Duncan Lamont Sr. (1931 –2019) was a musician, a composer, a lyricist and a storyteller, who was still creating two days before his death in July 2019, aged 87. He had written some new lyrics for Tina May to perform that evening at the 606. Tina was for many years the main interpreter of Duncan’s songs, although the list of collaborators includes artists like Natalie Cole, Norma Winstone, Cleo Laine and Blossom Dearie.

For this evening, Duncan Jr had recruited two other long-time interpreters – Esther Bennett and Daniela Clynes – with the rock-solid rhythm section of John Crawford, Richard Sadler and Paul Cavaciuti. Duncan alternated between tenor and flute and told lots of stories about the songs and how, when and for whom they were written. One song, for example – Old Brazil – started life as the theme music for Mister Benn. Duncan was not one to let a good tune go to waste.

Esther and Daniela gave heartfelt and truthful readings of a broad range of material from the self-consciously hip of “Edward E and William B” and “A Great Day in Harlem” (a bit too much bebop namedrop for me), and the closing number, “Scat Singing” to heartache ballads with more than a touch of Sondheim or Legrand. “Manhattan in the Rain” made ingenious use of a through-the-keys vocal exercise to produce a wistful and elegant account of the beginning – and end – of an affair.

Several songs explored themes of relationships gone wrong: no reflection of Duncan’s own story of 50 years with his wife Bridget, but a measure of his ability to think himself into characters very different from his own gentle and witty personality.

The ladies took it all on, the personas, the styles, every rhythm and tempo in the book: 4/4 swingers, waltzes, sambas and rumbas: “The Apartment” started life as a piece written in response to a library request for something with a Herbie Hancock vibe.

As well as providing sensitive and supportive accompaniment, the band had opportunities to step up and stride out. Of particular note were John Crawford’s solo on “It’s Always Autumn”, Paul’s extended drum break on “A Little Samba”, Richard’s sensitive bass solos and the opening number of the evening, an instrumental tribute to Jimmy Giuffre called “More Brothers” which gave Duncan Jr the challenge of taking the place of four tenors. Which of course he met with the style and good humour that characterised his hosting of the evening. This was a worthy showcase for his talents and left me curious to know more.

A final note: one of Duncan’s late-career engagements was with the Ted Heath Orchestra, led by Don Lusher. He left after a few months, complaining that although the guys were great company they spent the whole time talking about the good old days. “I’m not interested in yesterday” he told Duncan Jr, “I’m interested in tomorrow”..

Duncan Lamont Jnr – saxophone and flute
Esther Bennett – vocal
Daniela Clynes – vocal
John Crawford – piano
Richard Sadler – double bass
Paul Cavaciuti – drums

The post The Duncan Lamont Songbook first appeared on UK Jazz News.

Among the people who will be putting in an appearance to celebrate the Elastic Band era are Alan Barnes, Al Nicholls and Janusz Carmello.”

Update 11 Jan 2022. Digby Fairweather has uploaded pictures of the event including this one. OTHER PHOTOS.

The post Celebrating the Life of Dick Laurie (1935-2020) first appeared on UK Jazz News.