top of page

Performer:

John Shillito’s Riviera Ramblers

Social Media:

Note.jpg
Note.jpg
Note.jpg
Note.jpg

Biography:

The Riviera Ramblers are a Devon - based 5 piece band playing music from the great jazz and swing era of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s. And they play it with a lot of spirit and musical skill!

Trumpet, clarinet, alto sax, 2 guitars and a double bass are the instruments that make most of the sounds, but you’ll also hear the occasional tones of the banjo and zippy percussion of the washboard; and there are excellent vocals (female and male) too. The Ramblers have an extensive repertoire of tunes which have stood the test of many decades and become “classics” of their own kind. All are played with excellent musicianship and with warmth and enthusiasm that make them sound as fresh as the day they were written. You’ll hear music that connects with New Orleans, Harlem and Paris and with some of the great names of jazz - Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Django Reinhardt and many more. Enjoy songs with exquisite melodies and captivating lyrics, played with a swing that makes you want to dance.

Popular performers at jazz clubs and festivals, the Riviera Ramblers also have several long-standing pub and restaurant residencies and provide excellent, atmospheric music for commercial promotions, weddings, private parties and celebrations. The Riviera Ramblers make any occasion an excellent musical and social event. You’ll leave with a smile on your face, a swing in your step and a host of memorable tunes going round and round your head; and you’ll soon understand that this is.... Not just your ordinary jazzband!

Band Line-Up:

John Shillito, who has been a great supporter of Jazz in the West Country for many years, is suffering from terminal cancer and will not be at the Bude Jazz Festival this year. His band, John Shillito’s Riviera Ramblers, will still be at the festival.

The line-up for Tues 26th Aug will be a sextet - Zoe Lambeth – Reeds, Vocals, Megs Etherington – Cornet, Vocals, Joe Gass – Bass, John Whitlock – Guitar, Banjo, Dale Whitlock – Guitar, Bob Martin – Trombone.

The line-up for Fri 29th Aug will be a quartet - Zoe Lambeth – Reeds, Vocals, , Joe Gass – Bass, John Whitlock – Guitar, Banjo, Dale Whitlock – Guitar.

(C) Copyright 2026 - Bude Jazz Festival
(C) Copyright 2026 - Ian Martin (Website Designer)
bottom of page