On Wednesday (17th November) The Patchwork’s stage was reverberate with the positive, colourful, uplifting music of Benny Goodman, otherwise known as “The King of Swing’.

What is Swing, some of you may ask? Wikipedia calls it “a strong grooved drive”, Collins dictionary “popular music influenced by Jazz” in fact it is impossible to define the indefinable but like the happiness, you know it when it’s there and you know when it is absent.

Benny Goodman, born on May 30, 1909, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American musician. He is best remembered as one of the greatest clarinettists of all time, reaching the height of his popularity in the 1930s when swing was most popular.

The band:

Martin Nickless – Clarinet,

Nat Steele – Vibraphone,

Bruce Boardman – Keyboards,

Paul Morgan – Double Bass,

Rod Young – Drums

Martin Nickless is an internationally respected musician. He is a senior clarinettist, saxophonist, composer, and arranger for many projects including the BBC’s New Artist program American Big Bands and beyond.

Martin’s discography includes both playing and arranging for the Chris Barber Big band, The Pasesdina Roof Orchestra, Glen Millar UK, and many more. He is a passionate exponent of Benny Goodman’s music.