Friday 24 October 2025
The Mark Buckingham Big Band presents: The Kings of the Clarinet – music of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, and more!..
The band will be playing the great tunes of the Kings of Clarinet with Mark Buckingham, Nick Charles and Bob McKay on clarinet duties for the evening. Contemporary clarinet tunes include the Gordon Goodwin writing for Eddie Daniels, plus a bit of the Bass Clarinet.
The band was created during the UK lockdown period. Professional musicians where allowed to perform, rehearse and stream, so Mark took advantaged of this ruling to get players who where just sitting at home watching the telly or delivering groceries to get them playing again.
Chris Fletcher, the percussionist in the Groove Warriors, and many great bands, gave Mark a complete library of Big Band music about 6 months before his sudden death. Mark felt his wishes for it to be used should be fulfilled!
Mark has by chance assembled some of London's finest musicians to play in this band. Hence the band is playing top arrangements by from the worlds finest bands. Count Basie, Gordon Goodwin, Buddy Rich, Thad Jones, etc.
The Players
Saxes: Nick Charles, Aaron Liddard, Bob Mckay, Simeon Murry, Mark Buckingham.
Trumpets: Andy Gibson, Giles Straw, Dave Boa, Graham Russe
Trombones, Paddy Sears, Chris Ford, Nick Mills
Rhythm: Finn Genockey, James Hayes, Tom Gilchrist, Jules Cowie.
Personnel are subject to change, as these players are in demand all over the country.
Video 1 (Live at Esther Theatre): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nVWtVuENSU&t=1s
