Yeah Jazz

Hailing from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England, and formed in 1986 by Kevin Head (vocals) and Chats (guitar), Yeah Jazz were completed by Stuart Ballantyne (bass) and Ian Hitchens (drums). Their attempt to fuse pop and folk while chronicling the sagas of everyday life in a west Midlands rural town gained an Independent Top 30 hit in 1986 with ‘This Is Not Love’. The addition of former Higsons saxophonist and guitarist Terry Edwards to the line-up and the transfer to the Cherry Red label strengthened the band’s sound. Edwards also lent his production talents to the first Yeah Jazz album. Despite encouraging reviews and positive audience reaction, their fortunes took a downward turn. Freeing themselves from their Cherry Red contract, the band resurfaced in 1991, working on the west Midlands circuit with the promise of recording again in the near future. That promise materialized in June 1993 when they signed to Native Records and released 'April'. 

In 1996 the band changed their name to Big Red Kite, and released 'Short Stories' through German label Scout Records. Head and Chats were joined by Dave Blant (bass, keyboards, accordion), Freddy Hopwood (percussion) and Lee Beddow (keyboards, guitar). [SOURCE: ALLMUSIC]