The Jonathan Wyatt Big Band
The Front Row Big Band as we are today, were previously know as the Jonathan Wyatt Big Band (JWBB).
We’re very proud of this heritage that we have as a band, as the JWBB were known for being East Anglia’s premier big band. This is something that the Front Row Big Band strives to continue today.
History
With the help of Gordon Wyatt, Jonathan’s father, he formed East Anglia’s successful Big Band in 1987 with their first rehearsal at the Royal British Legion in Norwich.
In the early days, they were assisted by a friend of the band and promoter Cliff Meachen from Sprowston in Norwich. Cliff helped the band well on their way.
Over the years they have played at sell-out concerts, featured in a BBC TV drama along with numerous radio broadcasts. They have worked with some of the best singers and musicians in the business. Some fantastic musicians have also come through the ranks of the Big Band to move onto worldwide careers.
In recent years, several people have assisted with the band helping with rehearsals, and gigs and keeping the band running – two of those people are Dave Amis and Johnathan Reynolds both lifelong friends of Jonathan’s and excellent musicians.
Jonathan’s idea was to re-create the authentic sound of the big band era. They regularly had a project or idea underway be it a Glenn Miller show, a new vocal group – namely the Moonglow Sisters, Rat Pack shows, and Festive Christmas shows.
In 2017 Jonathan moved away from Norfolk, however, his band continued with the assistance of his friend and fellow trombonist Johnathan Reynolds. Jonathan also had his own new projects, closer to home such as “Jonathan Wyatt’s Northern Swing Orchestra” a newly formed band with some of the best musicians from the North of England. At the start of 2023 Jonathan decided it was time for his band in Norfolk to come to a conclusion due to his increasing work and family commitments elsewhere in the country.
The Front Row Big Band will continue to go from strength to strength under the direction of Martin Eaton one of the band’s fine sax players.
