Bill was Nottingham’s most enthusiastic promoter of jazz. He was the inaugurator, alongside Ken Allsopp, of the Nottingham Rhythm Club in 1941 (Britain’s oldest jazz club that still operates). He held jazz and blues sessions at the Test Match, and the Dancing Slipper, West Bridgford and the Gallery club on Carlton road in the fifties and sixties. He was a larger than life character whose nickname was “Foo” Kinnell (you work it out) and he dedicated his life to the promotion of jazz. Finding a photograph of him has been something of a holy grail. He didn’t like photos being taken of him because of his disfigured arm, something he got from a motorcycle accident in the 1930’s. Finally, in May 2025, this image has been unearthed. The story of Bill Kinnell is long and forms part of the story of Nottingham Jazz. That story will appear at a later time.
L-R 1. Margaret (Bill’s girlfriend), 2. ?, 3. ?, 4. Barbara Parsons, nee Jones (Mike’s wife), 5. Bill Kinnell
It was Bill’s car, although he couldn’t drive because of his injury. The car was a Ford Galaxy. Thanks to Candy Holmes (Mike Parson’s daughter) for the photo.
Mike Parsons, Bill Kinnell’s friend, was born in Northampton in 1930. His family were from there too. He got a job in Nottingham and moved there around 1955 living in Carlton. Candy, his daughter, was born in Nottingham, the same year. His son, however, was born in Northampton as they were still travelling in between places.
Mike was a Jazz enthusiast and soon became a regular member of the Jazz club run by Bill Kinnell. He was a devoted follower and was often out seven nights a week. He must have also gone to the Rhythm club run by Ken Allsop and the Riverside Jazz club at the Towns Arms. He may have gone to the early Jazz gatherings at the Boat club in 1962 -63. Jokingly, his wife, Barbara, threatened him with divorce if he didn’t cut down his nights out and he decided to stay in Sundays. His mates at the Jazz club never even knew he was married. On those Sundays he played his Jazz records and everyone had to be deadly quiet. Mike, really was an aficionado of Jazz.
Here is a picture of Mike In Northampton sometime in the early 1950’s.
L-R Bill Waterfield, Mike Parsons, ?.
Looks like they are playing Kazzoo’s.
The wording “Margie Chords” next to the piano may refer to the song Margie.
Thanks to Candy Holmes for the photo.
The only other image I have of Bill Kinnell dates from sometime in the 1940’s alongside his friend James Asman. I believe it to be a likeness of him. If anybody has a photo of him please get in touch.
It was from an image I found online (now gone) of Bill Kinnell and James Asman. James Asman was friend and colleague of Bill’s. They used to write in a jazz publications called “Jazz Record” and “Jazz Writings” among others. I think this is where this image must originate from.
Here are two photos of James Asman from britishrecordshoparchive.
Much more to come………