Bob
Hudson jazz piano in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln
Bob Hudson plays tasteful swinging jazz piano.
Jazz trio, band, duo or soloist for your party, wedding, dinner, anniversary or other event in Nottingham, Derby, Lincoln, Leicester.
Jazz piano lessons, jazz piano history and other jazz piano information.
Biography - Song List - CDs - Concerts - Gig info - Jazz Lessons - Responses-Sound Clips
"A Trio of international standard" - Jazz Journal
"Bob's improvisations are elegant and expressive" - Nottingham Evening Post
"Bob's playing is mesmeric. Stunning!" -Peak Advertiser and Matlock Mercury
"This trio is a revelation" - Crescendo magazine
Bob Hudson began playing piano at the age of nine and in bands from the age of 17. To see what he's been doing since click on BIOGRAPHY.
Bob has accompanied many American jazz stars and appeared in concerts with full orchestra, to find out more click CONCERTS.
Three CDs have been issued featuring Bob's trio. For details click CDs. For reviews of the CDs , click PRESS CUTTINGS.
Bob has an extensive repertoire of songs, to view in more detail click SONG LIST.
If you are a student of jazz piano you may find something of interest in our jazz information and education section. Click EDUCATION.
If you want to hear some sound samples click SOUND FILES
Joanna Hudson, vocalist
You can contact us by Email midlandsjazz@yahoo.co.uk
Quartet - Superb vocals by Joanna plus a swinging trio of piano/organ, bass and drums. Well known standards in the jazz tradition plus some more "pop" flavoured tunes. Great music for listening and dancing for a wide range of age groups.
Solo Piano-silky smooth piano stylings by Bob playing a very wide repertoire of quality songs.
Bob is the ideal pianist to provide romantic piano music for your wedding, at the reception, during the wedding breakfast, or during the ceremony. For example listen to "When I fall in love", "It had to be you", or "The way we were" , click on Sound Files.
Bob plays at many other celebration events such as , anniversaries, birthdays, annual dinners etc. Bob plays in Nottingham, Derby, Newark, Lincoln, Mansfield, Leicester, Melton Mowbray and surrounding areas.
Ron Spence (bass) with Bob Hudson, Joanna Hudson and John Johnstone (saxophone) at the Priest House, Castle Donnington for a gig in 2003.
Bob Hudson Bob has spent 30 years playing as a professional musician, doing everything from cabaret through pop dance and jazz. Bob plays with many local bands, and has a repertoire on piano of over 800 popular songs from the 1920’s to the present day.
Joanna Hudson ( Bob's daughter) has a superb voice and is pupil of Lynne Wayman, the top Nottingham vocal coach.
The Bob's trio recordings have been on Radio 2, are listed in the Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD and have had enthusiastic reviews in top jazz magazines.
We can also contact through midlandsjazz.com the following bands:-
The Bob Wilson Band - a lively six piece dixieland band with trumpet saxophone/clarinet, trombone, piano, bass, and drums.
The Teddy Fullick Band - a five piece New Orleans jazz band with trumpet, saxophone, piano, bass and drums.
The Jake McMahon Quartet - a modern jazz group featuring Jake on saxophone. More information and photos (Jake , Teddy Fullick, Mick Saunders, Ron Spence) by clicking, Link to Jake McMahon web site
To link to Jazz Services Jazz Site click here
Here's a link to an American pianist with similar interests to my own, Fred Potvin jazz pianist link to fingersfred
Bob has also accompanied many star American jazz players on their tours of England in 1999, also in 1998 ,1997, 1996 etc. These include Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Warren Vache, and Spike Robinson.
In 1998 Bob provided music for a film produced for Anglia TV called “The Sweet Life”.
In 1992 Bob played for The Clothes Show Wedding of the Year. His music was recorded and used in the programme shown on BBC TV.
Bob records regularly for Sine Records of Derby and apart from the three CDs mentioned has recorded music for Longmans Publishing to accompany a book and accompanied singers for the Sine label. Further details on sine-records.co.uk .
For the Millennium BBC Music Live celebration Bob composed “The Robin Hood Suite”. This was performed at the Bonnington theatre in May 2000 and in July 2000 at the sell out “Summertime Jazz” event.
NEW CD! - The Bob Hudson Trio - Swings Yesterdays.
