Last Wednesday, Fred Rowe retired from playing after an involvement
that lasted 70 years. I think Fred’s now 86 but it was his car rather than his
lip that let him down. MOT!
I went along to his last session at the Crescent Club and met
one of Fred's oldest fans (still wearing the badge of the old Newcastle Rhythm
Club!).
No change in Fred's playing, he played Alex Welsh style
before Alex Welsh started! As usual, Fred's encyclopaedic knowledge came to the
fore with such tunes as Straight From The
Wood, coupled with wry introductions, vocals and his biting cornet. Typical
Fred - except for the absence of the little chip of wood he used to drop on the
floor and stomp off the numbers – nothings changed. Has he put it on eBay?
I have only known Fred for 40 years, playing alongside him in the Tyne Valley Stompers (in fact I think I might be the only one still playing). I'm sure I won't be the only one to be sorry he has stopped gigging - but I bet he won't put his cornet back in the box.
I have only known Fred for 40 years, playing alongside him in the Tyne Valley Stompers (in fact I think I might be the only one still playing). I'm sure I won't be the only one to be sorry he has stopped gigging - but I bet he won't put his cornet back in the box.
John Carstairs Hallam
2 comments :
Sorry to here this Fred. Always loved your playing. Best wishes. Roly
One of the real nice guys of jazz, enjoy your retirement, Fred!
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