Jim Petrie

Fiery trumpeter in classic tradition. Educated at Tynecastle School, Edinburgh where a fellow pupil was Jack Weddell (tbn). Interest in jazz initially through recordings and attending the West End Cafe and jazz club in India Buildings. Met Kenny Milne, Weddell and Karl Ekeval at Sandy Brown’s farewell party in the Crown Bar. With them, formed the ‘West Richmond Street Stompers’ which played at jazz club in Dofos Pet Shop then became founder member with Mike Pollet (tbn), Chris Cook (clt), Mike Hart (bjo), Jim Goudie (bs) and Kenny Milne (drms) of ‘Climax JB’, in 1955. Played with them at Roman Eagle Lodge and at Scottish JB Championship in 1957. Spells with other bands including ‘Ken Ramage’s Jazz Advocates’ and ‘BIll Salmond’s Louisiana Ragtime Band’. Later leader for many years of the 4 piece ‘Diplomats of Jazz’ after leading bands under various names (‘Jim Petrie’s Quartet’, ‘Vindaloo Stompers’, ‘Jim Petrie’s Chinese JB’) for many years. A trumpeter, at first in strict New Orleans tradition, later playing in Classic jazz mode of King Oliver, early Armstrong and Jabbo Smith. Toured Australia in 1992 with the ‘Climax Re-union Jazz Band’. A tune ‘Gentleman Jim’ was composed by Dick Lee and a CD ‘Remembering Jim Petrie’ was issued by Norrie Thomson, both in memory of Jim.