Page 64 - Phonebox Magazine October 2009

Phonebox Island Discs:
This Month - Terry Lightfoot
With respect and reverence to Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, we thought we would start our own series of articles based on the series. Interviewees are asked, “If you were washed up on a desert island, which 6 tracks of music would you take along to keep you company, which book, and which one luxury item. Starting us off is Olney’s own jazz clarinetist, Terry Lightfoot.
WHO: Terry Lightfoot
OCCUPATION: Jazz Clarinetist
BORN: Potter’s Bar 1935
Terry moved to Olney in 1997. He is a world famous Jazz Clarinetist who tours with Terry Lightfoot’s Jazzmen. His daughter Melinda has recently joined the band supplying lead vocals. Terry and his band were one of the few musical acts to be allowed to play in East Berlin. As part of the troops entertainment they have played the Falklands and Belize and have travelled extensively throughout Europe and the US. He has also played with renowned musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Humphrey Lyttelton, Kenny Baker, Eric Delaney, and Sophie Tucker, and fronted the Acker Bilk band whilst Acker was indisposed.
1 Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
When Terry Lightfoot was 14 years old and at Enfield Grammar School, one of his mates invited him home to listen to his Dad’s 78s, amongst which were Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong. This was right at the beginning of the jazz revival in the UK, and this type of music was only just being heard, certainly it was the first time Terry had heard anything like it and he was hooked. He and his mate, along with 4 others, decided to start a band. None had played musical instruments before. Somebody beat Terry to his instrument of choice, the trumpet, so he bought a clarinet in an old wooden box for £9. Largely self-taught, Terry really struggled with it for the first month and almost gave up completely. But something clicked in place. Terry said ‘I was fortunate, although I wasn’t very good, the other 5 were awful so it inspired me to continue!’ Luckily, continue he did and 15 years later, in 1964, he found himself touring with his hero and early inspiration, Louis Armstrong. ‘I remember feeling totally awe inspired and somewhat numb
during this experience. Louis Armstrong started it all off for me and was my hero, and here was I, the support act for the man who brought jazz from New Orleans to the rest of the world’.
2 Lady be Good George Gershwin
After a couple of years playing seedy but fashionable Jazz Clubs, and some early BBC broadcasts courtesy of his National Service years, in 1956 Terry formed the first Terry Lightfoot and the Jazzmen and went professional. At this time, they were mostly playing in the many jazz clubs that had sprouted throughout the country. Jazz was becoming more and more popular, and a major concert was staged at the Festival Hall for up and coming bands. Just four bands were chosen to play, including Acker Bilk’s first band, and Terry’s Jazzmen. ‘‘Lady be Good’ was one of the songs we played. It was an amazing experience to play in such a huge venue’.
3 Mack the Knife Bobby Darrin
By 1960, jazz had become much more of commercial success, the time of the Trad Boom. The jazz players, including Terry and his Jazzmen became international stars and regularly appeared on TV on live shows such as Sunday Night at the Palladium. ‘This track was one I really enjoyed playing, and still do. It is so simple in construction but can really swing when in the right hands - an easy crowd pleaser.’
4 New York, New York Frank Sinatra
In the 60’s the British Musician’s Union had an arrangement with the US. US bands were not allowed to perform in the UK unless they took a band back with them to the US. On one of these ‘exchange’ trips, Terry toured for 16 days, including performing in New York. ‘I remember turning up in February, in New York, and never having been so cold. It was freezing. But the city was stunning and vibrant and special. This song hadn’t even been written then, but now when I
hear it, I am taken back to that freezing, but amazing place.’
5 Stardust Artie Shaw
This is my signature tune, which
I have played at all my concerts, gigs and tours for the last 25 years. Written by Hogey Carmichael, it is a lovely classic ballad, and the Artie Shaw arrangement is my favourite.
Shall We Dance 6 Melinda Lightfoot
‘I am going to choose Melinda, my daughter’s version, from her CD. Just because I am so proud of her musical talent. She now tours with my band, and her lead vocals and stage presence have really blossomed. It is a real privilege and joy to have her with me on stage at this later part of my career.’
Book Choice
Any Book of Quotations
The Complete Works of Shakespeare, plus a major religious or philosophical book are yours to take to the island. Which other book would you want with you? ‘I love quotations, anything from Winston Churchill to Groucho Marx. It would be a toss up between a Rudyard Kipling collection of poetry, and a book of quotations. But I think the quotations would be better company.’
Luxury Item My Wife
Whilst this probably isn’t strictly within the BBC rules, Terry didn’t falter for one second when asked what his luxury item would be. Having been happily married for 52 years he simply said ‘My Wife’.
Terry and the band are currently touring Britain with his show, “From Bougey Street to Broadway”. You might also have heard him on Sounds of the Sixties on Radio 2, Saturday 19th September. Melinda also plays regularly at the Cafe Brio where Terry will often join her with his clarinet.
Desert Island Discs is one of Radio 4's most popular and enduring programmes. Created by Roy Plomley in 1942.
Dedicated to our middle daugher, Michele, who is not too well
HB
64 Phonebox Magazine