About Us
The Unity Stompers Jazz Band have been entertaining audiences on the Isle of Wight since 1960 and are firm favourites with locals and holidaymakers alike. They have backed many of the top names in British jazz including Humphrey Lyttleton, Digby Fairweather, Roy Williams, John Barnes, Terry Lightfoot, Dave Shepherd, Alan Elsdon and the late Rusty Taylor.
The Stompers lost two very good friends in 1998 with the deaths of Beryl Bryden and Nat Gonella. Nat, who lived just across the Solent at Gosport, was a frequent visitor and often appeared out of the blue to sing with the band.
In December 1999 we were saddened to learn of the death of Kenny Baker, another of our good friends and a true "Giant" of British Jazz.
In March 2002 the Stompers original Drummer, Ray Jolliffe, retired after more than 41 years with the Band. Ray died in April 2007 after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease.
The sudden loss of Humphrey Lyttleton in April 2008 has deprived us of another good friend. Humph was the "Godfather" of British Jazz and he will be missed by us all.
The current line-up is
Andy Norman:- Cornet, "Other Brass", Vocals, Leader.
Dave Bryant:- Trombone, Vocals.
John Swaffield:- Clarinet, Soprano, Alto and Tenor Saxes, Train Whistle.
Martin Dover:- Piano Derek Tigg:- Banjo
Nick Collis:- Tuba Terry Dickinson:- Drums
If you're thinking of booking the band why not take a look at our Tune list