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25/01/24 - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of trumpeter Alan Bray.  He died in hospital in Cornwall on 24^th.January. He played with the Harlem Hot Stompers and Bricktops Jazz Babes. He will be greatly missed.  More details will follow

Derek and Trish Galloway

27/01/24 -

Alan Bray was one of my earliest mentors. As a raw beginner, I learned some of my most enduring jazz lessons from him. One - shouted back from the middle of the front line in The Black Dog, Waverton - was ‘Never slow down the ending!’ People often do that in bands that I play with today, and I’m frequently tempted to give the same instruction because he was right of course, but having been guilty of the same wicked tendency I’m much more reticent than he was!

To my ear, he was not only a skilful but a unique trumpeter. I believe I would be able to identify him instantly if you were to test me with a variety of recordings I hadn’t heard before: strident, edgy, yet totally self-assured, with unfailing good taste and without any recognisable influences. I always loved playing with him, but never more so than in the glorious settings of Bourbon Street, Decatur Street and Biloxi on those unforgettable New Orleans tours with him and Tina in the late eighties and early nineties. The opening trumpet riff of Wild Man Blues on our album ’Stompin’ at the Jazz Cafe’ still gives me goose-pimples, and I’ve played it countless times over the years.

Thank you, Alan. You set me on a good path and gave me unforgettable opportunities for which I shall always be grateful. We must find a way to commemorate you here in the north-west, where you contributed so much! -

Allan Wilcox

Photo taken on a late night session in Fritzels Bar New Orleans
supplied by Tina Earl

29/01/24 -

Sadly we have lost another stalwart of traditional jazz in the Northwest. I have known Alan for over 40 years playing with the Ray Hayes Roaring 20's Jazzband, Bricktops Red Onion Jazz Babes and the Harlem Hot Stompers with whom he was a member for many years.

He was an exciting and vibrant player well suited at the time with the Harlems repertoire which was predominately Oliver and Morton. During his playing he had a habit of going up on one leg when reaching the high notes - he never fell over. He was fun to be with and it was a pleasure to have known him and to have played alongside him.

Regarding New Orleans, the memories that stand out are playing on George Buck's radio programme, playing at Maxwell's on Toulouse Street when all the electrics failed and the band were dressed all in black (Alan liked black!) and we could only be seen by our spotty ties and the band played on. Not forgetting Fritzels on Bourbon Street, where Carol arrived late for a gig and could hear Alan playing before she turned onto Bourbon Street and then had to fight her way in through the crowd that had gathered outside.

Thanks to Alan and to Tina for all those wonderful memories. We will remember Alan as a superb trumpet player a fine musician and a good friend. Love and condolences to Tina.

Ian and Carol McCann
 

In the arms of Tina ‘Bricktop’ Earl are, from left to right,
Dave Mott, Charlie Bentley, Alan Bray, Ian McCann,
Dave Berry, Malcolm Hogarth, Allan Wilcox and Tony Iddon

Photo supplied by Allan Wilcox

Alan's wife Tina'Bricktop' Earl-Bray. writes, "Since Alan did not want a funeral, our family have set up a memorial fund in aid of the National Youth Jazz Collective. I don't have contact details for many of Alan's fellow musicians, so would you be kind enough to put the enclosed leaflet on your website?  It would be much appreciated.  You can see the leaflet by clicking here

05/02/24 -

I was so sorry to hear that Alan had passed away. He was one of the best. I attach a rather tattered photograph, which anyone who ever had a Dalmatian, would understand. Summer Season 1972, The "Dixieland Bar" Central Pier, Blackpool. Alan Pendlebury, Trombone and leader, Roy Roger's, Clarinet, Alan (Tiger) Bray, Trumpet/ Cornet, Jim Flynn, Drums, Johnny Gordon , Banjo, and myself Tony Kennedy, Sousaphone. There are only two of us left, John Gordon and myself, Tony Kennedy. My thoughts are with all his family members

Tony Kennedy