Backstage with... MARTIN WHEATLEY OF WHEATLEY'S ARCADIANS 

Growing up as a teenager, Martin Wheatley knew he was going to be a musician, but over the years his tastes changed. "I was always keen on music and as a youngster it was the blues and rock which first got me hooked."

He learnt the drums, guitar, piano and sax and it was the music of Bix Beiderbecke which really converted him to jazz.

"Early jazz has a solid fan base, new fans are finding it all the time, so it will always be with us".

But it isn't just the music which attracts the fans to his Acradians. the group perform with authentic instruments and with each piece carefully placed in context, the shows are something of a history lesson. The tenor banjo often takes centre stage, but with steep competition from the Hawaiian guitars, which create the mood of the ear perfectly.

This music was born out of a time of depression in America, but the music and words speak of change, there's nothing downbeat about any of it. By capturing innocence and matching with a hope for the future, early jazz was also the springboard to the great swing era.

As the 30's came to a close, guitars became electrified and the music scene changed forever, but early jazz will always have its fans. Wheatley's Acradians perform all over the country, but often pop up in our more rural Dorset locations. If you get the chance to see them, don't miss it.

Helen Baggott
www.helenbaggott.co.uk
© Helen Baggott 2009