James, Derek (1929-31st December 2015)

He was a trombonist born in Llandybie, South Wales who, when he was barely a teenager at 13, began playing trombone for the Ammanford Brass Band which would lead him to taking part in the Welsh National Eistedfodd and winning the competition for Solo Trombone three years in a row. He moved from playing the G bass trombone to the tenor trombone after he had received inspiration from Tommy Dorsey’s slide vibrato style in his recordings and film work.

In 1952 he signed up with HM Welsh Guards as solo trombone for the Regimental Band and during that time would also undertake studies at the Royal College of Music and appear as a member of their orchestra. After leaving service in 1955 he joined the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and remained with them until 1964 when he became a member of the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Staying with them for 17 years or so he moved on to join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1981 and with them he would remain for the rest of his career. During these years he would also perform and record with the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, The Contemporary Jazz Orchestra and the Silt Loam Ensemble.

His large library of recordings includes Passing Open Windows: A Symphonic Tribute to the Queen, James Bond Themes and Symphonic Music of Yes with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the soundtrack recordings of Les Miserables and A Chorus Line, Instruments of Mass Pleasure, Trench Heroes and Monday in the City with the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Festive Brass and The Malcolm Arnold Edition: Orchestral and Brass Music with the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble.

Here’s “Wondrous Stories” from The Symphonic Music of Yes which Derek performed on…

Sources:

James, Derek (1929-31st December 2015)

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