Tommy McQuater

Infobox musical artist
Name = Tommy McQuater


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Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth_name = Thomas Mossie McQuater
Born = birth date|1914|9|4
Died = death date and age|2008|1|20|1914|9|4
Origin = flagicon|ScotlandMaybole, Ayrshire, Scotland
Instrument = trumpet
flugelhorn
Genre = Jazz
Associated_acts = George Chisholm

Thomas Mossie "Tommy" McQuater (September 4 1914 – January 20 2008) was a Scottish jazz trumpeter.

Born in Maybole, Ayrshire, McQuater was most notable for his work in Britain with Bert Ambrose in the 1930s, and also for some recordings done with George Chisholm and Benny Carter.

McQuater showed musical talent from an early age. Largely self taught, he began on the cornet and by the age of 11 was a regular member of the Maybole Burgh Band – a brass band that won several competitions in the late 1920s – and played at local events and dances. McQuater turned professional in his teens and got a regular position with Louis Freeman's Band, which played at Green's Playhouse in Glasgow.

In 1934, aged 20, McQuater was offered a job with one of London's most renowned bands: the Jack Payne Orchestra, which played in London and Paris. The following year he joined Lew Stone's band and made the classic recording of "Pardon Me, Pretty Baby".

In the 1940s McQuater joined The Squadronaires, and worked with the "BBC Showband" in 1945. McQuater often performed with John McLevy in the 1970s and 1980s. In his later years McQuater concentrated his energy and playing around the Ealing Jazz Festival.

Death

He died in London, aged 93, and was survived by his two sons.

elect Discography

With Johnny Dankworth
*"Fall Guy" (Parlophone Records)

With George Chisholm
*"Early Days 1935-1944" (Timeless Holland)

With Bert Ambrose & His Orchestra
*"When Day Is Done" (ASV Records)

With Kenny Baker
*"Kenny Baker's Dozen Play Not Quite Two Dozen" (Jasmine Records)

With "Tommy Watt and His Orchestra"
*"Watt's Cooking" (Bethlehem Records)

With "The Vile Bodies Swing Band"
*"A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" (Pickwick Records)

External links

* [http://www.trumpetguild.org/news/news08/812mcquater.html International Trumpet Guild obituary]
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/obituaries/story/0,,2247132,00.html Obit]