Lowdown Blues - Jack Evans And His Capitol Sextet - Regal Zonophone MR3767

This was the only disc that this group made. In 1945, they came second in the Melody Maker All-Britain Amateur Dance Band Championships. It was also the only recording of this song written by the bandleader himself, and arranged by the group's trumpet player - who also has a lovely solo. I am grateful to Terry Brown for the bio below:
South Wales born Jack Evans the saxophonist formed the Cardiff Sextet as it was originally known in 1938, a semi pro outfit that did gig work in and around Cardiff to 1939. It disbanded during the war years, due to call up, but re-formed in 1944 as Jack Evans and the Capitol Sextet. The record was part of the second prize at the Melody Maker, 'All Britain Dance Band Championship', held at Belle Vue competition in Manchester on 8 October 1944. The record was made on 20 October 1944, personel : Jack Evans (alto), Reg Hoskins (tenor), Garfield Ireland (Trumpet/arranger), Bill Christelow (piano), Edgar Davies (bass), Joe Thomas (drums). The band folded in the early 40s, and Jack Evans worked for Tito Burns in the early 50s. Garfield Ireland got his first job in 1934 aged sixteen with Bryn Preece & his Band in Glamorgan, billed as the 'Welsh Nat Gonnella', before joining Evans. After the Evans unit broke up, I believe he went to Canada.

[@telmar98]

Apologies the dates shown in the brief bio. I wrote above are a year out - the competition mentioned was on 8 October 1945 and the recording made 20 October 1945 - sorry about that. All the same its a very nicely arranged and performed side.

[@michaelpoole9595]

Thanks for another unknown gem! Can there be many more to find?

[@JonathanHolmesjazz]

I’ll keep looking for them!