Dougie Coopers Jazz band @ The Star

The Dougie Cooper Jazz Band brings jazz to The Star in Weymouth …

Dougie, now in his 90s has a fascinating back story in the jazz world:-

Dougie Cooper played alto sax. Began on drums at age of six. Played gigs in early teens; moved with parents to London. Left school and joined George Evans, then worked with Ronnie Munroe before joining Tommy Sampson (1947-8). With Paul Fenoulhet, Joe Loss and Dennis Hale, then temporarily left the music profession to help his father run a hotel in Weymouth. Resumed full time playing and worked with Harry Roy at Pwllheli holiday camp (1952) then joined Tito Burns in late 1952. During the late 1940s and early 1950s also worked with Nat Temple, Nat Allen, Eric Winstone and Edmundo Ros. Rejoined Tito Burns until autumn 1954 band break-up then worked with Geraldo (1954-5). With Bert Courtley-Jack Seymour Band (1956), then joined Oscar Rabin.

Managed hotel in Weymouth, then played in South Africa accompanying various artistes including Eve Boswell (1965-6). Returned to hotel management in Weymouth, then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, in 1977. Played with various ensembles including big band led by Bruce Early and with Jimmy Forrest-Al Grey group, deputized briefly in Count Basie’s Band. Moved back to Weymouth in 1979, gigged with local bands and led own trio and quartet through the 1990s