History of the New City Jazzmen

A new book by

BERNARD HODGSON

1960
1960

A bunch of jazz fans came together 46 years ago and decided to form a band. The years went by, popular music underwent a revolution, 10^th, 20^th, 30^th and 40^th anniversaries of the band came and went and suddenly it dawned on us that one day it would end. Bernard Hodgson decided to write it all down before it was too late. The result is ÎNew City Jazzmen the storyâ, nearly 100 pages, 20,000 words and 120 illustrations, a beautifully produced piece of social history.

Read what others are saying about it:

"A very comprehensive piece of literature...puts to shame others
I have read by greater names...highly recommended"

Pete Lay (Leader, The Gambit Jazzmen writing in Just Jazz)

1970
1970

1981
1981

"Well researched, well illustrated and tells the story with wit,
pace and attention to detail...this book deserves a wide readership"

Keith Samuel
(Bandleader, trombonist and co-author of The Brighton Jazz Line)

"A good read whether or not one is musical.
I'm tone deaf and thoroughly enjoyed it!"

Janet Treagus (Crawley journalist and Editor of Crawley Live)

1992
1992

2002
2002

"Well written and illustrated...evocative and nostalgic...
sets the standard for band biographies"

John Boyett (Sussex musician)

"You don't have to be a jazz fan to enjoy this book....it's a chunk of social history....fascinating account of a small band....it's also worth a look for the nostalgic posters et al.... it is also FUNNY....no one could take umbrage at it"

Brian Clemens (Author, playwright and creator of The Avengers,
The Professionals)

Many have commented on the diversity of the book, it's humour, social comment, the changing nature of popular music through the years and the sheer nostalgia which certain passages evoke:

"April 1966 was highlighted by a visit to Lewes Gaol. Mike Godfrey wrote at the time 'All agreed that the atmosphere and particularly the smell would ensure our good behaviour henceforward' "

"No one danced but stared glumly at us. The organiser kept haranguing us to play rock 'n' roll. When I told him we were a Jazzband he said 'Well, I thought it was all the same!' We weren't asked back"

"(In 1957) the majority of people had no cars, central heating or fridges and lived in rented accommodation. Home freezers were things of the future"

"Banners proclaiming 'Down with Rock 'n' Roll' were carried - a Canute-like gesture in the light of the inevitability of future musical developments"

"By 1978 the musical scene had changed so much. Dancers wanted something more·the answer was the 'disco' "

Some 150 musicians and vocalists are publicly acknowledged for their help and support in playing with the band over the years.

Whether you are a jazz fan or not or, as Janet Treagus says, whether or not you are musical, you will find 'New City Jazzmen the story' a very good read!

Copies of the book are available from three bookshops near to where the band is based:

Ottakar's Plc
The Martlets
Crawley
West Sussex
Tel. 01293 525352

The Horsham Bookshop
4, Park Place
Horsham
West Sussex
Tel. 01403 252187

City Books
23 Western Road
Brighton
BN3 1AF
Tel. 01273 725306

To order a copy of the book, and/or any of our new CD collection, click here for more details

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