Phil Seamen

Phillip William " Phil" Seamen ( born August 28, 1926 in Burton -upon -Trent; † 13 October 1972 ) was an English drummer of modern jazz. He is considered one of the most important drummers in Britain.

Life and work

Seamen played from 1946 in British big bands, such as Nat Gonella, Tommy Sampson, Joe Loss and Jack Parnell. From 1955 he worked in the groups of Ronnie Scott, such as at the Jazz Couriers, who led this with Tubby Hayes, as well as the band Jump by Bruce Turner. Furthermore, he belonged to a quintet of Joe Harriott and anticipated there free jazz. In the early 1960s he drummed with Alexis Korner and Georgie Fame. Between 1964 and 1968 he was part of the house band at Ronnie Scott 's Jazz Club and accompanied by musicians such as Zoot Sims, Johnny Griffin, Stan Getz, Roland Kirk or Freddie Hubbard. He also worked with Stan Tracey, Dick Morrissey, Harold McNair, Don Rendell, Victor Feldman, Dizzy Reece, Tony Lee and Tony Coe. 1969/1970 he was a member of Ginger Baker 's Air Force Ginger Baker of his pupil. Then he led his own combo, with which he appeared in London jazz clubs and pubs. He was married to the dancer Leonie Franklin. The drug addiction took his own life to an early end.

Ian Carr according to which he had as a drummer " a wonderful time, was full of energy and infectious musicality. "

Disco Graphical Notes

  • The Phil Seamen Story

Lexigraphic entries

October 13 Tony Lee (pianist)
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