Cy Laurie

b. 20 April 1926, London, England, d. 18 April 2002, Stapleford Abbotts, Essex, England. A leading figure in the post-war traditional jazz boom in the UK, clarinettist Laurie led his own band in the late 40s and early 50s. He also played with the band led by Mike Daniels. Dividing his time between playing and running a popular jazz club in Windmill Street, Soho, London, Laurie became a seemingly immovable fixture on the scene. Among the many musicians to pass through his band were George Melly, John Picard, Chris Barber, Al Fairweather and Alan Elsdon. In 1960 Laurie dropped out of the music scene, travelling to India to study with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and embracing meditation. In the early 70s he was back and by the end of the decade had re-established his following. In the 80s and 90s he was a very popular figure on the UK traditional jazz scene, recording and playing concerts with fellow-veteran performers Ken Colyer and Max Collie. Although rooted in the playing of Johnny Dodds, Laurie’s performances displayed an acute ear for changing musical fashions and there were often hints that his range could in fact be much wider than either he or his fans ever allowed.