George Chisholm

George Chisholm (1915-1997) was one of the first UK jazz musicians to attain a level of musicianship and improvisational skills to be deemed a truly world class jazz soloist. He was comfortable in the company of early American visitors like Benny Carter and Fats Waller, with whom he recorded in 1938. Born in Glasgow into a family of musicians, he worked as a cinema pianist in his home town before being hired on trombone by Louis Freeman.

Chisholm reclocated to London in the late 1930s where he joined Bert Ambrose’s orchestra and found himself working with fellow Scot, Tommy McQuater. This friendship and musical partnership would continue for 60 years. Chisholm and McQuater were among a number of musicians who joined the RAF in 1940 and formed a dance band which would become known as the Squadronaires. He remained with the band until 1950, after which he worked frequently as a session musician. In 1956 he appeared alongside Louis Armstrong at the Royal Festival Hall.

Chisholm was with the BBC Show Band during most of the 1950s, including on the Goon Show, where he was able to hone his natural comedic talent. His work with the BBC brought him further opportunities to work in radio and television, and in 1961 he joined the hugely popular (but, to today’s audiences, deeply embarrassing) ‘Black And White Minstrel Show’. He was a frequent guest of the Alex Welsh Band through the 60s and 70s while also leading his own band, The Gentlemen of Jazz. He continued playing until a few years before his death in 1997.

Key Recordings:
With Squadronaires
Early Days 1935-1944 (Timeless 1998)
George Chisholm (Gold Star 1974) – later released on CD by Lake as In A Mellow Tone
George Chisholm’s All Stars (Progressive 2006)