Playing briefly with Humphrey Lyttleton joins Latin section of BBC Showband at the same time as starting his own Band, also does Session work.ĭenny was probably the 1st Guitarist-bandleader in Britain. Denny’s enforced departure from the UK toured Italy & Egypt for 18 months entertaining Troops begins to learn Latin style of playing. Denny on his guitar technique – inspired by Reinhardt and recordings, but almost entirely self-taught the use of the thumb in his playing. Influence of George Shearing on scene’s piano players Denny’s own piano playing, Live and in Studio. Memories of performing at the Falado Club ( Denis Rose, & Carrie Ware at The Bouliabare, which later became The Falado club ) 1st place Bebop Music was heard in Britain drug-taking in British Jazz at the time – deleterious effects of pot on Denny’s playing hard-drug use and alcoholism in the scene Police Raids of Jazz Clubs for Drugs, was instrumental in the Falado losing its Club Licence. Less work on his return to England, because Denny was keeping away from his old drinking Partners found his Guitar playing improved when dry, and that he got his taste for ‘Playing’ back.Īnecdote about Phil Green and his wife. Memories of the Jamboree Club in Wardour Street.īack in the late 50s, fronted ‘pick-up’ bands in US Air Force Bases in Germany long anecdotes about life in Nuremburg & Paris realised latterly that the reason for his wanderlust was his fears about marriage and his drinking. Denny begins performing alone in both clubs and recording studios joins Decca Records house-band under Phil Green worked with Glenn Miller Band “shortage” of Guitarists in London during the War benefited Denny. End of the era of Big Band Orchestras in Theatre Venues, moved on 1st to Holiday Camp gigs, then to smaller ensembles at Clubs. Memories of Jigg’s Club working with Carl Barriteau & His Orchestra and its gradual collapse due to conscription gigs in Dundee. Member of Auxiliary Fire Service during the Blitz, suffered injuries and convalesced for 3 months in Morcambe there met Guitarist Alan Metcalfeand started playing together on return to London started playing at Jigg’s Club with Beryl Bryden. His 1st Band formed 1937, played in South East London Denny’s brother on Rhythm Guitar, while Denny gravitated to lead. His 1st Guitar was an Epiphone at age 8, sold to him by Len Williams father of John Williams. His 1st jazz records in the early 30s, and his early guitar influences came to playing the Guitar through the combination of friends and the records he heard revels in his early reputation as the “ British Django Reinhart”.

Denny Wright had been suffering from bladder cancer for the past 6-year but has kept playing.

Friends of Freddie by Graham Denny