Derek Watkins- Big Band Special, BBC Radio 2 on 22nd April 2013
Clare Teal pays tribute to Derek Watkins who recently passed away. Featuring the BBC and Nelson’s Column big bands.
Derek was lead trumpet with the BBC Big Band from 2005-12. Since he became a professional musician aged 17 in 1962, Derek’s playing featured on every James Bond soundtrack from Dr. No to Skyfall. As well as the Bond films Derek played with The Beatles, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra, the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and had a long association with the James Last Orchestra.
This tribute programme showcases Derek as the featured soloist in session and in concert in titles including Feet Draggin’ Blues, Just Friends and We’ve Only Just Begun.
Clare also discusses Derek Watkins career with fellow musicians, trumpeter Mike Lovatt and saxophonist Jamie Talbot.