Peter Strange passed away on August 14th, aged 66. He was a top trombonist who travelled the world, yet loved to join jazz sessions at south London pubs. His last place of residence was in Banstead, Surrey.
He played stomping mainstream, swinging Dixieland and plaintive blues for packed houses in vast international venues but once home could be found relaxing with casual gatherings at The Lord Napier of Thornton Heath, The Gun in Surrey Street, Croydon and The Glaziers, Crystal Palace.
He worked with Humphrey Lyttleton's band for 21 years alongside vocalists such as Helen Shapiro, Elke Brooks and Stacey Ken.
He grew up in Plaistow, north London, joined the band of the Royal Lancashire Fusiliers for his National Service and did a tour of duty in Cyprus. Back in civvy street the fifties' London jazz scene snapped up his talents, by then honed and perfected by army tuition.
He worked with big names such as Sonny Morris, Charlie Gall, Ken Sims, the Bruce Turner Jump Band, Freddy Randall, Joe Daniels, Ron Russell and Alan Elsdon.
He leaves a widow, Kath. whom he met at a London jazz club, a son and a daughter. They lived together at Wallington, Carshalton and finally Banstead.
His funeral was on August 25th at Randalls Park Crematorium - he was mentioned as being the ultimate trombone player.
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I received a note from Helen Strange on 9 Jan 2005 telling me that she is related to Peter.
