Andy Hamilton formed his first band in 1928, leading his school friends on a home made bamboo saxophone. His band was called Silvershine.


Nearly 80 years later he is still a bandleader and playing saxophone with his band The Blue Notes at major Jazz Festivals in St Lucia, Jamaica, Cape Town, Milan, Paris and venues across Europe.


His debut album Silvershine, made at the age of 72 became the UK’S biggest selling jazz album of the year and won awards across the World. With his band he has shared the stage with all time great jazz musicians including Harry Sweets Edison, Art Farmer, David Murray, Benny Waters, Patti Austin, Tal Farlow and many more.


He has hosted after show gigs for the Ellington and Basie orchestras in Birmingham and recorded with the Buena Vista Social Club in Havana. Andy has received public honours from both UK and Jamaican governments for his contributions to music, education and the wider community.


He is resident at two of Birmingham’s leading music venues, Symphony Hall and The Drum and has had his own weekly venue which has been running for 25 years in Bearwood.

Congratulations Andy on receiving your MBE from Her Majesty the Queen.

• Jazz