Taken from the CD sleeve “Cheers”

It has been said that good things start from small beginnings and this is certainly true when looking at the history of the James Goff Big Band.

It was in 1978 that the Vandyke Community College in Leighton Buzzard offered a jazz appreciation course and the original six students were soon joined by others. The slant quickly moved to playing music of The Big Band era and sufficient members became available so that a concert to the public could be given in 1979 under the name Vandyke Big Band. The personnel has, naturally, changed (like the name of the band) over the succeeding years and we are grateful to a number of distinguished musical directors who have each made valuable contributions to the development of the band.

The James Goff Big Band is a rehearsal band made up entirely of amateur musicians of all ages who come from the Leighton Buzzard/Milton Keynes areas. Some however, travel much greater distances to take up their chairs with the orchestra and our objective has been to give six or more concerts a year in order to assist with the raising of funds for National Charities. Through our efforts, many thousands of pounds have been contributed and we see a continuation of these activities as our way ahead. It is also our aim to provide a place for like-minded people of all ages to meet together and we are particularly proud that two of our younger members graduated with great credit to the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO).

In 1992 James Goff (well known as an accomplished keyboard player and recording artist in his own right) took over the baton and his many experiences in the music industry with Mecca International and the P&O Shipping Line coupled with his patience and encouragement have lifted the band to the level where we have dared to enter a recording studio for the first time. We hope you will enjoy the numbers chosen - many of which have been arranged for us by James and that the sensitive and warm interpretation of the vocals by Jeannie Dee (formerly with Joe Loss and His Orchestra) have added that special ingredient for your listening pleasure.

Thank you for your support which, in turn will enable us to continue with our endeavours to help worthwhile charities.

Geoff Smith (President of the James Goff Big Band)
October 1995.