Steadman



Trumpet



Karl is a renowned trumpet player in the Midlands and has played with most of the Big Bands in the area including The Steve King Big Band and Crash Collective, as well as running his own Ground Zero Big Band.


He was a real inspiration to many young musicians during his time working with The Sandwell Youth Jazz Orchestra.



Shaun Jenkins



Trumpet



Shaun is a member of the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (MYJO), where he has played lead trumpet for many years. With much experience adapting to all the different chairs within a trumpet section, Sean brings versatility and skill to any ensemble.


In addition to performing, he is a dedicated educator, teaching for the Solihull Music Service and inspiring the next generation of musicians.



Harry Hawkes



Trumpet



Harry has been a member of the Brian Newton Big Band for a number of years.


With his solid technique, strong section work and easygoing nature, Harry adds a great presence to the band, contributing to its vibrant and enjoyable performances.



Trombones



Richard Nield



Trombone



Richard has been playing trombone for almost 50 years, and unsurprisingly is now very tired, but finally starting to make some progress. He has played with many musicians and ensembles over the years on trombone, bass trombone and piano, including his own big band, The Badgers Big Band.


When he's not playing music, he is usually hiding out in his home studio preparing and writing out music which can be found in many of the Midlands' big band libraries.



Joe Smith



Trombone



Joe is a talented trombonist based in Birmingham, known for his versatility across various musical genres. He is a member of Edgar Macias' band, Salseros, and can often be found as part of a horn section with artists such as Sam Redmore.


Joe has performed with numerous big bands, jazz ensembles, and orchestras throughout the Midlands, earning a reputation as a skilled and dependable performer in both lead and section roles.



Greg Jones



Trombone



Greg’s musical experience includes performing with BBC Big Band competition winners MYJO during his early years in youth jazz orchestras. He has played with numerous local big bands, including the Cool Dudes Jazz Orchestra, and is equally proficient in smaller ensembles.


He has recorded at Abbey Road and can also be seen performing on the local Dixieland circuit as well as with Jamie Knight’s Manuka Band.



Ian 'Woody' Woodward



Bass Trombone



Woody is one of the longest-standing members of the Brian Newton Big Band. With a big sound and a passion for preserving the legacy of Brian, he plays a vital role in underpinning the band’s brass section.


Outside of the Brian Newton Big Band, Woody can also be found performing with Crash Collective and State 51 Swing Orchestra, bringing his powerful sound and enthusiasm to various musical projects across the region.



Rhythm Section



Cliff Martin



Piano



Cliff is a talented pianist with a classical training and a real passion for big band music.


His love and enthusiasm for the genre shine through in his vital role within the rhythm section, accompanying soloists, authentically recreating Kenton introductions, and laying down the harmonic foundation for the band.



Andy Derrick



Bass



Andy is a multi-award winning trombonist who has worked alongside such great UK musicians as Dennis Rollins, Alan Barnes and Mark Nightingale. Andy’s long career so far has included backing many fine musicians including Joe Lovano, Toots Thielmans, Bob Florence, Bobby Shew and Georgie Fame. He received the Don Lusher Best Trombonist award at the 2005 BBC Big Band Contest.


A talented multi-instrumentalist, Andy also plays acoustic and electric basses, which is where you can find him underpinning the rhythm section in the Brian Newton Big Band.



Steve Street



Drums



Steve studied in London under Francis Seriau and Jim Chapin, drawing inspiration from legendary drummers such as Gene Krupa, Roy Haynes, Buddy Rich, and Elvin Jones, whom he had the privilege of opening for at Ronnie Scott’s.


As a versatile freelance musician, he has performed at TV and radio award ceremonies, workshops, and concerts with the CBSO. Steve has also worked with renowned acts like Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, jazz tap dancer Will Gaines, and has appeared on numerous recordings, radio and TV broadcasts.



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