Al Gay
b. 25 February 1928, London, England. After formal studies in clarinet and saxophones at the Guildhall School of Music, Gay worked in various dancebands during the mid-and late '40s. In 1953 he joined the Freddy Randall band and, after leaving three years later, he remained strongly connected with the traditional jazz scene, playing with bands led by Joe Daniels, Harry Gold and Bob Wallis. In the early '60s he became a member of Alex Welsh's band, where he remained for almost five years, returning in 1977 for a further six years. In between these stints, and on into the '80s, Gay freelanced, working in radio and as accompanist to numerous visiting jazz artists. In the late '80s and early '90s Gay could be heard leading his own band and also playing with groups such as the Pizza Express All Stars. A sound mainstream performer, Gay's work on tenor saxophone is particularly pleasing.