ALAN ELSDON, Band leader, trumpeter and Flugelhornist (15.10.1934 – 2.5.2016) – our tribute

Alan Elsdon

Alan Elsdon

We were so saddened to hear of the death of Alan Elsdon, a wonderful bandleader, trumpeter and flugelhornist.   Although we were not personal friends of Alan, we had the wonderful pleasure of his company at our own Jazz Club.  Not here at Farnborough, but at our previous Badger’s Mount Jazz Club in Halstead, Kent, England.  It was in November 1991 and we had decided to hold a jazz weekend.  Alan’s band was our main attraction, although we had a wonderful selection of stars for the whole weekend, as you will see by our poster for the event.  I can remember as clear as anything, how professional (in the nicest way) Alan was.  He was another personality ‘felt’ when entering the club, arriving very early, practicing and also played on very late.  What was so special about him (as with a lot of you musicians), was he wasn’t full of himself.  He didn’t see his wonderful talent as making him better than anyone else.  Alan had played with the greats, such as ‘Wingy’ Manone, Bud Freeman, George Melley, Terry Lightfoot, ‘Kid’ Ory, ‘Red’ Allan and Cy Laurie, just to mention a few.  He also played in Keith Nichols’ Midnite Follies Orchestra (as did our own Mac White), as well as running his own ‘Alan Elsdon Band.

We certainly enjoyed the little time we had with him and wish his family our kind thoughts at this very sad time.

Diane and Keith

Farnborough Jazz Club

Kent