Whilst recalling the late Nigel Stanger, mention was also made by Roly of another Newcastle Big Band alto player - Cormac Loane. Russell has since posed the question - what became of?
After leaving the NBB Cormac eventually found himself playing with NYJO and went on to co-author the Team series of woodwind tutors that have become, arguably, the definitive tome for students of clarinet, sax, oboe, bassoon, etc.
I last met him at the Sting get together at the Baltic (Cormac is the red shirted alto player in photo) 3 years ago and he was still the unassuming ultra talented person he has always appeared to be.
Googling reveals him to be based in Birmingham - not the Alabama one.
If you read this, Cormac, we'd love to have an update from you.
Lance.
Is this the same Cormac Loane that used to play for St Curthbert's back in the mid 70s when Mr Rodham (?) was conducting a big band there. Every concert they played was recorded on a Ferrograph reel to reel machine, but I have never heard of them 'in the wild'.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was a pupil at St. Cuthbert's where the music teacher, Maurice Rodham, an accomplished dance band musician, was my first inspiration as a saxophonist. He gave me great encouragement and opportunities: after I had been playing only a few months, he brought me along to the M.U. Rehearsal Band which met at the old Marlborough Social Club, where I had my very first experience of playing alongside professional musicians. I will always be grateful to Maurice for his encouragement! And I'd love to know what Geordie's connection with St. Cuthbert's was!
ReplyDeleteCormac
Hey,
ReplyDeleteI was one of the St Cuthbert's band drummers. Other than myself Paul Goosens and Mick nevins played drums. I still play regularly and often with John walsh who played trumpet and brother of Mick who played trombone in the Bewcastle Big band and played at re union gig with Sting.
Do the Cuthys band recordings really exist!?
Neil Ramshaw
Good heavens, I remember you, Cormac, as the inspiration which drove Dave Bentham and I to learn the arts of the saxophone.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't realised how long ago that was.
Its amazing how modern technology - in particular this website - can put us in touch with events and people from the distant past! Happy xmas.
ReplyDeleteCormac