Dave Moorwood - Jazz Musician

The Big Bear Stompers came into being in 1989, the brainchild of Dave

Moorwood and trumpeter Clive Whitlock.  They wanted to organise a band

to play in the “classic” style, taking as their models both the early 1923 King

Oliver Creole Jazzband and the 1940s revivalist Lu Watters Yerba Buena

Band. The tricky role of second trumpet was most successful in the hands of

multi-instrumentalist Paul Maple, later succeeded by a very young Ben

Cummings.  The band achieved a considerable following, but three events

led to its going into hibernation in 1997.  Dave joined the Pete Allen Band,

Clive suffered serious health problems and Ben decided to live in France for

a year.

In late 2004, the Bears re-emerged, a little altered

but with the same instantly recognisable style and

spirit. Ben returned, but to the lead trumpet chair; 

Tony Davis, the fine Midlands musician, was on

second trumpet, and Mike Wills from the Rascals of

Rhythm played clarinet and soprano sax.  Another

younger generation jazzman, Graham Hughes,

joined on trombone, and original Bear Perry Lock 

returned to the piano chair.  The inimitable Judy

Eames was back in the vocalist spotlight, and Dave

Crisp, another original Bear, took over the drum

chair, and John Arthy added his powerful

sousaphone playing to the rhythm section.

This site was designed by Gaston Software

Now Ben has gone on to even greater things, but we are fortunate to have in his place the vastly experienced and

versatile Andy Woon.  Of course, with such a stellar array of musicians it is quite probable that some will be

unavailable for some gigs. However, with its well organised written programme, the Bears are building a small “pool”

of compatible players, a system which has already proved its worth.  Visiting guest stars are able to slot into the

band without difficulty.  The great American musician, Jim Maihack, amongst whose credits is a long stint with Turk

Murphy, toured and recorded with the band in March 2005, and at the Bude Jazz Festival in the same year another

fine American musician and friend of long standing, Jeff Barnhart, joined the band on piano.

So come and hear this fabulous band at the first opportunity or book it for your event, festival or club – you won’t be

disappointed.  Meanwhile, click the CDs/Videos button for details of the Bears’ CDs and YouTube videos.