It will be the end of an era when The Jonathan Wyatt Big Band performs for the last time with a night of great music and comedy at The Pavilion, Gorleston, on Saturday October 7.
With the help of his father, Gordon, Jonathan formed the much-loved band in 1987 with their first rehearsal at the Royal British Legion Hall in Norwich.
The boy from Sprowston worked in the coffee bar at the Theatre Royal when he left school and it was the late manager the legendary Dick Condon who first gave him and the band the opportunity to play.
He became the youngest big band leader in the country and In the early days they were helped and supported by Norwich promoter and friend Cliff Meachen and became more and more popular.
Over the years they have played sell-out concerts, featured on television and made numerous radio broadcasts. They have worked with some of the best singers and musicians in the business.
Some fantastic musicians have also come through the ranks of the big band to move on to careers across the world.
In recent times several people have helped with rehearsals, gigs and keeping the band running – two of them are Dave Amis and Johnathan Reynolds, both life-long friends and excellent musicians.
I remember him telling me years ago how his idea was to re-create the authentic sound of the big band era. He did just that.
They always seemed to have a project or idea underway, be it a Glenn Miller show, a new vocal group such as the Moonglow Sisters along with Rat Pack shows and festive Christmas performances.
In 2017 Jonathan moved away from Norfolk but his band continued with assistance from fellow trombonist Johnathan.
“It is the right time to step down,” said Jonathan, who now lives with his wife and children in Yorkshire and works as a film and TV sound recordist.
He also has his own new projects with Jonathan Wyatt’s Northern Swing Orchestra – a newly formed band with some of the best musicians from the North of England.
BUT.
It is not all bad news – after October 7 his Norfolk band will continue with a new name, The Front Row Big Band under the direction of Martin Eaton, of the fine sax players.
“They already have some dates in the diary for 2024 so please keep supporting them,” says Jonathan.
Jonathan’s final performance will be a full night of toe-tapping big band swing, recreating the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennet with the legendary Norfolk singer and entertainer Olly Day.
Olly and Jonathan have been a great Norfolk double act for a long time and they will also be joined by the vocalist Lindsey Ball singing songs from the recent Ella meets Basie show.
Gorleston Pavilion, where Jonathan’s band have been much-loved regulars for more than 15 years, is the perfect venue for him to wave farewell to his Norfolk and Suffolk fans.
*Tickets cost £18.50, and are available from https://www.gorlestonpavilion.co.uk/whats-on/1173634476 or call 01493 662832.
*For more information call him on 07968 192757, keep an eye out for his new website www.jwmusic.co.uk and give JW music a follow on Facebook.
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