BLAZES GROUP, THE

Guest Vocals: Eric Duprez (2)Lee Stewart (3)Norma Duprez (4)Neil Sandy Kennon

Guitar: Roger Bunn (2)Lester Middleton

Piano: Paul Saint Gunnel

Double Bass: Pete Walker

Drums: Dave Tooke

Referred to as the City’s Young Modern Jazzmen in the EEN in March 1961. The band was based around the earlier Paul Gunnell Trio also featuring Tooke and Walker. Middleton had been part of the well-known Downhomers SG back in 1958 and Bunn a member of The Footprints SG. Playing regularly in the ballroom at The Cottage PH, Thorpe, Nch the band were fronted by various guest singers but none more prestigious than the Norwich City goalkeeper at the time, Sandy Kennon. The band at this point were sometimes advertised as The Blazes ft: The Sandy Kennon Vocal Group, although we have not been able to track down any further vocalists involved! The keenness of the young jazzers saw most of them moonlighting with other outfits, Gunnell, Walker, Tooke and Bunn in The Paul Gunnell Group and Gunnell, Bunn and Tooke in The Roger Bunn Trio, with many more permutations besides. A note made about the band at the time reflected the burgeoning talent of songwriter Bunn, as the set would feature a selection of his well-received original compositions. The reviewer particularly noted Blue Sands and Neurosis. Middleton went on to join The Emperors. 

*We believe Norma and Eric are connected but need confirmation

Discography:

7Act ??, ?? b/w ??, ?? udat

Mediography:

A good thing I can sing! Jokes Sandy  SJ  EEN 31/12/60 (P)

City’s young modern jazzmen JN EEN 16/03/61 (P)    

(Bunn - The Footprints Skiffle Group) (Middleton - The Downhomers SG, The Jetblacks) <

> (Kennon - The Kentones) (Bunn - ??) Middleton - The Emporors) (Gunnel - ??)