Richard Knock

Richard started in music, at the age of seven, by playing the violin. Both his grandfather (a leader of a dance band in London) and his mother were accomplished players so such a choice of instrument was no surprise. He progressed to the school orchestra but it was in early adolescence that his interest in jazz was captured by the American Forces Network radio. Richard changed his allegiance to the trumpet and his brother acquired a trombone. Both, then, helped to form a band. At the age of 16 he joined the Merchant Navy (eventually to become a captain) and travelled the world taking full advantage of American jazz spots, including New Orleans where he got to know many of the jazz greats. Marriage and children came along: his days as a world traveller were severely reduced and he took a position in the firm’s shipping company in Liverpool. After many years he was made redundant and, whilst making use of a degree in Spanish doing translations, devoted himself to making music. Already, he had become a founder member of his village’s Brass Band for which he is still a committed player. Around 1987 he decided to get more involved in the jazz world and placed an advertisement in the local paper seeking other like-minded enthusiasts. Hence, the Yarrow River Jazz Band was formed. His favourite trumpeter is Henry “Red” Allen who he has heard live both in New York and in the U.K. Richard has helped us out on a number of occasions over the years and we are very pleased to welcome him again as one of our special guests. - Colin Mason

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