26/02/23 -

Like everybody who knew him, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Les. I played alongside him in the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra for hundreds of gigs over more than twenty years. He joined the Blue Mags in 1972 when we were at our wit's end to find a replacement for the mighty Ken Sims. Les was not enthusiastic at first. The band had a somewhat "art student" ambiance and lacked the discipline that Les demanded.

Even then, he was a very experienced player, having had a joyous time in the 1950s with most of the Liverpool bands (he talked a lot of Bags Whatmough). In the late 60s he had concentrated on a "act" for the club scene with Roy Gregory. But after some gentle persuasion Les agreed to join on one condition. He insisted he would only do so if the band abandoned its original "sound system" (a megaphone !) and installed a modern professional kit. We did, Les joined, and he stayed for nearly 40 years in the band.

As a trumpeter, Les was not given to technical pyrotechnics. He followed the style of one of his old jazz heroes, Muggsy Spanier. The result was a clear, melodic, direct and forceful lead which was a pleasure to listen to and to play alongside. Les also left plenty of gaps in his phrasing to allow room for the other members of the front line to fill in ((most modern trumpeters, please note!). He did not read a note of music but relied on his ear. And his ear was a gift from the musical Gods. He could follow melodies and arrangements without any hint of hesitation. And then there were the vocals. Les knew the words of hundreds of songs and, amazingly, never, ever forgot them. His energetic vocal style was enormously popular. A natural showman, Les loved going on stage. The old cliché about "opening the fridge door and always singing when the light came on" certainly applied to Les. No surprise then, that he was a very popular "dep" for many Northwest bands.

But all that above is secondary to the most important thing about Les. Quite simply, he was the loveliest human being I have ever met. Caring and gentle, modest and helpful, he had an impish quality and an infectious sense of humour. His only foible was punctuality. Although he spent his life surrounded by clocks, Les never seemed to look at any of them. He was often late for gigs, usually because he loved chatting to people on the way. Everybody wanted to chat to Les, and he was happy to chat to everybody. He loved a party (especially after hours). Twice the Blue Mags played at Fest Jazz in Brittany and got great receptions. But there was one "afters party" that went on for a long time. I remember looking at my watch and noticing it was 10 to 4 in the morning. The last guest was just leaving: it was, of course, Les (then nearly 80 years old).

All my sympathy, of course, to Niki and Simon and the rest of the family. It was an absolute pleasure and a privilege to have known Les.

THis photo of Les taken in March 2013 was supplied by hus daughter Nicki

27/02/23 -

Sad to hear of Les Harris passing, I enjoyed the many times we played together.

Maureen and I went to visit him after his terrible accident and witnessed his determination to play again. The Blue Mags gave him great support to help his recovery. He did so well, I called him LEZ ARUS.

RIP Les and condolences to his family

Tony Dunleavy

28/02/23 -

It was with much sadness that I heard of the passing of Les Harris, a stalwart of the Blue Magnolia Jass Orchestra for many years. I am sure I speak for the surviving members of the Merseys. He was a fine trumpet player and vocalist and good friend of us all. Although he had to stop playing several years ago he will never be forgotten. Please pass on our sympathy to his family.  Also I have only just heard about Terry Burstall who was along serving pianist with the Original Panama Jazz Band.

Peter Fryer

I was so sorry t read about Les.  My late husband, Harry Price, played with Les for many years and in many bands.  Bags Watmough to name but one.  Les was our Best Man when we married in 1965 and he made my engagement ring!   He was a lovely man and a great trumpet player. 

My thoughts are with his family at this sad time with understanding.

Glenys Price.