Kenny Milne

Became interested in jazz while at Broughton School, Edinburgh, when, with Graeme Robertson (tbn), Karl Eckeball (clt), Stewart Sangster (wb) and Andy Cockburn, got together to play jazz records in gym after school and then formed ‘Broughton School Jazz Band’. Found out that Sandy Brown et al played in the West End Cafe and went along to listen, also to Crown Bar to listen to ‘Bob Craig’s Jazz Band’. Interest moved on to early New Orleans jazz after buying recordings of ‘George Lewis’ New Orleans Stompers’ on Vogue Records and remained commited to the purist or New Orleans form of jazz for the rest of his long career. Aware of Jim Petrie and Jack Weddell who also went to West End Cafe and was later introduced to them by Mike Hart at Sandy Brown’s farewell party in the Crown Bar before he departed for London. Decided to get a band together formed of Jim Petrie (tpt), Jack Weddell (tbn), Karl Eckeball (clt), Mike Hart (bjo), Walter ? (pno) and Kenny (drms) and called band the ‘West Richmond Street Stompers’. Later Joe Smith, who played (clt) with ‘Charlie McNair’s JB’, came in on bass. Kenny and Jack Weddell also played with ‘Pete Davenport’s Jazz Band’ at about this time. Was founder member of the ‘Climaz JB’ which was to be based on New Orleans music as heard on records belonging to trombonist Mike Pollett. Later, after qualifying as pharmacist in 1960, moved to London where he remained active in jazz with ‘Kid Martyn’s JB’ (drummer Barry Martyn had moved to USA) and also played with Edinburgh ‘Climax JB’ which had reformed in London because so many members had moved there. Took up trumpet at same time as his son Finlay. Returned to Edinburgh in 1977, joined ‘Bill Salmond’s Louisiana Ragtime Band’ in which he played trumpet, played with Criterion Brass Band also on trumpet and, with wife Violet, formed ‘Spirits of Rhythm’ in 1979 in which he played drums. The Spirits were still going strong in 2020.