Born in Dublin in 1941, in his teens Rick Laird went to live in New Zealand with his father, before moving on to Australia where he began gigging around town. Harbouring ambitions to move to America, Laird was persuaded to try London. A period of study at the Guildhall led to the plum job of house bassist at Ronnie Scott's. Unsurprisingly, in next to no time, he compiled an impressive cv - Sonny Rollins*, Sonny Stitt, Ben Webster, all the guys who had engagements on Frith Street.
America beckoned, first Berklee. Laird didn't graduate, he had more important things to do...stints working with Chick Corea, Stan Getz and Joe Henderson, touring with Buddy Rich and numerous gigs and recording sessions with the likes of Lambert Hendricks and Ross, Benny Golson and Roland Kirk. An association with John McLaughlin would define Laird's career in music. Their paths had crossed in Brian Auger's Trinity and when the soon-to-be superstar guitarist put together what would become a jazz-rock supergroup, Laird was on board.
The Mahavishnu Orchestra's iridescent flame shone briefly but brightly. The original line-up - McLaughlin, Laird, Jerry Goodman, Jan Hammer and Billy Cobham - toured the world performing in concert halls and stadiums. The Mahavishnu called in at a sold out Newcastle City Hall playing louder than loud, McLaughlin frequently setting an all but impossible tempo. It seemed Laird took it all in his stride. The Mahavishnu line-up would evolve, but Rick Laird was long gone. One album as a band leader followed - Soft Focus with Joe Henderson on tenor sax - then Laird effectively left live performance behind him to pursue a career as a photographer. Richard Quentin Laird b. 5 Feb 1941, d 4 July 2021.
* Rick Laird can be heard on Rollins' soundtrack to Alfie. Russell
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