THERE'S a treat in store for jazz and swing fans this Sunday when the Dave Hankin Big Band makes a rare appearance at the Matchroom Suite, Plympton, for a concert in aid of the Chestnut Appeal.

Naturally, the band is fronted by Glasgow-born trombone player Dave Hankin who turned pro in 1983 and worked all over the world, performing alongside the likes of Matt Munro, Jack Parnell, Peter King, Kenny Baker and the BBC Scottish Radio Orchestra.

He went on to become an accomplished musical director and arranger whose orchestrations have been performed by the BBC Big Band among many others.

When Dave relocated to Plymouth in 2006 to open a hotel, he soon set about bringing the cream of the south west's musicians together to form his 'Big Band'.

The trumpet section power house is made up of great bunch of players – Brian Moore, Graham Hutton, Andy Stark and Callam Dowd – all improvisers in their own right while the wealth of experience the saxophone section offers adds vibrant colour to the mix. It consists of Gordon Carter, Roger Bailey, Tony McQuarry, Chris Bundy and Dave Lambert. Individually the trombonists – Andy Dore, Sam Smith, Chris Spreadbury and Tony Evans – are hugely talented while the rhythm section of Gavin Martin (piano), Jesse Mollins (guitar), Mike Isaac (bass) and Andy Miller (drums), are incredibly versatile, being required to play almost any style.

Sax player Tony McQuarry says: "The band is held in very high regard among local musicians, but unfortunately does not have a significant profile with the public as the normal expense of promoting such a sizeable aggregation on a regular basis is not economically feasible.

"However we do rehearse fortnightly throughout the year and such is the quality of the arrangements and the musical direction that Dave Hankin provides, several members travel from as far as East Devon."

Tony adds: "I have played in and around the Plymouth area for some 54 years and I can safely say without any exaggeration that this is by far the finest large-scale jazz unit that we have ever had in this city."

Tony has a twofold interest in Sunday's gig. As well as being one of the tenor sax players he has undergone treatment for prostate cancer. The Chestnut Appeal aims to raise awareness of the disease, funding the latest in treatments and technology as well as providing specialist nurses.

The band and the venue are generously donating their services, so all money raised on the night will go to the cause and organisers are inviting music fans to turn out in force, enjoy some great big band jazz while supporting a very worthy charity.

As well as the musicians listed above, there's to be an appearance by vocalist Bernie Stewart who will be singing some Michael Buble style numbers with the band.

The gig starts at 7.30pm. Admission is £5 for PJC members, £7 for visitors and £3 for full time students.

For more info visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk or call 01752 774343.