Dave Moorwood's Collective

Dave is currently recovering from a successful hip operation. While he recuperates, some wonderful friends are stepping in to keep the music playing.

You can see the full schedule, including upcoming dates for the Rascals of Rhythm, on our gigs page.

Once Dave regains fitness, you will see the authentic Frisco Jazz of the Big Bear Stompers or the eclectic swing of the Rascals of Rhythm back in action once more.

View All Upcoming Gig Dates

Dave Moorwood Band Collective - Bandleader
Based in Oxfordshire

Dave Moorwood - Bandleader – started in Skiffle groups, playing banjo and guitar and even mandolin and clarinet. Later, he worked in blues bands, dance bands and with an organ trio as well as with a variety of jazz bands. Dave has recorded with top musicians as guests and happy to work live with them. These include Digby Fairweather, Enrico Tomasso, Denny Ilett and Ben Cummings on trumpet; Micky Cooke, Roy Williams, Ray Wordsworth and Jim Fryer (from the USA) on trombone; and Julian Marc Stringle, Pete Allen, John Hallam and John Barnes on clarinet and saxes.

BIG BEAR STOMPERS - formed in 1990, the Big Bear Stompers, a now almost legendary “Frisco” style band which survived into 1997 often playing host to top jazzmen as guests including Ball, Bilk and Lyttelton. However in January 1996 Dave was asked to join the Pete Allen Jazz Band and became a pivotal member of the rhythm section for the next eight years when he finally resigned to indulge himself playing his favourite acoustic guitar, singing and arranging for his own group, the Rascals of Rhythm. Dave takes great delight in searching for gems amongst the myriad almost forgotten songs of the  20’s and 30’s, many of which you will hear at Rascals’ performances. He is also a first choice “dep” in many top bands such as those of Roger Marks, Brian White, John Petters and Phil Mason. In 2004 he unveiled a new version of the Big Bear Stompers which has been taking the club and festival scene by storm,

BIG BEAR STOMPERS BAND PERSONNEL:  To follow soon

THE RASCALS OF RHYTHM include Tony Blincowe playing  the reed instruments and is generally partnered by Mark Aston. The drumless rhythm section consists of Andrew Clancy on piano/keyboard, Mike Bennett bass and Dave Moorwood acoustic guitar occasional vocals and arrangements, and was once described by Digby Fairweather as "as springy as a trampoline and as uncluttered as air".
Dave takes great delight in searching for gems amongst the myriad of almost forgotten songs of the 1920/30s, which, over the years, has resulted in a large, varied and unusual repertoire. The Rascals have made six CDs (all on the PEK label), five of which are still available. “Boiled Owl and Other Delicacies”, “Hors D’Oeuvres and Other Tasty Morsels”, “Love Potion Number 9 and other Heady Cocktails”.

RASCALS OF RHYTHM BAND PERSONNEL:
Dave Moorwood ~ Acoustic Guitar / Vocals

Tony Blincowe - Clarinet / Soprano, Alto and Tenor Saxes – another multi-reedman – not only plays beautiful clarinet but also straight soprano, alto and tenor saxes. He is comfortable in many styles from New Orleans through Big Bands to Modern jazz and  is generally partnered by Mike Aston.

Mike Bennett - Double Bass – has been the Rascals' Double Bass player for several years.

Mark Aston - Clarinet / Soprano and Tenor Saxes ..

Andrew Clancy - Piano/Keyboard.

THE VOCALISTS: Lizzie Newbury, Kim Osmond and Suzanne Sheehy are now available and have a repertoire to sing with the Rascals if desired.