User:Petelamont/sandbox

PETE LAMONT (TROMBONE)
Pete Lamont. Born 1945 Hastings Sussex UK.

Began Playing Trombone in 1960 as a Bandsman in the British Army, although his ambition was to become a JAZZ musician. Attended Kneller Hall- Army School of Music 1962-63 and served as a musician in the band of 1st Battalion. Royal Greenjackets.Whilst serving he played in various civilian Dixieland Jazzbands in the UK and Germany.Whilst Stationed in Berlin in 1964 he met U.S. Tenor Saxophonist Don Byas a veteran of the New York. 52nd Street Bebop scene along with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie etc (One away from Bird). Pete was posted to Salisbury in 1968-69 and played with played with Pedro Harris's New Orleans Stompers a New Orleans styled Jazz band. In 1968 the RGJ band was stationed in Celle in West Germany, within a week Pete had dicovered and played in the local Jazz Club and within a month he had a gig in a local band. One night at the Jazz club Pete sat in with Ken Colyer a purist of the U.K New Orleans Jazz musicians(one away from George Lewis). On another occasion while playing a summer season in Jersey Pete Sat in with Nat Gonella probably the most well known of the pre and post war big band trumpet players (one away from Louis Armstrong). Demobbed from the Army 1972 Pete lived in Medway, a group of three towns, joined as one, in Kent, about 30 miles from London. Pete played with with local Dixieland musicians before moving to London in 1975. He played with various bands in London, mostly Dixieland but some big bands. He then had his first experience of contemporary music in a band called The Front Line which was essentially a 6o's Soul band, a music he became to love and that had a profound influence on his career. The band worked steadily although usually only on Friday and Saturday's. They played clubs outside London, mostly on the South Coast in Brighton and Eastbourne etc and U.S.Bases which were a steady income and kept many a UK. musician from starvation. The musicians in the Front Line usually ended up with £5 in their hands at the end of the night, not bad money in the early 70's. It was an 8 piece band, a lot of mouths to feed. Pete was looking for a professional gig and decided to advertise himself in the Melody Maker, an important magazine amongst musicians and fans alike. One night the phone rang and a voice said 'My name is Geno Washington, do you play Trombone'. Pete joined 'Geno Washingtons Ram Jam Band' in 1976. Pete considers this to be one of the best years of his life, the band were constantly touring and he learned a lot about life as a Rock 'n' Roll musician from the other guys in the band and got paid. Played on 'Geno's Back' live album recorded at 'The Marquee' club in London.In 1977 Pete joined Bamboo which was formed by members of G.T Moore and the Reggae guitars. This was in the middle of the Punk revolution and horn players were out of favour on the London music scene. Although Bamboo had good songs and inventive players it was formed at the wrong time. Pete was disappointed and at a loss for a musical project to gain his interest, he took a break from music. This was the only time since he was 15 years old, he did not play for around a year. Pete concentrated on making a living as a Plumber, something he had taken up when demobbed from the Army. After a while Pete really missed music but instead of picking up his horn he began writing songs with a guitarist friend Dave Curtis. The songs took shapeand they decided to form a band which they called 'The Back Street Operators'. The band was Pete Vocals, Dave on Guitar + a Bass Player and Drummer. This band eventually evolved into The Soul Band. 1980 Played with 'Night Doctor' working with Al Deval became interested in Reggae Nightdoctor played with Bob Andy. Met Tan Tan legendary Jamaican Trumpeter who bacame Petes Mentor having a a great influence on his playing and the way he thought about music. Tan Tan was more into rhythmic and melodic playing with less emphasis on speed and technique. 1984 played on Natural Touch Album Played on Natural Mystic Album Played on several albums with Tan Tan. 1982 joined 'Desmond Dekker' played on 'Live and Rare' Live Album recorded at 'Dingwalls' Club in London. Desmond had coached Bob Marley in their younger days in Trenchtown. Jamaica. (One away from Bob Marley) 1985 Joined 'Maxi Priest' Played on Hit Single 'Should I' and 2 albums 'Your Safe' and 'Intentions'. Extensive touring in U.K. Played on Smiley Culture Album 1989 Formed 'Atlantic Soul Machine' Played on and acted as executive producer on Album 'Coast To Coast' from which came the the London hit single 'Whats Wrong With Me' The band toured extensively across Europe and Middle East. Played for Paul McCartney with whom he had some conversation. (One away from John Lennon, Mick Jagger + others) 1993 Toured with 'Rufus Thomas' with whom he played for 10 years, whenever Rufus came to Europe. Recorded 'Blues Thang' Album with Rufus in Koln Germany which also featured Memphis session musicians. Rufus was a well known Memphis Radio DJ and Singer who allegedly introduced Elvis Presley on his first gig. (One away from Elvis Presley) 1998 Toured with Rufus and Fred Wesley. Fred was James Browns Trombonist and Musical Director.(One away from James Brown) 2011 played on hit single 'Feel the Love' with 'Rudimental featuring John Newman' which achieved Number 1 in U.K. Chart. 2014 Began playing with Emily Capell.