Norman Thatcher Norman Thatcher, a superb New Orleans style trumpeter and a fine trombonist, bassist, drummer and tenor saxophonist, died suddenly of a heart attack on 17th April. For his many friends, for hundreds of fellow musicians and for thousands around the world who loved his music, Norman’s death comes as a bitter blow. For his wife Sarah, his son Mark, his brother Pete and all their families the pain must be so much worse. Perhaps they will draw a little comfort from being reminded how much he was loved and admired by so many of us. Born in 1942, Norman grew up in Corsham, Wiltshire, the son of an engineer and a piano teacher. He taught himself to play the cornet and joined the village brass band while still at school. Once he heard the Ken Colyer Jazzmen at the Pavilion in Bath he knew he wanted to play New Orleans Jazz – and like his mentor he never strayed from that path. In the late 1950s Norman joined the Gerry Bath Band and over the following decade he built up a formidable reputation in the Bristol, Bath and Gloucester areas, leading his own bands and playing with those of others such as Keith Box and Roy Kirby. He broadcast on radio and television and played alongside Ken Colyer who became a close friend. (When Ray Smith and Mike Pointon recently compiled their exhaustive book on Colyer, ‘Going Home’, Norman chose not to contribute because he felt that he might have repeated things that Ken had told him in confidence). Throughout the 1970s and ‘80s Norman continued to develop his repertoire and his talents as a multi-instrumentalist, while holding down a series of increasingly responsible and demanding day jobs. Leaving school at 16, he had first trained and worked as a psychiatric nurse, subsequently becoming a charge nurse; then he became interested in social work and re-trained to become a mental welfare officer, progressing to become Principal Social Worker and Team Leader in Cheltenham. He maintained his commitment to this kind of work for nearly 40 years, finally taking early retirement in 1997. Meanwhile, by the end of the 1980s new jazz festivals were springing up in Britain and Europe and more promoters were beating a path to Norman’s door. Most memorably, he was invited to head up the new band set up by the Ken Colyer Trust following Ken’s death in 1988. On arriving to join the band one of its senior members could be heard loudly speculating as to who on earth this “new trumpeter from the sticks” was. In due course Norman asked the senior member to suggest an opening number.

“Anything you like” was the reply. Norman called one of Colyer’s favourite ragtime numbers. “I can’t play that” protested the senior musician! There was no doubt about Norman’s passion for New Orleans jazz, but it seems to me that the nature of his day job did put into perspective the fragile egos of prima-donna musicians, not to mention the more outlandish demands of power-crazed festival organisers, (I include myself). He came to play great music, but not to kowtow to others who considered themselves stars and not to put on a song and dance act. There was no doubt either about Norman’s readiness to help, guide and encourage anyone who genuinely wanted to play the music he loved. “It’s not rocket science” he would say, “but you should try to practice a bit more”. He was always generous with his time, with his advice and with his moral support. In spite of our sadness, we should remember the many hugely positive aspects of his life, particularly over the past 20 years. He played the music he loved to international acclaim. He recorded successfully in Britain, in Europe and in New Orleans, where his cornet playing was likened to that of Bunk Johnson and his trombone to that of Jim Robinson. He maintained the quality and energy of his performances to the end. (His last album was recorded as recently as November 2011 and here he is on top form on both cornet and tenor sax). Most importantly, Norman was happy with his life. He survived cancer 3 ½ years ago and cherished every day. He was surrounded by friends and a loving family. When he was ill with cancer, Norman wrote “I have made some good friends on the jazz scene….. Thank you all dear friends for your kindness and friendship.” I know we will all want to thank Norman for his kindness, friendship and great music. And to thank Sarah, along with the rest of his family for making sure his life was so happy and successful to the end. An all-day musical celebration of Norman’s life will be held at the Wessex Hotel in Street, Somerset on Sunday 25th November. All proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK.

John Minnion May 2012

Norman Thatcher 1942 - 2012

The sense of disbelief that greeted the news that Norman Thatcher had died of a heart attack whilst on holiday was enormous. For such a kind gentle man to be taken from us is hard to bear. Norman was a true ambassador for his style of music, to be admired by so many people up and down the land, is a tribute to his dedication. Norman first came to our attention, in South Wales, when the Ken Colyer Trust Band played for the first PJS Jazz Affair in December 1989. Coincidentally his future wife, Sarah, was playing banjo in the Speakeasy Band on the same bill. Norman had three main bands, his Ragtime Band, New Orleans Hula and The Spirit of Colyer as well as playing for the Wessex New Orleans Band, Phil Wall’s Jazz Cardinals, to name but a few. Norman became a “naturalised” Welshman in the late 90’s when he moved to Newport, and married Sarah in 2000. Both he and Sarah were regular performers in bands, at Café Jazz, under his name and “guesting” with like minded musical friends in others. Norman had suffered from cancer, and in 2009 raised £1360 at a fund raising concert with his band and long standing friend Brian Carrick for Cancer Research Wales (Velindre Hospital). He did this concert in spite of being told that he needed an urgent blood transfusion, but preferred to do the concert first. This was typical of Norman in that he would stick to his promise. On many occasion he would prefer to play with local musicians rather than travel to far better paid jobs. Norman’s funeral was an occasion that will be remembered for a long time. The funeral procession being led by a 40 strong New Orleans Parade Band, followed by a “congregation” of several hundred. It was a massive tribute to Norman, who was held in such high regard by his fellow musicians and friends. Norman, was one of the nicest people you could meet, always willing to talk to fan and musician alike, which endeared him to everyone he met. He will be sorely missed by all of us at the PJS and we extend to Sarah and Norman’s family our heartfelt sympathy.

Alun Jones

The Parade Band Personnel Parade Marshall – Val Chambers Trombones Adrian Chamberlin, Pete Locke, Stan Sten Stephens, Bob Tunnicliffe, Tom Whittingham Sousaphones and Helicon Robin Burges, Steve Davis, Jim Wood Clarinets Alun Jones, Gordon Hunt, Hugh Roberts, Keith Box, Phil Wall Alto Saxes John Davies, John Riches, Martin Butterworth Tenor Saxes John Scantlebury, Mike Betts Banjo Malcolm Hurrell, Sam Sims Snare Drums Clarence Nugent, Mike pearce, Paul Spedding, Pete Winterheart, Roger Wells Bass Drum Dave Grey Trumpets Dennis Armstrong, Derek Winters, Eddie Williams, John Shilito, John Minion, Ron King Photographs – © Paul Dunleavy

The Funeral

The Band playing “Sing On”

The Wake at St Julian’s Inn

^ Alun Jones & Tom Edwards

Malcolm Hurrell banjo, Steve Davis, Greg Platt. Stan Stephens, John Minion, Brian Carrick

Mike Jones bass, John Gill banjo, Paul Spedding drums, Pete Locke, Ron King and John Davies

^ Paul Spedding drums, Pete Locke, Ron King and John Davies Dennis Armstrong v

Hugh Roberts Dennis Armstrong

Norman Thatcher 1942 – 2012