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Big Band Special: A Tribute to Derek Watkins

Music: Jazz & Blues

22/04/2013

A Tribute to Derek Watkins

BBC Radio 2 - Big Band Special, A Tribute to Derek Watkins

Clare Teal pays tribute to star trumpeter Derek Watkins.

Clare Teal presents a tribute to star trumpeter Derek Watkins, who recently passed away, featuring the BBC and Nelson's Column big bands.

Clare Teal pays tribute to star trumpeter Derek Watkins who recently passed away. Featuring the BBC and Nelson's Column big bands.

Derek was lead trumpet with the BBC Big Band from 2005-12 - just one of many achievements in his long and successful career. Since he became a professional musician aged just 17 in 1962, Derek's playing had featured on every James Bond soundtrack from Dr. No to Skyfall. Derek was described as "Mr Lead" by jazz great Dizzy Gillespie. As well as the Bond films Derek played with The Beatles, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra, the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and had a long association with the James Last Orchestra.

This tribute programme showcases Derek as the featured soloist in session and in concert in titles including Feet Draggin' Blues, Just Friends and We've Only Just Begun.

Clare also discusses Derek Watkins career with fellow musicians, trumpeter Mike Lovatt and saxophonist Jamie Talbot.

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