Previous CDs
1. Roy Williams with the Bob Hudson Trio, CD available from Music Inn
Nottingham (opposite Central Library on Angel Row)
This album is reviewed in
the Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD and got three stars (out of five). Jazz Rag said
" a positive delight"- Jazz Journal said " excellent album". A Sine Records
recording SND0021. This CD is now completely sold out. Five tracks were recently
played on a Florida radio station ( WFIT 89.5 FM "Jazz on the beach) so its
reached as far as the US!
2. Roy Williams and John Barnes with the Bob Hudson Trio, CD available from Music Inn Nottingham . This album is reviewed in the Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD and got four stars (out of five). Crescendo magazine said "great entertainment- brilliant jazz". Jazz Journal said- "Top quality contemporary mainstream, highly recommended". A Sine Records recording SND0038. I can send you a copy for £12.50 by post.
3. Tommy Whittle with the Bob Hudson Trio, CD available from Music Inn Nottingham. For an independent review of this recording go to www.musicweb.uk.net/jazz/2001/July01/Whittle.htm. "a very enjoyable album" said Don Mather in this review. Crescendo magazine said "musical and memorable...jewel like jazz". Jazz Rag said " Bob Hudson trio accompany expertly, the leader's solos showing considerable individuality". A Sine Records recording SND0077. This CD is now sold out completely.
Each of these CD's has been played on Humphrey Lyttelton's "Best of Jazz" programme on Radio 2. Campbell Burnap has also featured the CD's on his Jazz FM programme and tracks have been played many times on Radio Nottingham's jazz programme presented by Tommy Saville.
4. The Bob Hudson trio swings Yesterdays. See page devoted to this item and hear sound clips.
The CDs are also available by mail order from Cadillac Records London, Crazy Jazz mail order, and at several London retail outlets.
Bob, at a recording session for Sine Records
You can also hear clips from the CDs on www.sine -records.com. To link to Sine Records click here.
You can contact us by Email midlandsjazz@yahoo.co.uk
This is just a sample of Bob's piano repertoire which amounts to over 800 tunes.
Duke Ellington
Satin Doll - Take the A Train - Beginning to see the light - Don't get around much any more - In a sentimental mood
Sinatra
Come fly with me - Fly me to the moon - You make me feel so young - Chicago - That's life - I got you under my skin
Nat King Cole
Let there be love - Unforgettable - Lets fall in love - The end of a beautiful friendship - When I fall in love
Standards
Blue Moon - Smoke gets in your eyes - Honeysuckle Rose - Ain't Misbehavin' - Girl from Ipenima - Tea for Two - Moonglow - Misty - I left my heart in San Francisco - Summertime (and lots more!)
From the Movies and Musicals
The way we were - As time goes by - Moon river - We have all the time in the world - Alfie - Raindrops keep fallin on my head - Don't cry for me Argentina - Memory (Cats) ( and many more)
60's and 70's
Close to you - I'll never fall in love again - Song for Guy - Yesterday - Michelle - Walk on by (and many more)
Let there be love
Let's fall in love
It had to be you
Let's do it
Its almost like being in love
Girl from Ipenima
That's Life
Summertime
The lady is a tramp
Fly me to the Moon
There are many more in this smooth style for weddings and similar events but this list is just to give a general picture.
For other wedding related services visit WEDUK
Vocal Numbers
Click here to see Joanna's songs
Click here to see Bob's
Songs
Bob has played many jazz club bookings and can play a range of
music suitable for a jazz venue.
These Erroll Garner style numbers get a very warm reception from jazz
fans-I'll Remember April, The Man I Love, It's All Right with Me- and others.
Bob can also do many numbers in modern mainstream style (Oscar Peterson,
Monty Alexander, Dudley Moore)
Joanna does lots of jazz standards and bossa nova/latin tunes.
Bob does some Mose Alison (Parchman Farm, Seventh Son, Ain't Got Nothin' but the Blues), and Georgie Fame's (Yeh Yeh)
There are some vocal duets also- Route 66, Jumpin' with Symphony Sid, Straighten up and Fly Right and so on.
Bob, with Jake MacMahon (saxophone) and Mick Saunders at the drums, at the Running Horse, Nottingham
Dear Bob,
I cannot thank you enough for your contribution to Toni and Dave’s wedding. You were splendid.
We thank you for our fairy tale day it was magic.
Sandy Staples , Ruddington 30/06/2001
Dear Bob,
Many thanks for playing so beautifully at Gilly and Peter’s wedding. Your playing contributed enormously to the atmosphere at the hotel and so many people commented on the lovely music.
