Dave Collett

The Dave Collett Trio (playing at their regular Tuesday venue in the White Horse, West St, Bedminster, Bristol).

Dave Collett on piano

Bob Watkins on drums

Maurice Everson on bass

See the band in action:

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A history of the band in the words of Dave Collett (July 2008)

In 1984 Dave Hibberd organised a residency for a trio to play in the “Plough”, Bedminster, Bristol .

This comprised himself on drums and vocals, Geoff Miller on bass and Dave Collett on piano and vocals.

Each of these were playing concurrently with other bands but agreed to reserve Tuesdays for the Plough.

The pub was run by Pauline and Des who were very supportive.

Although it was all his idea, Dave Hibberd decided that the group would be called the Dave Collett trio. Either through modesty or a desire to keep out of the lime-light.

The trio played a mixture of standards, boogie, blues and originals.

Besides being a swinging drummer , Dave Hibberd could sing in the Sinatra style while Dave Collett sang more blues and originals. This is a generalisation and both crossed over from time to time.

This was a successful formula and the repertoire was changed each week, so that nothing was repeated within 3 weeks.

Perhaps because of this, attendances were good and the trip played unchanged at the Plough for 10 years.

Then, after several mangers there was a hassle with the music licence and music at the Plough came to an end.

After some months Dave Hibberd negotiated another residency. This was at the White Horse, West St , Bedminster run by Dave and Leslie Franklin who gave enthusiastic support.

This turned out to be an even better venue than the Plough and the Trio played there unchanged for the next 12 or so years.

Then Geoff Miller decided to retire and was replaced by Maurice Everson; a great bassist.

Also at around this time, Dave and Leslie Franklin retired and the White Horse is now run by Chris and Alicia who continue to give great support.

Recently, Dave Hibberd, who started the whole thing off, retired through ill health. He had been unwell for some time. His place was filled for a time by Frank Woodford (who had played all Dave’s recent outside gigs) but found tuesdays difficult.

The regular drummer is now Bob Watkins. He also sings and this restores the original format of the Trio.

So that comes to 24 years; say 1200 gigs. Not bad for just three blokes.

In 1998 a book was published (Dave Collett Blues) featuring words and music of 15 of Dave’s original songs.

This was followed by a cassette of these songs which has since been issued on CD.

Another CD was issued of the Trio playing a concert at Thurloxton in Somerset in 2006. This was entitled “Down the Road Apiece”.

The book is available from: Fiducia Press, 10 Fairfield Rd , Southville, Bristol BS3 1LG

Both CDs from: Rayner Sound, Apsley House, Courtland Rd , Wellington , Somerset TA21 8ND

The White Horse, Bedminster Bristol