Jazz Caverners

The Jazz Caverners were a British traditional jazz ensemble formed in the early 1960s in Hastings, East Sussex. Emerging from the remnants of the Dolphin Jazz Band, the group specialized in the classic 1920s New Orleans jazz style and became a notable presence in the UK’s traditional jazz revival scene.

Formation and Musical Style

The Jazz Caverners were established following the dissolution of the Dolphin Jazz Band, which had been active for approximately nine years. Trombonist Brian Towers and clarinetist Chris Watford spearheaded the formation of the new group. They were joined by banjoist Roy Martin, who, despite the presence of another banjoist, Geoff Coates, was included due to his ability to transport fellow musicians from Eastbourne’s Mojo Rhythm Kings to performances. This arrangement proved beneficial, as Coates frequently traveled to Europe for busking, leaving Martin to fill in during his absences.

The ensemble focused on the classic 1920s New Orleans jazz style, consciously avoiding the sound of a banjo-dominated band. In the early 1960s, they recorded for the specialist label Vintage Jazz Music (VJM) in London.

Key Members

• Brian Towers: A trombonist who began his musical career in the late 1950s with the Dolphin Jazz Band. After relocating to Canada in 1969 for a career with Scotiabank, he continued his musical pursuits, joining the Magnolia Marching Band in 1982 and later leading the Hot Five Jazzmakers in Toronto. Towers was active in the jazz scene until his death around August 12, 2024.

• Chris Watford: A clarinetist and co-founder of The Jazz Caverners. Watford played a significant role in the band's formation and musical direction.

• Roy Martin: A banjoist known for his unique playing and singing style. Prior to joining The Jazz Caverners, Martin founded the Expedient Brass Band in the 1950s, an authentic New Orleans-style parade band that performed at Bonfire Night parades across East Sussex. The band featured a flexible lineup, including musicians such as drummer Colin Bowden, clarinetists Roy Pellett and Tony Pyke, and trombonist Mike Pointon.

Recordings and Legacy

In the early 1960s, The Jazz Caverners recorded for Vintage Jazz Music (VJM), a specialist label based in London. These recordings captured the band's dedication to the classic New Orleans jazz style.

In 2012, a reunion event in St. Leonards brought together over 150 fans and former members of The Jazz Caverners and the Dolphin Jazz Band. To commemorate the occasion, a double CD of previously unreleased tracks was compiled, featuring performances by Roy Martin and other band members.

Images

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  Jazz Caverners at the Regent Hotel