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Band Profile
"The Gambit Jazzmen" by Peter Lay
Originally formed around 17 years ago from mostly Kent based musicians, the "Gambit Jazzmen" have earned themselves a reputation for good hot New Orleans music, and enjoy playing a large repertoire of numbers from the 20's/30's/40's intended for dancing or just listening.
The band is led by myself on drums. I was first influenced by my brother Mick, who is an accomplished drummer. When my brother went to Australia, leaving his kit behind, I decided to make the most of the opportunity to play drums, and after relatively little experience, was invited to join the "Eagle Jazzband" and subsequently became established in the Kent jazz scene. I played with Ken Colyer on many occasions during the 70's and 80's before having the privilege of joining "The Ken Colyer Jazzmen" for three years before his death. I also spent 23 years on and off playing in "Bill Brunskill's Jazzmen", travelling with the band and playing at his residency at "The Lord Napier". My favourite drummers are Gene Krupa; Zutty Singleton; Baby Dodds; and of course Colin Bowden!
The original "Gambit Jazzmen" (called King's Gambit), was formed after a reunion of local musicians who had played with the "Phoenix Jazzband" at their Club at "The Men of Kent" in Rainham, Kent during the "seventies" in December l982.
A few 'phone calls followed this get-together, and with the option of a gig at "The Men of Kent" for a friend's Anniversary party, some of the musicians were available to play in a band for this occasion.
The task of putting the band together for the night was given to Roy King, who had been a regular "Sitter-in" with the Phoenix Jazzband.
Myself and Roger Link from the present line-up were there at the start. Roger Link (string bass) has been playing for some 38 years. He was with Barry Weston in the "John Defferary's Creole Jazzband" in the sixties, and with Ian in the "Medway Delta Jazzband" as well as several other Kent bands, including quartets and
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