RIP Stuart Brooks

We finish with the very sad news that former member of the band, Stuart Brooks passed away the week before last. Joe had known Stuart since he was 14 when he used to drive him home from Croydon Youth Jazz Orchestra rehearsals each week (his son was in the band and their dads shared the driving). He'd always been the big star session musician to Joe; he used to watch him in the house band for the Wogan show before realising quite what a stellar career he'd had.

Joe couldn't have been more chuffed than when Stuart agreed to join the band. He was with us for about five years and brought with him brilliant trumpet playing and humour in equal measures. Stu left the band around four years ago but we remained friends and would often see each other on gigs. He'll be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our sympathies go to his wife Janet and their family.