Walter's Jazz Notes
Husband and wife Trudy Kerr and Geoff Gascoyne are guests on Walter Love on September 23.
Trudy began her career as a jazz singer in the Australian city of Brisbane. In 1990 she decided to re-locate to London with no particular objectives in mind. Her introduction to the London jazz scene came when she got a job as secretary to Acker Bilk. At the same time she decided to study jazz singing at the Guildhall School of Music. Before long she was spotted by Ronnie Scott and he offered her a week's residency at his top Soho jazz club. It was here that she met her future husband, bassist Geoff Gascoyne.
Trudy's career developed rapidly and she has for nearly two decades now been a regular artist at clubs and festivals across Britain. In her turn she has become a singing teacher and holds a professorship with Trinity. One of her pet projects is running Jazz for Kids where young children are given an introduction to jazz.
Geoff Gascoyne was an accomplished pianist well before the age of ten. But despite his classical training he found himself drawn to popular music, and as a young man with a rebellious streak (his own words) he experimented with punk for a short while. Then he discovered jazz and as an already accomplished player of both electric and acoustic bass he was in much demand for his musical talents. He has worked with Georgie Fame and Van Morrison, and to date has contributed to over 50 albums, many under his own name. Geoff teaches privately and as a guest tutor with the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Trudy and Geoff have now released their first album as co-leaders, Rhythm of Life. In Jazz Club they talk about their individual careers and their work together. They also introduce Walter Love to Ted and Gladys whoever they may be!
