The New Washboard Syncopators - Reviews and Comments

Abbey Jazz, Malvern Rugby Club
The 'boys' (well gents) were on great form and played to a full house. Apart from their enthusiasm, style and all round good bandsmanship, the great thing about a night with the NWS is that you've never heard most of their repertoire anywhere else. Of the eighteen songs they played, I can honestly say I've never heard any other band play twelve of them. That's down to the work of (mainly) Chris Carmel and Dave Braidley in sniffing them out like well-trained bloodhounds.

It was fun and it was the authentic 'pop music' of the 1920s. Not what we normally do at Malvern, to be sure, but what a treat. I think the band is real working example that authenticity doesn't have to be boring. And having sat through many too many dire Colyeresque grey evenings, I sez 'Hats off to the New Washboard Syncopators'.

I'm sure they'll be back at Malvern, but if you want to see them sooner, check out Jazz Guide.

Aldridge & District Lions Club
For more than 15 years, the Aldridge & District Lions Club has organised and run the Aldridge Fayre, a major community charity event. As part of this annual event we have a series of arena events including music, dance, demonstrations, etc.

Around 4 years ago we learned of the New Washboard Syncopators band and booked them for our arena. They were so impressive that we have booked them each year since then – and have done so again already for our 2010 show.

Apart from a great jazz sound, the group give a very good visual display. In addition to the arena sessions at our Fayre, they spend much time playing whilst walking round the various stalls at the show so that everyone, visitors and stall holders, all get a chance to listen to their talents.

Tony Quinn and his group are very accommodating with arrangements and will change plans, often at short notice, to meet our needs on the day. Last year we had a problem with the band booked to accompany the Mayor for the opening ceremony but the Syncopators stood in at the last moment.

In summary, ‘Not only a great sound but a very talented and professional group!’

The Farmers Club, Hereford
4th July 2010 sees the third visit of The New Washboard Syncopators to The Farmers Club, Hereford, and all our members have expressed their gratitude on the way the band has entertained us. Their professionalism and friendly attitude has adhered them to our jazz club. The choice of numbers, particularly the rarer tunes the band plays, all combine to make the evening a success.

Girlguiding Midlands
The New Washboard Syncopators have performed for Girlguiding Midlands on 2 occasions at outdoor venues. The music has added a very informal and friendly atmosphere to make the evenings most successful. We would recommend this group as we have already booked them for 2 more events in 2010.

Jazz Club 90, The Harp, Albrighton
New Washboard Syncopators are one of the most popular bands to appear at the Harp in Albrighton for a few reasons: They not only enjoy playing their music but also make sure the audience enjoy listening. The band invariably play numbers we haven't heard before or hear very rarely. Chris Carmel's jokes may well bring groans from the band but always have the audience in stitches. Last but by no means least the quality of music played by six very experienced musicians is second to none, and long may it stay so!

Nailsworth Jazz Club
This is to thank you and the band for giving us such an enjoyable evening of jazz when you visited Nailsworth Jazz Club recently. Your programme of lesser known items was very well received and we have had a great many positive feed-backs from a number of our members.

Norton Cricket Club, Stoke on Trent
The New Washboard Syncopators returned with a selection of lively tunes from the '20s Jazz Age, some of them well known, others rarely heard. A good band led by drummer, Tony Quinn, with Norton favourite Bob Smith and cornet player Chris Carmell up front. They provided us yet again with a night of good jazz, fun and all round entertainment.