Ken Colyer's Jazzmen, Manchester University, Manchester (GB) - 1963

Colyer was considered a New Orleans purist and had a clear notion of how traditional jazz should be played, one which highlighted collective improvisation and therefore fewer solos. What struck me most about the band’s performance was that it was so laid back, relaxed, without the common grandstanding of British ‘trad’ bands. And they performed sitting down, apart from the bassist of course. Ken Colyer trumpet, maybe Geoff Cole trombone, probably Sammy Rimington clarinet, prob Ron Ward double bass and Colin Bowden or Pete Ridge drums. Possibly a banjo/guitar was present. And Colyer sometimes sang, especially with his skiffle group from within the band (but I don’t remember this happening).