Trumpets:
Gareth Howell – “You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off”
Gareth leads the Badgers trumpet section – a unique team that, having worked out how to get the coach back on the road, now look back fondly on their last trip to Italy.
Nick Dunham – “If you got a trumpet, get on your feet, brother, and blow it!“
Nick was born near London, UK into a musical family, choosing the trumpet at 8 years old, he quickly became technically proficient with classical training, before discovering jazz and big band music in his high school years. Since then, Nick went on to study at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and has played with some of the biggest names in UK jazz. Nick is currently recording and producing his own music, as well as gigging all over the UK
Keith White -“Not quite my tempo“
Keith is someone with a deep love for the big band tradition and a stalwart of the Midlands big band scene. 25 years of running and playing lead trumpet in the State 51 Swing Orchestra have taught him that this is really a people business and he’s happy to be surrounded by some of his favourites in the Badgers Big Band.
Dep Trumpet – “Hi, which chair do you want me on?“
Dep has no life and is always waiting with mobile in hand for the call to play with The Badgers.
Saxes:
Andy Shillingford (Alto, and Assistant to the Assistant Stick Waver) – “I love it when a plan comes together!”
Andy is the dynamic leader of the saxes and brings a massive breadth of experience to the band.
Steph Barnes (Alto) – “If I’m not back in five minutes, just wait longer.”
Steph is an accomplished saxophonist and a valued member of the Brian Newton Big Band, having worked with the group for many years.
A former member of the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (MYJO), she is also part of Coventry’s Swingshift 10 and has backed some of the country’s finest musicians, including Steve Fishwick and Dave O’Higgins.
Known for her big sound and exceptional reading skills, Steph’s versatility and expertise make her an essential part of any saxophone section she plays with.
Charlie Wright (Tenor) – “I guess some like it hot”
With over 40 years experience, and sporting a rich, hard bop sound reminiscent of the likes of Tubby Hayes and Pete Christlieb, Charlie has developed a reputation as a versatile, sensitive musician performing with the likes of Dave Newton and Bruce Adams.
Jon Field (Tenor) – “I’ll have what she’s having”
Jon is known for his solid tenor playing, his infectious positivity, and ability to extract subs from the other Badgers.
With a strong sense of fun and a passion for the music, Jon brings a vibrant energy to every performance.
Dan Buxton (Bari) – “You ain’t heard nothin’ yet!”
Dan studied saxophone performance, clarinet and flute doubling with second study jazz at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Dan has played with many big bands throughout his career, including the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, London Jazz Orchestra, Louis Dowdeswell Big Band and the Fat Chops Big Band.
Dan plays assorted saxophones and clarinets in a wide variety of small combos, chamber groups, musical theatre, concert bands and function bands across the UK.
Trombones:
Richard Nield – “Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing”
Richard has been involved with Big Bands for all of his life, his earliest memory being travelling in the back of a transit van on the way to a gig being run by his father Alan. Over the years, Richard has played trombone and/or keyboards for bands and shows throughout the UK. Richard’s longstanding ambition of leading a eclectic band of outstanding musicians playing fabulous music has come to fruition with the creation of The Badgers Big Band.
Joe Smith – “The name’s Bond. James Bond”
Joe is a talented trombonist based in Birmingham, known for his versatility across various musical genres. He is a member of Edgar Macias’ band, Salseros, and can often be found as part of a horn section with artists such as Sam Redmore.
Joe has performed with numerous big bands, jazz ensembles, and orchestras throughout the Midlands, earning a reputation as a skilled and dependable performer in both lead and section roles.
Greg Jones – “I will look for you. I will will find you and I will kill you”
From pantos to jazz orchestras and everywhere in between, you could see him in costume or a big band line up. Greg loves the musicality of a modern jazz big band but also leans towards Ska bands, function bands and small jazz combos.
Ian “Woody” Woodward – “Get me to A&E”
Woody is an owner of many trombones, and a wife. Apparently he is Mr Badger’s twin brother, but they are not related in any way.
Keyboards and Assistant Stick Waver:
Alex Clarke – “It’s [the flute] is just a piece of blimmin’ pipe”
Alex knows a thing or two about music – a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and three-time nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Alex is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene.
As well as working as a bandleader, Alex performs alongside many notable names such as Alan Barnes, Alex Garnett, Alec Dankworth and Art Themen, and regularly works with prestigious larger ensembles such as the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, the Simon Spillett Big Band and Down For The Count.
See her in her alter Badger ego channelling her inner pianist.
Bass:
Wayne Matthews – “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Wayne’s music education began in the Church, where he began to play the bass and had the best ear training there is! Before that life changing day, he had a classical upbringing on the recorder and viola. He also became involved with a city wide schools choir run by the Coventry Centre for Performing Arts. It was there he worked his way up to the Coventry Youth Orchestra, led by Brian Chappell, where he literally grew up and had the opportunity to travel the world to places such as Poland, Czech Republic, Germany and the USA.
Drums:
Steve Street – “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires!”
Steve studied in London under Francis Seriau and Jim Chapin, drawing inspiration from legendary drummers such as Gene Krupa, Roy Haynes, Buddy Rich, and Elvin Jones, whom he had the privilege of opening for at Ronnie Scott’s.
As a versatile freelance musician, he has performed at radio award ceremonies, workshops, and concerts with the CBSO. Steve has also worked with renowned acts like Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, jazz tap dancer Will Gaines, and has appeared on numerous recordings, radio and TV broadcasts.
Band Manager, HR, Counsellor, Discipline, and Muse:
Michelle Nield – “In every generation there is a Chosen One. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons and the forces of darkness. She is the Slayer.” – “Mrs Badger” is the brains and common sense behind the organisation of the band. She works tirelessly to ensure that everything behind the scenes runs smoothly and efficiently. Her skills include administration, marketing, finance and counselling!