1980 - 2000
2000 - to date

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Gerry Culley - 1933 - 2019 Trombonist and Pianist, Gerry passed peacefully at home on 28th October 2019.

Gerry auditioned for and landed the Piano chair at the Empress Ballroom, on leaving the Royal Marines in 1955. Harry Hall (Trumpet) was the Bandleader and Gerry served a firm apprenticeship under the ex - Ted Heath Orchestra musician. Gerry told a story of that apprenticeship and of the 'Banter', mischief and truths, typical of the way musicians learn the craft of music performance and study under the guidance of seasoned pro's. He went on to play in all of the dance halls and ballrooms across the city from the Chalet to the Palais and the Ambassador to the Invercarse. His last years of Piano playing were mainly in the Sands as part of the Jimmy Deuchar Quintet who played every week on a saturday throughout the 1970's and then through the 1980's on a Sunday afternoon.

Gerry was one of those 'seasoned pro's in 1981 when I landed the Guitar gig in the Sands Jazz Band. I had listened to his fabulous piano playing for many years prior, as he was always the pianist for any visiting Jazz stars, Johnny Griffin, Ronnie Scott, Sonny Stitt and many others. He taught me many practical playing skills and a great deal about Harmony, Space and Syncopation and mostly via mischief, live during gigs!. I remember fondly, his beautiful solo rendition of the song "What are you doing for the rest of your Life" at a Jazz gig in the 80's. We interviewed Gerry earlier this year about his life in music and of his Jazz experiences. You can hear the interviews via our Podcasts page.