• Jazz
• Swing

The Chase Jazzmen are a UK Traditional Jazz Band. Their extensive repertoire features popular composers between 1900 and 1950 with numbers from the swing era including Sinatra style compositions.

The Band:

Dave Boxold ( Guitar & Banjo)
It was the likes of the Shadows with Cliff Richard that first inspired Dave to buy a second hand guitar and form a 5-piece combo, known as The Farinas, playing lead guitar taking the vocals and emulating the popular music of the day. More work followed with a group from Wolverhampton, called The Likely Lads. This was a time when Dave was also dabbling on keyboard as well as lead guitar. During the 1970s due to work and family commitments Dave took a break from playing in public and became resigned to listening to recorded music by some of the greats such as Sinatra, and Nat Cole. By the early 80′s Dave had developed a keen interest in jazz, and also became actively involved in Barber Shop Quartet work. It was in this latter mode that Dave had reasonable success when his Quartet broadcast several times on the BBC and at many Social Functions. In 1985 Dave joined the Bank Street Syncopators, playing traditional jazz, firstly on bass guitar and then string bass, whilst still occasionally freelancing on jazz guitar with other bands.

Jim Harney (Drums)
Jim began his drumming career in his local Squadron of the Air Cadets in Birmingham, playing snare drum for parades. This first taste gave Jim the spur to investigate drumming techniques to a greater degree and sought out good local teachers, under whom he developed into a good all round drummer and was soon becoming experienced in a semi-professional capacity in local dance bands, playing sequence and pop as well as jazz. He also found work in Cabaret, backing singers etc. all of which was to expand his all round technique. Unfortunately his drumming career had to be put ‘on hold’ for a while during which time Jim felt the need to develop a proper career. Together with his wife Carol, Jim went into the Licensed Trade, on the other side of the bar, and became Landlord of several of Birmingham’s City Centre pubs. In 1988 Jim and Carol started another business outside the ‘Trade’, and Jim was able to resume his drumming career, again playing for dancing, cabaret and even a short interlude into soul music. In 1996 he joined The Martinique Jazz Band, where his ability to vary his drumming styles is exactly in line with the band policy of refusing to be tied to one style of jazz. His Creole and Latin rhythms are exceptional, and his driving swing makes him a great drummer to have behind you.

Alan Jagar (Clarinet & Saxes)
Alan began his musical career by playing violin at the age of ten. His Father was a semi professional dance band musician. After about 3 years he switched to clarinet and later became interested in 1950s traditional jazz as played by Norman Grant (Jazz at The Philharmonic series – an offshoot of the big band era ). Later on his major influences where names like Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, and Flip Philips. During his three years National Service, Alan played in the Tank Regimental Staff Band and performed at all the formal parades, dinners and dances and coukd also be found playing in various local beer halls during the early days of rock & roll. After leaving the forces, he got married and continued his musical career playing clarinet and sax in local dance bands. Alan has continued to play and to hone his skills as an accomplished saxophonist. His mellow tone continues to please audiences in various jazz venues.

Bob Pearse (Double Bass)
Bob was born into a musical family where both parents were talented musicians. Lonnie Donegan, Bill Haley, and skiffle were early influences and a tea chest & broomstick base was a beginning to Bobs musical career. However he soon progressed to real double bass in and 1955 formed the Trailblazers band. The predictability of rock & roll became a little boring but his interest in jazz grew when in 1963 when he joined the Northside Jazzmen trad band and later played modern jazz with Mike Alexander. In 1969 he formed his own trio/quartet line up and called it the Bob Pearce Band. In recent years Bob has played all over England in many bands that have included Trent Valley Stompers, Red Admiral Jazzband, Roger Welles Allstars, Washboard Syncopators, Sauce city Jazzband, and Swing Parade to name but a few. His popularity and musicianship make for a valued band member.

Pete Ainge (Trumpet)
Pete started playing trumpet in his teens, shortly after joining the RAF. For the last 25 years he has played regularly with Midland’s based Dixieland bands, that have included the Martinique and Heart on England during which time he toured on two occasions to New Orleans and make regular playing trips to Germany and Gran Canaria. After a short break last year he is now back playing on a regular basis. Pete has played in a wide variety of locations ranging from prestigious garden Parties to funeral in the poring rain. He is a big Chris Barber/Pat Halcox fan. He is also an avid aviation buff, he builds and flies radio controlled model aircraft, and has a private pilot’s licence. His warm personality and musical delivery make Pete a valued member of any band.