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 has returned, but to the lead trumpet chair; Tony Davis, the fine Midlands musician, is on second trumpet, and Mike Wills from the Rascals of Rhythm plays clarinet and soprano sax. Another younger generation jazzman, Graham Hughes, has joined on trombone, and original Bear Perry Lock has returned to the piano chair. The inimitable Judy Eames is back in the vocalist spotlight, and Dave has reclaimed his banjo from the pawn shop.

In September '05 the changes to the Rascals of Rhythm also affected the Bears, so Andy Crisp, another original Bear, took over the drum chair, and John Arthy has added his powerful sousaphone playing to the rhythm section.

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.

Sky Murphy and Paul Maple have played trombone, Malcolm Sked sousaphone, Enrico Tomasso and Ian Bateman have taken the trumpet and trombone chairs respectively, and Charles Condy and Henry Davis have both filled a vacant piano stool. Thus the original Big Bear flavour can be maintained under any circumstance.

In March 2005 the trombone position was filled by a great American musician, Jim Maihack, amongst whose credits is a long stint with Turk Murphy.

At Bude Jazz Festival (Aug/Sep 2005) another fine American musician and friend of long standing, Jeff Barnhart, joined the band on piano for the Wednesday night gig.

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.