Dave Arnold, Ron Findon, Henry Harrison and Roy Hart
I have long wanted to film Ron Findon’s virtuoso rendition of “Summertime” and finally had the good fortune to do so when he played with Christine’s Stockyard Stompers at Lemsford Jazz Club on Sunday, 4th January. What a wonderful way to usher in 2015.
Clarinetist …
Ron plays clarinet and saxophone and moves souls with his sentimental crooning.
… and crooner
He let his Lemsford fans into a very special secret. When he was 68 he had a heart attack and after an operation he asked his surgeon if he had long to go. “You’re as good as new, Ron,” was the reply, “you’ve got ten good years ahead of you!” Ron went on to say he is now 87 and “I’m still looking forward to those ten good years!”
Ron played with Joe Loss at Buckingham Palace for the Queen on countless occasions, travelled the world with his own band on P&O cruise ships, spent two happy years as clarinetist with Harry Gold and his Pieces of Eight. In addition, he is a LRAM (Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music) and has recorded Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. He is also an accomplished performer on flute and bassoon.
Jazz&Jazz features younger jazz bands whenever the opportunity arises but Ron Findon is inspirational to musicians and fans whatever their ages.
Such a quiet, unassuming man! Such an inspiration! Enjoy the YouTube.
Photos & YouTube © Peter M Butler, Jazz&Jazz
Ron and Christine’s Stockyard Stompers will be playing at:
Coventry Jazz Club, The Reading Rooms, CV4 8GP: 12.30 – 3pm on Sunday, 25th January
The Walnut Tree, Station Road, Blisworth, Northants NN73DS: Sunday, 8th February.
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