Midnite Follies Orchestra

Midnite Follies Orchestra was formed in Britain in 1978, by jazz musicians Keith Nichols and Alan Cohen, dedicated to recreating standards by some of early jazz musicians.[1] The orchestra more or less disbanded in the 1990s.[citation needed] The Midnite Follies Orchestra had showcased a variety of musicians over the years, including Nick Stevenson, Digby Fairweather, Alan Elsdon, Dave Savill, Laurie Chescoe, Keith Greville, Randolph Colville, Olaf Vas, Mac White, Will Hastie, John Barnes, Gordon Blundy and Peter Strange. During the orchestra's active years, it was often featured on BBC television and radio.[1]

Background edit

The group was put together by Keith Nichols with co-leader Alan Cohen.[2] Members Laurie Chescoe and Will Hastie had been members of Eric Allandale's New Orleans Knights band in the early 1960s.[3]

Later years edit

Keith Nichols died on January 20, 2021.[4]

A tribute to Keith Nichols has been organized for Wed 20 Sep 2023 at the Main club. Participating musicians include, Johnny M. on vocals, Mike Henry, Enrico Tomasso, and Pete Rudeforth on trumpets, Alistair Allan, and Andy Flaxman on trombones, Michael McQuaid, Robert Fowler, and David Horniblow on saxophones. The rhythm section includes, Martin Litton on piano, Thomas "Spats" Langham on sousaphone, Graham Read on double bass and Richard Pite on drums.[5]

Discography edit

Single edit

Albums edit

  • Hotter Than Hades - EMI, Odeon ODN 1001 - 1978[7][8]
  • Jungle Nights in Harlem - ASV ALA 3002 - 1981[9][10]


References edit

  1. ^ a b Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 1685. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
  2. ^ London Jazz News, 25 January 2021 - TRIBUTES, Keith Nichols (1945-2021): Tribute by Richard Pite
  3. ^ Disc, No. 149 January 28, 1961 - Page 15 Trad Round-Up - By OWEN BRYCE, ERIC ALLENDALE is the latest addition to our trad. scene.
  4. ^ jazzwise, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 - Keith Nichols (13/2/1945-20/1/21) - Alyn Shipton
  5. ^ The Concorde Club - The Midnite Follies Orchestra: Jungle Nights In Harlem. A tribute to Keith Nichols. Wed 20 Sep 2023 from 20:15pm in The Main Club
  6. ^ Music Metason - ArtistInfo, The Midnite Follies Orchestra, No Strings
  7. ^ Music Metason - ArtistInfo, The Midnite Follies Orchestra Discography
  8. ^ Amazon - Midnite Follies Orchestra Hotter Than Hades LP EMI ODN1001 EX/EX 1978
  9. ^ Muziekweb - Jungle nights in harlem, The Midnite Follies Orchestra
  10. ^ Music Metason - ArtistInfo, The Midnite Follies Orchestra Discography