Wirral’s Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra celebrates 40 years

Sep 17 2008 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

Dennis Harrison

IN the 40 years since the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra first stepped on stage, they’ve entertained the Prince of Wales and written for the Forsyte Saga.

And now, one of Wirral’s most enduringly popular live music acts will celebrate the milestone by playing two anniversary concerts.

Banjo player and band leader Dennis Harrison joined in 1976 and says “time has just flown” but members are all still just as enthusiastic as ever.

Dennis, who lives in Upton, told the News: “It was fun all the time and we didn’t really think how long it was going to exist, but here we are 30 or 40 years later. We’ve just always enjoyed playing.”

The seven-piece was formed by a group of Wallasey art students in 1968, out of another band called the Original Gutbucket Steam Orchestra, and were soon playing venues across Merseyside.

Since then, the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra has entertained audiences throughout Europe and were recently named Band of the Year at the Den Bosch Festival, beating 100 other groups to take the crown.

Dennis, 57, said: “We’ve always had a powerful sound because we have a four-man rhythm section. With the bass drums, piano and banjo, we get a nice, fat sound.”

But it’s not just about big tours for the orchestra and as their longevity continues, Dennis says it’s just as much fun being remembered by fans of yesteryear.

The grandfather-of-one said: “We did a gig last week for a bloke’s wife’s 50th birthday and we actually did their wedding about 25 years ago.

“They remembered us, which was really nice.”

l The Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra will play at Bidston Golf Club from 8.30pm on Saturday September 20 and will host a 12-hour party at the Alicia Hotel, near Sefton Park in Liverpool, from mid-day on Sunday, September 21.

For tickets, priced £5 for Saturday and £15 for Sunday, contact Dennis on 07710 881108.