The Dixie Beats

ALLAN RILEY (banjo/guitar)

Allan was first attracted to Traditional Jazz in the early 60's through record collecting and visits to Blackburn Jazz Club. Having never owned a musical instrument a friend took him along to a rehearsal of the Darwen and Hoddleston Silver Prize Band and he came away with the loan of a cornet. This provided the opportunity to learn an instrument and he soon became "hooked" on the fun of banding and the camaraderie of band people. He extended his interest to guitar and eventually banjo having played in many outfits ranging from duos to big-band. A chance meeting with two accomplished instrumentalists John Percival (trumpet) and Alf Wentworth (clarinet) led to the formation of the Bourbon Street Roof Raisers. The DIXIE BEATS are delighted to have Allan with the band.