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Jimmy Cruised into Port for some Beach Action! |
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Local jazz pianist Jimmy Taylor, a musician in dance bands aboard the cruise liner RMS Queen Mary in the late 1950s played the Adur Festival Beach Dreams event this year with “Swingshift”, a locally-based cool jazz, latino, and swing band. Their session was enjoyed by an appreciative audience at lunchtime on a balmy and very laid-back Father’s Day.
Jimmy, a highly talented jazz and swing pianist, who lives in Lancing, played accordion for several seasons aboard the Queen Mary on its transatlantic crossings to New York in the late 1950s. He entertained and met many stars of stage and screen such as Joan Crawford, Victor Mature and composer Robert Farnon. Liberace, on his way to concerts in Britain “sat in” with the Night Club dance band and asked for Jimmy and some of the other musicians to augment his own in a special concert he played for passengers. He was so pleased with their efforts, Liberace personally sent two cases of champagne to Jimmy and the rest of the guys.
Above Jimmy Taylor
Jimmy and one group of Queen Mary musicians otherwise known as "Geraldo's Navy". Geraldo was a popular band leader and also auditioned for the Cunard liners hence the name
Jimmy has performed at many of London's top hotels and clubs and at various jazz venues throughout Sussex. "Swingshift", formed by bassist Malcolm Kirkby, is a ‘morphing’ ensemble able to provide solo piano, duo, trio or quartet for pubs, clubs, events and private functions. “Swingshift” can be contacted for further information/bookings on 01903 241943 or 01903 762116.
“Swingshift” performing at Beach Dreams June 2006
A big "thank you" to Jimmy's son, Larry for sending along the details and photos to share with us! if you have any lovely stores or memories like this to share please get in touch! |
