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Tribute to Leon Slater

Leon Slater was a highly accomplished saxophonist who was devoted to his music. He was a member of the MU for over fifty years and had a life-long passion for jazz. This tribute has been provided by Leon’s wife and family.

Published: 24 April 2025 | 1:53 PM
Leon Slater, sat smiling in an armchair.
Lee will be remembered not only for his extraordinary sound, but also for his boundless enthusiasm, his warmth, and the joy he brought to those around him.

Lee, a dedicated and passionate musician, passed away on 30 November 2024 at the age of 87.

Lee was born in Reading on 6 November 1937. In 1957 he met John ‘Fergie’ Maynard, already a musician, with whom he started to develop a life-long, shared passion for the so-called west coast modern jazz scene. He was inspired to take up the tenor saxophone by the great Stan Getz, who he had the good fortune to meet in 1984.

Lee started his professional musical journey in 1960, playing dance music around the country with the big bands of Teddy Foster, Danny Mitchell and Ted Watkins, before settling in Stoke-on-Trent in 1968.

The highlight of his professional career he considered was playing at the Jollees Nightclub with the John Simons Show Band, accompanying stars from Britain and abroad.

A life-long love of jazz

In 1980, having played with the Tony Russell student big band as a young man, Lee decided to attend the Dankworth Summer School with a view to playing more jazz - his first love.

Peter Chell, for whose orchestra Lee often deputised, introduced him to jazz musicians Brian Chell, Joe McMillan, Phil Hassel and Tony Silver. Lee was invited to jam with them at Guitana’s; they shared their earnings with him and the Just Friends quintet was formed.

In addition, Lee played for many years with the Bryan Jones Big Band and the Geoff Seals Versatile Concert Orchestra, and loved playing regularly at the jazz nights organised by Peter ‘Pedro’ Robinson. Even as his hearing declined in later years, Lee remained devoted to his music. He brought his skill to the Cheadle Community Band and never stopped jamming with his closest friend, Brian Chell, guitarist.

Remembered for the warmth and joy he brought to those around him

Lee was much inspired by the breathily romantic style of Ben Webster playing tunes from The Great American Songbook. His rendition of ‘The Nearness of you’, played on 7 November 2024 - his 37th wedding anniversary - was a fitting tribute to all he loved and stood for.

Lee will be remembered not only for his extraordinary sound, but also for his boundless enthusiasm, his warmth, and the joy he brought to those around him. His memory will be treasured by all who knew him.

Leon joined the MU on 1 September 1970.

This tribute has been provided by Leon’s family.

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