Midnite Follies Orchestra was formed in Britain in 1978, by jazz musicians Keith Nichols and Alan Cohen, dedicated to recreating standards by some of early jazz musicians. The orchestra more or less disbanded in the 1990s. The Midnite Follies Orchestra had showcased a variety of musicians over the years, including Nick Stevenson, Digby Fairweather, Alan Elsdon, Dave Savill, Laurie Chescoe, Keith Greville, Randolph Colville, Olaf Vas, Mac White, Will Hastie, John Barnes, Gordon Blundy and Peter Strange. During the orchestra's active years, it was often featured on BBC television and radio. Background The group was put together by Keith Nichols with co-leader Alan Cohen.London Jazz News, 25 January 2021 - TRIBUTES, Keith Nichols (1945-2021): Tribute by Richard Pite They played the music or Harlem that was previously performed by Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway.Wisbebech Standard, 7th November 2017 - Chatteris Music Society to host Keith Nichols for jazz concert at Chatteris Parish Church By Ben Jolley They were the only group in Europe that specialized in the music of Duke Ellington.Storyville, Issues 111-122 - Page 96, 149
Members Laurie Chescoe and Will Hastie had been members of Eric Allandale's New Orleans Knights band in the early 1960s.Disc, No. 149 January 28, 1961 - Page 15 Trad Round-Up - By OWEN BRYCE, ERIC ALLENDALE is the latest addition to our trad. scene. Career 1970s It was mentioned in the 25 March 1978 issue of Music Week that Midnite Follies Orchestra had signed to the MOR division of EMI.Music Week, March 25, 1978 - Page 99 THE FIRST signing for Ramon Lopez, new managing director of EMI Records
James Hamilton gave a short review on their single "No Strings". He said that it was "Really useful '30s-style Pasadena-type MoR quickstepper, lovely and jolly". He also said that it was for old folks.Record Mirror, November 11, 1978 - Page 43 NEW SPINS, MIDNITE FOLLIES ORCHESTRA "No Strings" was getting airplay on Radio 210 in Thames Valley for the week of 14 October 1978.Music Week, October 14, 1978 - Page 26 AIPLAY ACTION, Radio 210, THAMES VALLEY, NO STRINGS — The Midnite Follies Orchestra (EMI/Odeon 101)
Along with Max Collie's Rhythm Aces and Monty Sunshine, the ensemble played at the Hot Jazz Spectacular, Fairfield Halls in 1979.National Jazz Archive - Hot Jazz Spectacular, Fairfield Halls, 1979 In August that year the group having appeared some time back at the White Rock and performing well was appearing at the Winter Gardens in Eastbourne. Bexhill-on-Sea Observer, Saturday 25 August 1979 - Page 4 Midnite treat 1980s On 23 May 1982, the ensemble was to appear with jazz singer Adelaide Hall in her debut at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. The event was a Duke Ellington anniversary concert.Daily Express, May 5, 1982 - Page 15 Encore for a living legend
The group were set to give their Duke Ellington tribute performance on Friday 25 May 1984.Storyville, Issues 111-122 - Page 96, 149
In 1989 the ensemble played at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.National Jazz Archive - Michael Webber Promotions present The Twentieth Louis Armstrong Anniversary Concert with the Midnite Follies Orchestra, The Queen Elizabeth Hall, 1989 Later years Keith Nichols died on January 20, 2021.jazzwise, Tuesday, January 26, 2021 - Keith Nichols (13/2/1945-20/1/21) - Alyn Shipton
A tribute to Keith Nichols had been organized for Wed 20 Sep 2023 at the Main club. Participating musicians include, Johnny M. on vocals, Mike Henry, Enrico Tomasso, and Pete Rudeforth on trumpets, Alistair Allan, and Andy Flaxman on trombones, Michael McQuaid, Robert Fowler, and David Horniblow on saxophones. The rhythm section includes, Martin Litton on piano, Thomas "Spats" Langham on sousaphone, Graham Read on double bass and Richard Pite on drums.The Concorde Club - The Midnite Follies Orchestra: Jungle Nights In Harlem. A tribute to Keith Nichols. Wed 20 Sep 2023 from 20:15pm in The Main Club
Discography Single "No Strings" / "Minnie the Moocher" – EMI, Odeon ODO 101 – 1978Music Metason - ArtistInfo, The Midnite Follies Orchestra, No Strings Albums Hotter Than Hades – EMI, Odeon ODN 1001 – 1978Music Metason - ArtistInfo, The Midnite Follies Orchestra DiscographyAmazon - Midnite Follies Orchestra Hotter Than Hades LP EMI ODN1001 EX/EX 1978 Jungle Nights in Harlem – ASV ALA 3002 – 1981Muziekweb - Jungle nights in harlem, The Midnite Follies OrchestraMusic Metason - ArtistInfo, The Midnite Follies Orchestra Discography
References
External links Discogs – The Midnite Follies Orchestra