What the professionals say
“There really is nobody quite like Digby Fairweather, a man who has long been – and more significantly remains – a force for our music, a winner of many new friends for the cause and, best of all, a jazz musician who continues to prove that being true to ones own direction – that voice-forging faith – can build a career that can last a lifetime”
“One of our great jazzmen – and the UK’s leading man-about jazz – Digby Fairweather has assuredly taken the place vacated by Humphrey Lyttelton as Britain’s leading jazz personality!”
“Having seen Digby play as a youngster, I was greatly moved by the incredible warmth of his music. He plays the purest melodies that hit you right in the heart, something that is missing from a lot of players these days. He has succeeded in creating a personal style of playing which is very listenable to without compromising quality, something which I aspire to because of him! He is a true British jazz legend”
About Digby
Digby Fairweather became a fulltime jazzman in 1977 after twelve years as a qualified librarian in Southend-on-Sea working night by exhausting night in everything from local soul and dance bands to avant-garde jazz ensembles in Southend and all over his home-county of Essex. In 1971 he formed his first ‘Half Dozen’ to play his preferred music – Swing and Dixieland – and from 1973 began working his way up the ladder as a junior partner in established jazz bands led by professionally qualified musicians including Hugh Rainey, David ‘Eggy’ Ley and Eric Silk and later with Keith Nichols, Ron Russell and Lennie Hastings.
Half DozeN
In 2020 Digby (now celebrating over forty years in professional jazz) continues to lead his poll winning band. “The very first Half Dozen” he says “-was formed in 1971 with some local pals in Essex including clarinettist Alwyn ‘Ollie’ Dow who thought up the name. Unusually at the time we played Swing arrangements and some Dixieland – and even some jazz-rock for a surprise! – and we had a great night at the 100 Club in 1971 supporting Alex Welsh who became a great friend and mentor”.
Latest news
Retrospective Double Album
‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be signed by the international Acrobat record label in 2020 – and to be back on the shelves of record shops again! This double-album was rush released by Acrobat to tie in with my Half Dozen’s January concert at Ronnie Scott’s; our 25th Anniversary tour ‘The Road Well Travelled’ (shortly to […]
The Jazz Centre UK
BRITAIN’S FIRST CULTURAL CENTRE FOR JAZZ MUSIC Situated in The Beecroft Art Gallery, Essex, The Jazz Centre (UK) celebrates the music’s heritage, art and memorabilia and actively supports and promotes contemporary performance and education. PURPOSE:“TO PROMOTE, PRESERVE AND CELEBRATE THE CULTURE OF JAZZ IN ALL ITS FORMS” The current site on Southend’s Victoria Avenue includes a performance space, heritage centre, media […]
THE JAZZ CENTRE UK
The Jazz Centre UK is a focal point for everything related to jazz. As well as music, we embrace dance, fashion, art and design. We are a registered charity and our aim is; “TO PROMOTE, PRESERVE AND CELEBRATE THE CULTURE OF JAZZ IN ALL ITS FORMS”
Digby's Place
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month Digby Fairweather presents live jazz music with special guests at The Cricketers Jazz Bar, 228 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7JG.