Midnite Follies Orchestra

Midnite Follies Orchestra was formed in Britain in 1978, by jazz musicians Keith Nichols and Alan Cohen, dedicated to recreating standards by some of early jazz musicians. The orchestra more or less disbanded in the 1990s. The Midnite Follies Orchestra had showcased a variety of musicians over the years, including Nick Stevenson, Digby Fairweather, Alan Elsdon, Dave Savill, Laurie Chescoe, Keith Greville, Randolph Colville, Olaf Vas, Mac White, Will Hastie, John Barnes, Gordon Blundy and Peter Strange. During the orchestra's active years, it was often featured on BBC television and radio.

Background
The group was put together by Keith Nichols with co-leader Alan Cohen. Members Laurie Chescoe and Will Hastie had been members of Eric Allandale's New Orleans Knights band in the early 1960s.

Later years
Keith Nichols died on January 20, 2021.

A tribute to Keith Nichols has been organized for Wed 20 Sep 2023 at the Main club. Participating musicians include, Johnny M. on vocals, Mike Henry, Enrico Tomasso, and Pete Rudeforth on trumpets, Alistair Allan, and Andy Flaxman on trombones, Michael McQuaid, Robert Fowler, and David Horniblow on saxophones. The rhythm section includes, Martin Litton on piano, Thomas "Spats" Langham on sousaphone, Graham Read on double bass and Richard Pite on drums.

Single

 * "No Strings" / "Minnie the Moocher" - EMI, Odeon ODO 101 - 1978

Albums

 * Hotter Than Hades - EMI, Odeon ODN 1001 - 1978
 * Jungle Nights in Harlem - ASV ALA 3002 - 1981