Martin Rodger, Mart to the jazz fraternity, has a passion for traditional/Dixieland jazz and has been pushing it for over 50 years. Little did he know when he appeared on a talent discovery show called “Carol Levis Discoveries” all those years ago he would be still performing in the twenty first century with the same enthusiasm and drive. Mart jokes saying he’s still waiting to be discovered. “This band is my best yet, and if you have something which is really enjoyable, to a good standard, is happy and swings, you should share it with as many people as possible” says Mart Rodger. These boys cut their teeth on the British “Trad” boom and they still play today with the same vitality of guys one third of their ages. Individual techniques have improved from years of practice, and with the addition of the will to entertain, this makes Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz a very popular band with fans and promoters. You can hear them on CD, audio Cassette or you can see them on video (see Titles Available For Purchase).
The band is famous for performances containing plenty of variety and their repertoire is drawn from the music of New Orleans, early classic jazz of King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong along with popular standard numbers, even the occasional Ink Spots tune plus some exceptional band originals.
International vocalist Marion Montgomery, who sang with the band at ten separate concerts claimed that Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz were her favourite Dixieland band….who can argue with that?
The band have a monthly residency at Poynton Royal British Legion, Georges Road West, on the third Thursday. Times are from 8.30 to 11.30pm. There are many opportunities to hear the band throughout the year in the North West of England. Traditional jazz fans have enjoyed their music live on the British jazz festival circuit, in Norway, The Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Germany, The United States of America and Canada.
To find out where they are playing live visit our Upcoming Events page.
Latest Newsletter: News Letter 57
Titles available to Purchase Page 1 Page 2
