Celebrating Duncan Lamont
“"Lamont’s vibrant scores lift it way above the herd"”
Guardian
Scottish saxophonist and composer Duncan Lamont was one of Britain’s most venerated musicians, having performed both live and in the studios with the likes of Henry Mancini, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Count Basie. He was also one of the UK’s most important contemporary songwriters, with songs recorded by some of the finest singers in the World including Cleo Laine, Norma Winstone and Natalie Cole. In addition to all of that, he was commissioned to write or arrange countless orchestral pieces and most importantly of all…he wrote the theme tunes to children’s TV series Mr Benn and Spot! Sadly Duncan passed away last year shortly after celebrating his 88th birthday with us here at the Club, and so tonight we will be honouring his memory in the company of some of the finest musicians on the UK scene. For 7 decades Duncan worked as a professional musician at the highest level and it is a reflection of both the esteem and respect in which he was held that so many musicians have agreed to be part of this Celebration. As well as the numerous small groups with which he was associated for over 30 years he also ran his own fantastic Big Band for more than 11 years which was a vehicle for his brilliant writing and arranging, and it is a mix of his small group and big band writing that we will be featuring as well, of course, as the many great songs that he composed from the 1980’s onwards. The musicians who will be appearing comprise a significant number of Award winning players covering a 40 year age span and include: Andy Panayi, Paul Jones, Jimmy Hastings, Jay Craig-saxes, Noel Langley, Tom Rees Roberts, Martin Shaw, Yazz Ahmed-trumpets, Mark Nightingale, Gordon Campbell, Colin Hill, Pete North-trombones, John Crawford-piano, Andy Hamill-bass, Steve Taylor-drums & Phil Hopkins-percussion. And if all that wasn’t enough the singers who will be performing Duncan’s wonderful songs include Esther Bennett, Daniela Clynes, Tina May, Sarah Moule, & Elaine Delmar. And a big thanks must go to Duncan’s son, the saxophonist and arranger Duncan Lamont Jnr, who has gathered all these musicians together and will be directing the bands and MC’ing the evening. As Duncan Jnr says, “Everyone in the band has a direct connection with Dad, some fairly recent, others going back decades”. This promises to be a remarkable night in honour of one of the UK’s finest musicians and not to be missed.
“Lamont…melodic, swinging…joyful music” All About Jazz; “A collector’s piece…Lamont’s vibrant scores lift it way above the herd” Guardian