The programme will be shown on BBC 1 on Sunday 29th March at 5.50pm.
Could you let me know the composers and titles of the music you were playing when we were filming you in close up.
Sarah Walker BBC The Clothes Show Wedding of the Year. 9th March 1992
Dear Bob,
Thank you very much for the excellent music you played at our wedding at Priest House on Friday August 18th. Everyone had a fantastic time and agreed that Mambo Italiano will be our wedding song!
Oliver and Kate Michell, Repton, August 2000
Dear Bob, Thank you so much for providing such excellent music for our wedding reception, it was a joy to listen to you play.
Darrell and Deborah Lilley
Dear Bob, Thank you so much for playing at Fran and Jay's wedding on Saturday. It made the day very special.
Best wishes, Mike and Glen Mulliner 14th July 2003
Dear Bob, Thank you for agreeing to stay on for the extra half hour on Saturday... Our families and friends had a great time, and really enjoyed the live music...Thank you for making our evening so special, and for playing so much of our favourite music.
With best wishes, Margot and Mike Madin. 11th August 2003
Dear Bob, Many thanks for making our anniversary very special. We thought your music gave the restaurant a lovely atmosphere. We hope your finger didn't give you pain ( a dog bite, Bob) - it certainly didn't stop you playing beautifully. We really do appreciate you coming in spite of it.
Many many thanks, Julia and David Broughton 8th April 2004
Dear Bob, Thank you very much for helping to make our wedding day so special with your playing at our wedding reception at Patchings Art Centre on 15th May. The selection of music was just right and was excellently performed. It was just what we had in mind! Thank you!
Best wishes Stephanie and Martin 15th May 2004
You can contact us by Email midlandsjazz@yahoo.co.uk
Bob has presently 30 students. 15 are jazz and 15 are classical piano.
They range from beginners up to advanced levels. Bob prepares students for the Associated Board
grades in classical and the jazz piano grades.
Link to Jazz Piano Information and Advice
The age range of students is from seven years to seventy odd.
All students have passed the grades they have entered with good marks including many merits and distinctions.
For information on piano teachers and many other piano related topics visit UK Piano Page
Link to Jazz Piano Information and Advice
Bob started piano studies at the age of nine, learning classical music, and taking grade exams. After leaving Brunts Grammar school Bob became interested in jazz and blues and joined his first band, The Bev Wild band based in Mansfield in the mid 60's. This band played a mixture of jazz standards and 60's pop tunes.
In the early 70's Bob could be heard backing cabaret acts at the Musters Hotel in West Bridgford. There was also some playing with Bob Wilson's jazz/rock band "Jubilation" which played opposite the Woody Herman band at a concert the Commodore in Nottingham.
In the late 1970's and early 1980's Bob played piano and organ for the Eric Pembleton (later Colin Cox) Big Band. This band had a long standing residency at the Festival Inn Hotel in Trowell and drew audiences of big band fans from a wide radius. The band was of a very high standard and made two recordings during this time and broadcast live on Radio Nottingham. The band played swing from Glenn Miller to Count Basie and also pop tunes from the 60's and 70's.
Around this time Bob also played piano for another big band in the area, the Nottingham Jazz Orchestra. This band was resident for many years at the Old General pub and played every Sunday night to an enthusiastic crowd of jazz lovers. During his tenure with the band Bob accompanied saxophonists Pete King, Barbara Thompson, Danny Moss and Don Rendell, all among the very best UK jazz musicians who guested with the NJO.
After this (mid 80's) Bob worked with a trio for another long standing residency at the Green Dragon pub in Oxton, Notts., taking over the spot from one of Nottingham's best loved pianists, Harry Brown. The trio developed its repertoire and its smooth swinging arrangements during a seven year unbroken spell of weekly concerts. The trio's style was based on the greats like Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner and George Shearing and Bob transposed many of their arrangements for the trio to play.
It was during this time that Paul Tyson of Sine Records heard about the trio and recorded the band twice at the Green Dragon, once with Jyll Ball as featured vocalist and once with John Johnstone as saxophone soloist. These recordings were issued as cassettes.
In 1992 Bob was asked by the BBC TV to play piano for the Clothes Show Wedding of the year. The reception was at Walton's Hotel in Nottingham. Bob was recorded and filmed in close up playing "Honky Tonk Train Blues" and "When I fall in Love" and sections of this music were used in the TV broadcast.
