West Jesmond Rhythm Kings

Despite performing in a manner reminiscent of 1920s Chicago jazz and bearing an unusual moniker, the West Jemond Rhythm Kings hail from the United Kingdom. The group's originator, trumpeter Mike Durham, maintains employment selling soap for Proctor & Gamble. After a period with limited musical activity spanning 1964 to 1979, Durham resumed trad jazz performances in 1980 and has sustained his artistic growth thereafter. While residing in Japan from 1980 to 1982, he established the Kobe Stompers; upon his return to England in 1983, the West Jemond Rhythm Kings came into being under his leadership. The ensemble achieved a stable lineup by 1985, establishing itself as a favored presence at traditional jazz events throughout the U.K. Durham drew influence from the 1950s output of Mike Daniel's Delta Jazzmen, known for rendering lesser-known numbers originating in the 1920s. This affinity positioned the West Jemond Rhythm Kings for release on the Stomp Off label, yielding the album Take A Good Look At Mine during 1992. Longtime membership has included Durham, who contributes vocals on occasion, alongside Derek Fleck handling reeds including clarinet, soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, tailgate trombonist Bob King, pianist Brian Chester, Fergus Hope performing on banjo and guitar, Phil Rutherford on tuba, and drummer Jimmy Stewart.