Pangbourne Jazz Club guests played with Shirley Bassey and Vera Lynn

THE next Pangbourne Jazz Club gig, on Sunday (7.30pm), features Alan Grahame, vibes and percussion, with Ken McCarthy, piano, backed by the club’s rhythm section of Terry Hutchins, guitar, Andy Crowdy, bass, and Brian Greene, drums.

Only £10 entry, with a cheap bar – pay on the door or book online.

Alan began his professional career with the Ralph Sharon sextet as a modern jazz vibraphonist at the time when the sextet was voted Britain’s number one small group.

He then became involved in freelance radio and recording sessions and became a featured member of the Jerry Allen Trio, playing all the major theatres with concerts and radio and TV shows.

After the group disbanded he became freelance working for major recording companies, the BBC and ITV, and has played on many commercial jingle sessions.

Alan was regularly featured with the BBC Radio Orchestra in their ‘Festival Hall’ Concerts, the orchestras of Neil Richardson, Alec Gould, David Francis, Ron Goodwin, Ian Butherland, Cy Payne, Andy Ross, Ray McVay and many more and worked on concert dates in the UK and across Europe, often backing many popular singers including: Tom Jones, Englebert Humperdink, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee and Howard Keel. Alan worked as Shirley Bassey’s percussionist on numerous European tours. Now, Alan is involved in teaching young musicians and directing ‘Big Band’ workshops and concerts with guest appearances as a soloist.

Ken McCarthy studied composition at the Guildhall School of music and played in the experimental bands of Mike Westbrook, John Surman and Mike Osbourne.

He later based himself in Amsterdam and toured Europe and Japan with many visiting American jazz stars. He worked in TV, recording sessions and orchestral work. He has also developed a career as a musical director and arranger, his credits include many West End shows.

Ken has also been personal accompanist and director for Dame Vera Lynn, Roy Castle and Vince Hill. He has always had a keen interest in “classical music”. A very experienced musician with a successful musical career spanning 40+ years.

The jazz club meets every first Sunday of the month at Pangbourne Working Man’s Club, Rosewood Hall in Whitchurch Road. ‘A really nice venue in a beautiful setting with club bar prices and ample parking’