Bob did two concerts (1992 and 1995) with the Nottingham Symphonic Winds at the Albert Hall, Nottingham for the charity the ME Association. Both concerts were a great success both musically and financially for the charity. The Evening Post reviewer Peter Palmer was enthusiastic about the performance of "Rhapsody in Blue" his review of the concert commenting on " the exhilarating results, a note perfect performance without taking away the jazz feel of his style". The second concert was recorded by Sine Records and is available on cassette titled "Music for you and M.E." and includes "Rhapsody in Blue" (Bob and Orchestra) "All of You", and "Paganini Caprice" (Trio) "Candide", and "Year of the Dragon" (Orchestra)
During the 90's Bob's playing could be heard regularly with the Bob Wilson Jazz Band and the Bob Wilson Big Band including a concert at Ronnie Scotts Birmingham.
Bob was still playing regularly at various venues and recorded three CD's for the Sine label (see " about the trio's recordings). Some comments in reviews - "The Bob Hudson Trio are quite splendid and deliver some impressive , thoughtful solos"- Ken Rattenbury, Jazz Rag, - "Bob Hudson deserves to be much better known....is a swinging, fluent player... a fine soloist"- Pat Hawes , Jazz Journal."The Bob Hudson Trio performs with polish, aplomb and unobtrusive taste"- Ken Rattenbury, Crescendo magazine.
Bob was fortunate enough at this time to be asked to accompany many visiting American jazz stars when they played in Nottingham. Saxophonists Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen and Spike Robinson were among these as well as trumpeter/cornettist Warren Vache and trombonist George Masso.
In 1997 Bob turned fully professional both teaching music and playing jazz with his own trio, the Bob Wilson Jazz Band and also the Teddy Fullick Quintet.
Since 1998 Bob has been writing arrangements for the Bob Wilson's six piece band featuring his own vocals. Some of the most popular and frequently played are "Yeh Yeh" (Georgie Fame) "Let there be love" (Nat King Cole) and "You are the sunshine of my Life" (Stevie Wonder). These arrangements are also performed by Bob with the Teddy Fullick Quintet as well as with the trio.
In 2000 Bob turned to composition for the first time. His "Robin Hood Suite" is based on the local legend and has eleven short pieces, all depicting a character from the Robin Hood story. The work was played for the first time by a hand picked group of six of the best Nottingham musicians at the Bonnington Theatre in Arnold in May 2000. It was sponsored by Gedling Borough Council and the Mayor was among the capacity audience of 120. The piece was performed again to an even greater audience of approximately 350 in July of 2000, at the "Summertime Jazz" event at Hoveringham.
In 2003 Bob obtained the new ALCM diploma in jazz piano, and was awarded the diploma performance award by the London College of Music for the best diploma performance that year in any style or instrument at the Nottingham Centre.
Highlights for 2005 include an appearance at the Birmingham Jazz Festival with the Bruce Adams quartet, the release of a new trio CD "Yesterdays" and a sell out concert alongside the Bakewell Choral Society.
At the time of writing Bob is still working regularly as a solo and is also
busy playing with the Bob Wilson band, the Teddy Fullick quintet, the Jake
McMahon quartet, and the Tony Harper quartet as well as with teaching music.
Jazz Journal International September 1997
The Bob Hudson Trio with Roy Williams and John Barnes "Interplay"
There is no greater love, Sleepy Time Gal, Squatty Roo, Mood Indigo, Line for Lyons, Ballad Medley (Skylark, I'm Old Fashioned, It's easy to remember ); Cottontail, Dearly Beloved, Come Sunday, Just in Time.
Roy Williams (tb), John Barnes (bar, clt, ) Bob Hudson (p), Geoff Pearson (b), Derek Bush (d) Derby, UK, October 1, 1996.
Sine records SND 0038
Pat Hawes explained how to seek out Sine Records in his enthusiastic review (JJI March 1996) of this Nottingham Trio's earlier CD, Standard Time. That issue featured Williams as the trio's sole guest; this one has to be even better because Williams is one of Britain's finest jazzmen and Barnes is his peer, which means double the value! Both have mature and personal styles and, as they demonstrated long ago with Alex Welsh, they mesh marvellously. The supporting trio with its hints of modernism is of international standard.
There is no greater love, Cottontail, Squatty Roo and Just in Time are all quality swingers with fine solos all round; Line for Lyons gets the Mulliganesque treatment as it did with Welsh's Strike One 30 years ago; Come Sunday and Mood Indigo are classy interpretations of familiar Ellington themes; Dearly Beloved has a latin flavour; some might find the languid medley (Barnes , Williams , Hudson in that order ) a mite self indulgent but I loved it. No bounds are beaten; this is just top quality contemporary mainstream. Highly recomended.
