Jazzman Pete Allen pays tribute to Fats Waller in double jazz session at Sidmouth’s Kennaway House
JAZZMAN Pete Allen realised a long time ago he could never blow his own trumpet.
So he chose the clarinet instead.
“We were given the opportunity at school to play a particular instrument,” says Pete, host of Sidmouth’s popular Jazz In The Afternoon sessions. “I opted for the trumpet. But I couldn’t get a note out of it. So I switched to the clarinet and after only two weeks I was taking lessons.”
The rest, as they say, is history, for Pete and his clarinet, not forgetting his family of saxophones, has gigged with his band all over the world.
They will be on parade again in Sidmouth on June 11 and 12 for a double session jazz weekend in the excellent cellar bar at Kennaway House.
It will tribute the music and songs of Fats Waller and take trad fans down those famous New Orleans byways from Bourbon Street and Canal Street to the wonderful world of Louis Armstrong Park.
“I love this venue here in Sidmouth,” says Pete, made an Honorary Citizen of New Orleans for his services to British music. “It has such a great atmosphere. It has everything going for it.”
Tickets for each session, �10 in advance or �12.50 on the day, are available from Kennaway House, telephone (01395) 515551.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here