Big bands and Sixties rock

1:48pm Friday 7th December 2007

CHRISTMAS is coming early for two local music groups, who are both holding their December concerts this week. On Saturday, December 8 the Amersham Rock n' Roll Club are hosting The Fortunes, fronted by original lead vocalist Rod Allen.

Songs such as Here It Comes Again, Freedom Come, Freedom Go and You've Got Your Troubles kept the band in the charts throughout the 60s and 70s.

Rod, who is battling an undisclosed illness, says he loves performing live: "It all seems so worthwhile when you look out and see those smiling faces - you realise that you're still making people happy."

The Fortunes will be joined by John Leyton, who had worldwide number ones with Johnny Remember Me and Wild Wind. There will also be a raffle for Iain Rennie Hospice at Home.

And on Tuesday, December 11, Marlow Jazz Club are holding their only December gig, with a performance from the Willie Garnett Big Band.

The 17 piece band are monthly performers at popular jazz venue, The Bull's Head in Barnes, and have appeared at the Brecon Jazz Festival.

Willie, who has run the band for the last 15 years, counts his son Alex among the names in the saxophone section, with the jazz club's resident pianist Frank Toms also a regular.

Tickets for Amersham Rock n' Roll Club, at the Polish Club, Raans Road, Amersham are available from 01494 727173 or 01494 433311. Tickets for Marlow Jazz Club, at the Royal British Legion, Station Road, Marlow available from www.marlowjazz.co.uk or 01628 486571

AROUND THE SITE