John Postgate
The Jazz Rag- May/June 1999
Tommy Whittle and the Bob Hudson Trio; "Encore"; Sine records SND 0077
Tommy Whittle (tenor saxophone) Bob Hudson (piano), Geoff Pearson (bass) Derek Bush (drums)
In the context of a package show such as The Ella Fitzgerald Songbook, Tommy Whittle might almost appear to be excessively polished, a tenor saxophonist with a glorious tone but who is a little bit too restrained. In an informal group context things are very different , as this excellent session with the East Midlands Bob Hudson Trio demonstrates. The opener, Flamingo, very quickly takes flight and soaring uninhibited choruses follow. Assertive swing is amply demonstrated further on Sweet and Lovely, Zoot Sim's Trotting, Whittle's own Tee-Jay Blues and On Green Dolphin Street.
Equally there is nothing restrained in the consummate ballad playing, sensitive, searching explorations including My Romance, It never entered my mind, and My Foolish Heart. The swinging Bob Hudson Trio accompany expertly, the leader's own piano solos showing considerable individuality. This recording followed in the wake of a highly successful concert by Tommy Whittle with the Bob Hudson Trio during a Nottingham Jazz Day, and becomes especially welcome in the light of the very small number of Tommy Whittle albums currently available.
Chris Yates.
Nottingham Evening Post, March 1995
Nottingham Symphonic Winds and The Bob Hudson Trio, by Peter Palmer
George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue is a written out piece with jazz ingredients. The solo part is usually allocated to a classical pianist who wants to let his or her hair down. Classically trained pianist Bob Hudson tackled it from the opposite end with exhilarating results on Saturday.
Assiduous practice had made him note perfect, without taking away the jazz feel to his style. He had skilful partners in the Nottingham Symphonic Winds, led by Matthew Billings. He and the orchestra also delighted with two arrangements specially made for the combination, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, and On Green Dolphin Street.
Accompanied by the pianist (Bob) , conductor and arranger Alistair Parnell took on a third role with a roving and virtuosic saxophone solo. And, without leaving their places, the Bob Hudson trio warmed the Albert Hall with two solo sets, including their own variations on Paganini's most famous caprice for violin.
There were other solo guests too. Clarinettist Sarah Parnell whirled through the Flight of the Bumble Bee with the Winds. Singer James Selfridge received big band accompaniments to his polished rendition of numbers ranging from Cole Porter's I've got you under my skin, to New York New York.
The Symphonic Winds played the opening and closing works - a flashy arrangement of Bach's Toccata in D Minor, Philip Sparke's Year of the Dragon, the Overture to Leonard Bernstein's Candide and finally Tiger Rag. Their performances underlined the phenomenal advances they have made in eight years.
Despite getting seriously lost on his way to the city, Deric Longden arrived just in time to compere the event, which raised £2,000 for the ME association.
Crescendo magazine Feb/March 2006- review of the CD "Yesterdays"
Bob Hudson lists his favourite pianists as being Dudley Moore, George Shearing, Gene Harris and Oscar Peterson. The influence of these masters is evident in his playing, indeed the opening track, Yesterdays is much inspired by Dudley Moore's version. This trio, however is a revelation. It is a long time since I have enjoyed listening to an unfamiliar pianist with such pleasure. The trio is a very tight group which swings with unbridled enthusiasm. I was particularly impressed with Geoff Pearson's bass playing and Paul Brown is a very sympathetic, unobtrusive drummer.
The programme is very well selected. Hudson has a good feel for ballads such as Blame it on my Youth and Too young to go Steady. There are three very melodic originals, Sandras Song, Crystal Streeam and a latin inspired Shufflin and Scufflin. It is the foot tapping , swinging arrangements, however, which show this fine pianist at his best. His treatments of Robbins Nest, Summer Wind and Falling in love with Love are the finest.
Peak Advertiser and Matlock Mercury - review of concert with Bakewell Choral Society July 2007 (part)
Then came the Bob Hudson Trio, also making a return visit to Bakewell and clearly with a strong local following. Their jazz style is in a very rich tradition, and Bob's piano playing is mesmeric. They performed their interpretation of a number of old favourites in two groups, one in each part. Stunning!
John Tarn.