Last updated 08:57, Saturday, 15 November 2008

In 1978 the band were invited to record a programme for Border TV which developed into a series called Take the Mick. It was later transmitted by other regional ITV stations.

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Gateway Jazz Band and Shelagh Lazzari

This gave an opportunity to re-introduce many musicians who had played with the band over the years – most notably George Chisholm on trombone – who had become not only a great friend, but a good influence on the band, Mick conceding that he made the band swing more.

Among the members who returned were Al Potts (clarinet), Colin (Sycamore) Smith (double bass – who is still playing today for Manchester Jazz, 55 years after first joining the Gateway) Vince Sheridan (trumpet) Arthur Ling (tenor saxophone) and Brian Cook (banjo).

Obviously this exposure to a wider audience than the local enthusiasts had it’s rewards and led to a series of bookings across the north and into Scotland – many at stately homes – such as Leighton Hall, Carnforth, Levens Hall and Lowther Castle, as well as Holme Cultrum Abbey, Rosehill Theatre and many more.

Stewart Jessett, another recruit from the Gelt River Jazz Band, came in to take over from Steve Oswald, not only playing double bass, but adding his own brand of humour to the proceedings.

After the final recording for Border Albert Holliday, who had played drums with the band since 1955, decided to move on and his replacement was the one and only George Mitchellhill (known as Mad Mitch) who, although a local lad, had played professionally with many stars all over the country.

As Mick was a perfectionist demanding high standards and with so many gigs at the time, practices and rehearsals were commonplace.

Top jazz musicians visited the club including Dave Shepherd, Danny Moss, Brian Lemon, Pat Halcox, Bruce Turner, Kath Stobart and Teddy Wilson, once of the Benny Goodman band, most of whom had previously appeared at The Coach House Club.

Another personnel change took place

The band played three gigs on an island on Derwentwater, after the Lowther Horse Driving Trials, attended by George Bowman and his wife Eileen who had occasionally sung with the band but, more importantly, the Duke of Edinburgh with whom the band members were very much at ease.

How much the Duke enjoyed it, I’ll tell you next time ...