Entering the chapel to the poignant sound of My Ship from the album Miles Ahead by Miles Davis and Gil Evans it was as if Tommy was sitting in the trombone section.
The service was conducted by Mr Neil Atkinson who, after reading a heartfelt tribute to Tommy from his long term friend Dennis Williams, paid his own tribute with an eloquent eulogy of Tommy's illustrious career both musically and with his loving and caring family.
Urbie Green's recording of Ave Maria gave us time to pause and reflect on our own memories of which their would be many for each of us.
As we filed back out, Teddy the Toad from Count Basie's legendary album the Atomic Mr. Basie was playing. It was appropriate that Lewis Watson, who programmed all the music at the Crem, should sign off with a number by Basie. It has been well documented in the annuls of north east jazz and big band music of the time when, on board the cruise liner the QE2, Tommy Weatherley arranged, rehearsed and conducted his own charts with one of the most famous big bands in the world - the Count Basie Orchestra.
That was undoubtedly the highlight of Tommy's musical life but to Tommy, even that must surely have fallen short of meeting his lovely wife Lorna and their subsequent family.
The celebrations continued at Cullercoats Crescent Club where further memories were exchanged and the sadness, at least for the moment, was lifted.
Rest In Peace - Lance
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