THE Andy Masefield jazz band will be playing at the Memorial Hall, the Downs School, Colwall, next Friday, May 11.

The band, founded ten years ago, has become a popular part of the local music scene and is in demand for weddings and other functions.

The band's current line-up includes founder members Andy Masefield (trumpet), Chris Wigley (trombone) and Eddie White (piano), who are joined by Nick Merriman (bass), Pete Thwaites (drums) and Pete Carlton (sax/bass clarinet).

The band currently enjoys a monthly gig - third Wednesdays, usually - at the Farmers Arms in Wellington Heath, and used to play at the Feathers in Ledbury.

Some readers might remember the nights at the Feathers when the band invited jazz greats Chris Barber, Digby Fairweather, Alan Barnes and Kenny Baker to play with them.

"Kenny Baker liked its so much that he came back a second time," recalled Andy.

The band also has a regular summer tour in South Devon, when members spend just over a week down there, playing a succession of venues.

"At gigs like the Farmers Arms, it's mainly jazz fans we play to, who tend to be middle aged, but at the functions, there is a larger age range, and we seem to get them all going. We throw in the odd rock and roll tunes now and then.

"We play trad tunes, but we don't necessarily play a trad style; we're a little bit more on the beat."

Admission to the concert, which is at 7.15pm is £5 (£2 children) on the door.