The Bechet-Spanier Quartet

Colin Hancock - Cornet

Michael McQuaid - Reeds

Félix Hunot - Guitar

Harry Evans - String Bass

Francis Joseph ‘Muggsy’ Spanier (cornet) was born in Chicago 125 years ago today (9th November 1901). To commemorate the occasion, an all-star quartet will revisit some of Spanier’s classic recordings (from the Bucktown Five to the Sidney Bechet-Muggsy Spanier Big Four and more). A century ago Spanier rubbed shoulders with Art Tatum, Fats Waller, mobsters and molls. This afternoon, New York-based cornetist Colin Hancock will be joined by London-based Australian, Michael McQuaid (reeds), from Paris, Félix Hunot (guitar) and from London, Harry Evans (string bass).

Photo of Colin Hancock © Shauna Hogg.