Band Profile

Band Info

The band is a conventional six-piece group, originally formed by Tom Collins in the late fifties and grew out of a local jazz club group. From the start the aim has been to achieve a tight, well-drilled, ensemble sound, but then to augment with the opportunity for individual solo statement. The aim has been achieved by having a nucleus of players who have remained together over the whole period of development. The repertoire is constantly being extended in scope and content. The insistence upon professional standards in no way inhibits the central characteristic of the band, one of freshness and enjoyment of playing. The band has toured Canada, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. It has shared billing in concert with leading artists, and plays regularly for dances in clubs, colleges, weddings and Festivals. In 1977 they were winners at the Dunkirk Festival. When Tom Collins retired from the music scene the remaining members renamed the band as The East Coast Jazz Wanderers.