Andy Davey is a jazz saxophonist who has held Lead Tenor roles in leading big bands including The State 51 Jazz Orchestra, The Tongue and Groove Big Band, and The Jamie Knight Manuka Band. He has recorded with artists such as Matt Bramhall, Mike Roberts (King), Anthony Harty (The Style Council), and Horace Panter (The Specials), and has performed in the X Factor live studio band.
Alongside his performing career, he is Head of Co‑curricular Music at Rugby School, where he leads the Jazz Orchestra and oversees the school’s musical life.
Neil was classically trained in piano and organ at Newcastle cathedral, studied Arabic percussion with Tim Garside and has played at the Orkney folk festival. Despite (or perhaps because of) an eclectic background he has evolved into an in-demand pianist on the Jazz circuit, earning a reputation as a driving accompanist for the cream of British players including Jim Mullen, Alan Skidmore, Tony Kofi, Art Themen, Dave O’Higgins, Alan Barnes, Dick Pearce, Dennis Rollins, Karen Sharp and Henry Lowther. He is also a sideman of choice for American visitors such as Greg Abate, Gary Smulyan and Sheryl Bailey.As a session player on UK and US dance music labels Neil has a clutch of album credits, named alongside Jeff Lorber, Robin Jones and Barry Finnerty (ex Crusaders, Brecker Brothers), played on a ‘club classic’ of the early 2000s and, with the Black Gold Massive, has a following in Japan. He has played at festivals throughout the UK and as far afield as Finland (with the Afro Elements) and Jamaica (with Sonny Bradshaw).
Jennie Myers has been a central voice in Jazz Not Jazz for over twenty years, captivating audiences with her beautifully lyrical sound and assured musical presence. Known for her expressive storytelling and natural warmth, Jennie brings sensitivity to every performance.
Her interpretations of ballads are particularly striking, drawing comparisons with the timeless style of Eva Cassidy. With effortless control, clarity of tone, and a deep understanding of phrasing, she delivers each song with poise, elegance, and emotional depth.
Whether performing intimate standards or more expansive arrangements, Jennie’s singing combines refinement with sincerity, making her an enduring favourite with audiences and an essential part of the Jazz Not Jazz sound.
Ken Owen has been the heartbeat of the band since its formation over 20 years ago, laying down the groove with his distinctive bass playing and unmistakable musical instinct. A stalwart of the Rugby music scene—and far beyond—for more than five decades, Ken brings a depth of experience that only years on stage can deliver.
Before joining the band, Ken fronted much-loved local acts including The Fabulous Beez and All Growed Up, earning a reputation as both a charismatic frontman and a consummate musician. His musical journey has made him a familiar and respected figure across generations of live music audiences.
In addition to his work on bass, Ken also steps up to the microphone, delivering a selection of jazz and jazz-influenced vocals with his own unique character and flair. His style, shaped over decades, adds warmth, personality and a touch of surprise to every performance—consistently delighting audiences and giving each set its own special energy.
Pete Robbins is a drummer, famous for playing with the rock band -
Pinkerton's Assorted Colours. Pinkerton's Assorted Colours were a mid-1960s pop band from England.
Formed in Rugby, Warwickshire as 'The Liberators', they became Pinkerton's Assorted Colours in 1965, and scored a Top 10 hit with their first single release, "Mirror, Mirror" written and sung by bandmember Tony Newman. Pete has been the drummer for Jazz Not Jazz since it's inception and brings an effortless style and creativity to the rhythm section.
Jazz Not jazz is a Rugby based Jazz quintet who have been performing for 20 years together. They specialise in songs from the great American Songbook and are fronted by Jennie Myers, a talented and versatile vocalist and tenor saxophonist Andy Davey.
The name Jazz Not Jazz was inspired by the bands diverse musical backgrounds and their wish to make their music totally accessible to a wider audience and to inspire them with a love of this wonderful music. In addition to songs from this era, the band is able to turn it’s hand to a wide range of different styles of music which makes them very popular as a wedding and function band.