Jim Young

Started on sousaphone in school brass band in Canada then in military bands in RAF and Bomber Command during which he played at the Queen’s Coronation in 1953. Began trumpet in RAF and returned to Edinburgh in 1954 where he joined a band including Mike Hart (bjo) and Mike Pollett (tbn). Later switched to trombone in band with Alistair Clarke (tpt) and Chris Cook (clt) doing intervals to ‘Pete Davenport’s Art College JB’. Also with ‘Jim Petrie’s JB’ at this time with Petrie (tpt), Jack Weddell (tbn) and Kenny Milne (drms). Lack of a bass player led to acquisition of a bass in 1955. After spells in London, returned to Edinburgh and was founder member of ‘Climax JB’ with Petrie (tpt), Mike Pollett (tbn), Stewart Pitkethly (clt), Hart (bjo) and Milne (drms) then went abroad 1963-67. Re-joined ‘Climax JB’ on return and was active with them throughout 1970s. Formed ‘Auld Reekie Parade Band’ in 1973 and did a lot of festival work with parade band in 1970/80/90s. With ‘New Society Syncopators’ for three years in mid-1970s and with ‘Bill Salmond’s Louisiana Ragtime Band’ for five years from late 1970s to early 1980s. Ceased playing bass because of wrist trouble but continued to play parade jazz on sousaphone. A powerful, NO styled bass player and a major force in NO tradition in Edinburgh and wider afield.