Neville Dickie

80th Birthday Piano Party

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Last Show: Saturday 29 th July 2017

In the early days of PizzaExpress, stride piano giant Neville Dickie was a regular headline performer at several of Peter Boizot's music rooms. Now in his 80th year, join us as we celebrate his peerless demonstration of the exhilirating power of the piano styles of great early pianists like Fats Waller, James P Johnson and Willie ‘the Lion’ Smith. Adding to the party atmosphere, Neville is joined by his band - making a rare London appearance.

Neville Dickie was born in County Durham, England on January 1st 1937. His early years in music were spent in the northern working mens' clubs. After his National Service in the RAF, Neville left Durham and moved to London.

 He spent many years working for little money in the pubs around the London area and his lucky break came when he was auditioned by the BBC and spotted by Doreen Davies, then head of Radio 2. Hundreds of broadcasts followed, both solo and with his Trio. In 1969 he recorded 'The Robins Return' which became an immediate hit. Neville remains one of the few British Jazz pianists to have had a record in the Hit Parade.

 Neville continued with his recording career under the watchful eye of his recording manager Norman Newell, recording four LPs. In 1975 Neville recorded 'Back To Boogie' on the 'Music For Pleasure' label. This recording sold 100,000 copies and is still played all over the world today. Since then he has recorded 9 LPs and over 40 CDs on various American labels.

 After recording 'Back To Boogie' Neville felt the need to go back to his roots and to the music he really loved - Jazz. He is regarded as one of the world’s finest exponents of Stride Piano and is much in demand all over the world. Neville has earned the respect of American audiences and visits there every year. His Trio and his band The Rhythmakers are always in demand.

 Neville and his wife Pat also run the very successful Sutton Jazz Club, which in June 2015 celebrated its 28th anniversary.

Band Lineup

Neville Dickie (piano)

Norman Davey (drums) 

Alan Gresty (trumpet)

Soho: Paula Masters (clarinet/saxes) / Maidstone: Goff Dubber (clarinet/saxes)