Formed in 1999 Twelve to the Bar comprised twelve “Big Band” enthusiasts who had a lot of energy but not a lot of music. Many of the twelve were past members of the Toot Hill Dance Band and went on to play in bands of their own.

Dickie also plays with jazz vocalist Amanda Barlow, has a duo with Double Bassist John Porter and has appeared at many festivals over the years. He has a light, delicate touch and brings bounce and swing to the jazz standards.

After years as a principal in the National Youth Music Theatre, Jeanie studied jazz harmony at Morley College in London as well as improvisation with BBC Jazz award winner Anita Wardell and also cut her teeth as singer and compare for bebop pioneer Laurie Morgan’s trio, fronting their famous North London weekly gig, Downstairs at The King’s Head in Crouch End for over a decade.

She went on to support Georgie Fame, sing backing vocals for Luddy Samms (The Drifters) and recently performed for Samuel L Jackson as well as other A list celebrities, singing Bond songs in front of British Icons like Shirley Bassey and Pierce Brosnan.

Credits include performances at The Jazz Cafe, The 606 club, Ronnie Scott’s and The National Theatre, as well as a cruise on the Seine in Paris and the Cannes Film Festival.  Jeanie was voted “Best Newcomer” at the Marlborough Jazz Festival 2015.

She also writes for London Jazz News and Nottingham Live (formally the Nottingham Post

First Friday Jazz Sessions happen on the first Friday of each month.