The death has been announced of saxophonist and big band leader Willie Garnett. Father of Alex Garnett - himself a top saxophonist who did duo gigs with his dad - Willie was a legend of the London jazz scene running his own big band and as part of Rocket 88 which featured Charlie Watts. He is best remembered by myself as part of the Charlie Watts Big Band that practically blew the roof off Fulham Town Hall. The ten saxes that that swung Flying Home like it had never been swung before or indeed since had Willie as one of the three altos - Pete King and Ray Warleigh were the other two - fast company!
Sadly, I never heard him other than on the above album which is my irrevocable loss.
Willie Garnett died yesterday (Oct. 15) aged 85. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him but his legacy will be carried on in the playing of his son Alex. Lance
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