KENNY Baker, one of the finest trumpet players to emerge from the British contemporary music scene, is the latest big name to be booked for the regular Jazz Jamborees staged in Bolton. The former lead trumpeter with the great Ted Heath band will appear at Derby Ward Labour Club in Deane Road on Friday, March 26. He will be backed by the Alan Cooper Trio, who accompanied jazz giants Roy Williams and Tommy Whittle at the jamboree last December.

Kenny Baker has a tremendously impressive CV, having worked during his long and distinquished career with such international stars as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Sammy Davis, Perry Como, Peggy Lee, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Benny Goodman, Henry Mancini and Billy May.

After his spell with the Heath orchestra he left to form his own band with other famous names which included Tubby Hayes and Stan Tracey.

Called Baker's Dozen, the outfit made numerous records and radio broadcasts. Kenny also recorded the sound track for Kay Kendal's famous 'mimed' trumpet solo in the movie 'Genevieve.' As a member of the Jack Parnell Orchestra at the ATV Studios in Elstree, Kenny made hundreds of TV shows with stars including Tom Jones and Burt Bacharach.

He has a number of prestigious awards to his credit and is still in great demand as a soloist and also as leader of 'The Best Of British', which includes trombonist Don Lusher and drummer Jack Parnell.

Jeriatric Jazz, who have a loyal and enthusiastic following in the Bolton area, will again be support band on March 26.

The band's front man, vocalist Colin Worth, said: "We're absolutely delighted that Kenny Baker has accepted an invitation to play in Bolton and are very much looking forward to appearing on the same bill.

"He's one of Britain's most famous jazzers and it's certain to be another full house."

Tickets, at £3, can be obtained from Derby Ward (tel 531114) or at Jeriatric Jazz gigs.

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