LED by acclaimed trumpeter John Shillito, The Riviera Ramblers is a new band whose infectiously enjoyable brand of “Le jazz hot” could be just the ticket for a cold winter evening.

Much of their repertoire originates from the Swing era of the 1930’s and 40’s in which the front line brass and reeds move along harmoniously and energetically on a pulsating rhythm section that recalls Parisian “manouche / gypsy” sounds of that era.

Band members John Shillito, Zoe Lambeth, Bob Martin, John Whitlock, Dale Whitlock and Pete Furnish craft their melodic and rhythmic music with care and warmth.

Their music is naturally attractive to the ear and almost irresistibly and contagiously impelling in its rhythms, originating out of New Orleans via Harlem, via Paris and, of course, via Torbay (the English Riviera!).

Band leader John Shillito is a peerless trumpet lead of great precision and poise. Born in Sheffield, John began playing in his teens. He moved to London in 1958 and formed the Kid Shillito Jazz Band.

After National Service he came to prominence when he took over from Ken Colyer when that band metamorphosed into Johnny Bastable’s Chosen Six. Moving to Devon in 1971 he has led several of his own bands, including his Mardi Gras Jazz, and the Rhythm Aces.

The Riviera Ramblers will be at Ilminster Arts Centre this Friday (January 10) at 8pm. Tickets cost £16. To book call 01460 54973.