Riviera Ramblers

The Riviera Ramblers was founded by John Shillito and found great success under his leadership. He shared his enormous passion and boundless energy and  enthusiasm for this wonderful music with audiences and fellow musicians alike.

Unfortunately John had to retire from playing at the age of 86 due to ill health and sadly passed away on the 7th November 2025.

Because it’s impossible to replace John’s unique style and energy the Riviera Ramblers has adapted to continue as an exciting quartet playing music from the great jazz and swing eras. We have a great Gypsy swing repertoire too.

We are based in South Devon,  near to the English Riviera of  Torbay with our core gigs being in this area. Traveling to jazz clubs and festivals too.

We have a remarkably extensive repertoire of tunes and songs most of which have stood the test of many decades to become “classics” of their own kind.

Our aim is to  play with warmth, enthusiasm and ensemble musicianship. 

If you book us, you can be sure of an excellent musical and social event and you’ll find we’re not just your ordinary  jazzband!

We can also augment to a quintet or sextet adding our good friends and colleagues to create a bigger sound for special bookings and occasions.

We often invite Mike ‘Megs’ Etherington on Cornet & vocals and Bob Martin on Trombone to join us.