A trilogy in four parts. Lasting from the 70s into the 90s, a somewhat abridged biography follows:
Written in 1977 by
The original Hotshots were formed in early 1977 from a partnership between George Howden and Frank Franks, who first met whilst playing for the infamous Charlie McNair Band in their home town of Edinburgh. Soon afterwards during a tour of Spain, they were playing an enthusiastic reception at a private party thrown by Salvador Dali.
On their return they played the London pub & club circuit with a variety of musicians. A permanent band was formed in December 1977. A high standard of musicianship and performance created the perfect setting for the original and talented style of the leader George Howden, and produced the hottest and most thoroughly pleasing band in their field. The Hotshots appeared regularly at the famous North London spot “The Tally Ho”, Kentish Town and “Ripples”, a luxurious West End nightspot.
Following a further period of time spent on the Continent, George Howden finally returned to the British Traditional Jazz scene, but could no longer resist the temptation to reform the Hotshots and immediately struck lucky when former “Alex Welsh” sideman, Jim Douglas, agreed to joint the band. On trumpet is the great Mike Cotton, formerly with the famous Acker Bilk Band and currently one of this country's finest players. Bernie Holden is on clarinet and alto sax and is the former leading-light with The Fidgety Feet Jazz Band. With the inimitable and highly respected Don Cook on drums and South London's most sought after bass player, Terry Lewis, recognition is happening fast for this band which could soon become one of the best in British Traditional Jazz today.
A press release for the single by
“International Ski Jump champion, Crocodile Breeder, discoverer of the 'Piltdown Man', 12th in line to the throne, self-confessed Rain-maker and Paranoid attributes his amazing talents to the brain transplant won in 1971 in a Spot The Ball Competition in aid if the 1st World War
A sensitive child, George spent his formative years hiding in a sack in the men's room in Charing Cross. Discovered his first trombone while spinning for a trout in a dustbin in Kentish Town. Auditioned for the Salvation Army and appeared on TV “busking” in Leicester Square disguised as a cactus. There followed a lightning tour of the North of England pursued by police in connection with sundry unpleasantries involving such diverse talents as Mama Flyer, Lindsey Kemp, Al Matthews and part of the Private Eye cricket team.
The author of several political pamphlets for the Scottish Nationalists including “Acne & the West”, and The Role of Bangladesh in the “Economic Recovery of London Transport”.
Trendy by Nature, he is currently living with his dentist in a badger sett on Victoria Embankment.
Resigned his post as resident Sand Dancer with the KGB Philharmonic on account of his persistent diarrhoea, and has never looked back.
Founded the Hotshots in ’78, recorded “Ice Cream” in April, and in consequence was asked to resign from the Flat Earth Society.”