Take it to the bridge with Royton’s new brass band

YOU are unlikely to come across Royton Hot Brass at any future Whit Friday band festivals.

But the fledgling music-makers will soon be out and about adding a twist to familiar pop classics.

The English Jazz Orchestra

Martyn Stogden is the man behind the new sound emanating every Sunday from the band’s rehearsal space at Royton Methodist Church, Spring Garden Street between 6-7.30pm.

The 52-year-old Londoner is definitely a man and his music thanks to his role as director of the English Jazz Orchestra and Oldham Big Band.

Hot Brass started in September 2018 comprising a number of members already playing traditional brass band music.

“Of course, being Royton, it’s a bit off the wall,” says Martyn who is also the driving force behind London Big Band.

“Our aim was to give Royton its own band. Most other local towns and villages do. So it’s a bit of an oversight.

“But we want to capture the spirit of Royton in making it a little off-the-wall and not ‘serious’ traditional brass banding.

English Jazz Orchestra

“We play anything from Bob Marley to The Specials and The Black Eyed Peas to Madonna.

“We have a lot of players in serious brass bands so this provides them something different to play and something different for people to listen to.

“We work with people of all ages and backgrounds to encourage them to come back to making music or to take up an instrument or sing for the first time.

“We also launched English Jazz Orchestra Oldham in September 2017.

“Since then we have added Monday sessions in Saddleworth (Sing with a Swing Saddleworth) and Saddleworth Jazz Workshop, both Monday daytimes at Uppermill Methodist Church.

“My family is based in London but I spend three days a week in the Oldham area.

“A young lady who was studying in London but played with Oldham Band (Lees) suggested I come up to Whit Friday in Saddleworth.

“I didn’t know anything about it but three years ago I did my first Whit Friday with North London Brass.

“Gradually over the years I have got to know more and more people in local brass bands.

“This girl’s family are from Royton so that’s one of the reasons for starting up Hot Brass here.”

Versatile Martyn, who plays a range of brass instruments, re-iterates: “The aim is to get as many people making music as possible.

“A lot may have played at school but then given it up so we would welcome anyone back who may now have more time on their hands.

“We work with people of all ages and backgrounds to encourage them to come back to making music or to take up an instrument or sing for the first time.”

For more information email roytonbrass@yahoo.com or ring Martyn on 07481 565166.

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