Launched in 1985 when international cornet star Rod Mason moved to Germany, this stunning six-piece band is now hailed as a world-beater in the Louis Armstrong tradition, touring throughout Europe and as far afield as South Africa and the USA.

The line-up lends itself particularly well to superb recreations of the Armstrong classics of the 1920s, though their repertoire ranges from early ragtime through vintage jazz, blues and boogie to more recent Satchmo hits such as Hello Dolly and What a Wonderful World. Rod and the Hot Five have made countless radio broadcasts and TV appearances, and recorded a string of successful albums.

Their live sessions are an unforgettable blend of fine musicianship and professional presentation with excitement and sheer good humour. Six wonderful musicians who are also great entertainers.

ROD MASON (cornet, vocals) hails from Plymouth, where his father was a jazz drummer. Rod was still in his teens when he joined Cy Laurie in 1959; he moved on to become a founder-member of Monty Sunshine’s Jazz Band in 1961, staying for four years. He also led his own band in England for many years, some of the time with co-leader Ian Wheeler, and in the early 70s he was a member of Acker Bilk’s Paramount Jazz Band. Rod moved to the Continent in 1980 to join the Dutch Swing College Band.

ANDY LEGGETT (clarinet, saxophones, vocals) has been a member of Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band and Henry’s Bootblacks, leader of the Pigsty Hill Light Orchestra, musical director of Sweet Substitute and occasional guest with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra – a hectic and diverse musical past.

JOHN MORTIMER (trombone, harmonica) spent more than twenty-five years with Acker Bilk’s Paramount Jazz Band. He is acclaimed as Europe’s greatest disciple of Kid Ory.

FRASER GARTSHORE (piano) the youngest member is from Inverness. As well as being a fine jazz musician he also conducts and composes music. Fraser sometimes plays organ in theatres and churches.

SEAN MOYSES (banjo, guitar, vocals) is simply one of Europe’s greatest banjoists. An accomplished rhythm man who played with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra and Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band. Sean is also featured as a soloist. Those who have not heard will stand amazed!

CLIVE FENTON (sousaphone, cornet, vocals) is a fine young musician who played with the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra and spent several years with Bob Kerr’s Whoopee Band. Clive also plays impressive second cornet on some King Oliver titles.