Jazz guitarist, Frank Evans, passed away on February 6th 2007 at the age of 76. A former member of Tubby Hayes Quartet, Frank performed and recorded most often as a solo guitarist. Since the mid-sixties, Frank generally shunned the London scene, preferring to operate from his home in Bristol.
He took up the guitar at the age of eleven and learned his craft, without formal tuition, through a lengthy apprenticeship in jazz clubs, ballrooms and restaurants around the world.
Frank Evans' debut album was recorded at a concert in 1968 with Tubby Hayes and Tony Coe ('77 Records, Doug Dobell). After further albums on the 'Saydisc' label, Frank set up his own label 'Blue Bag' to release his solo album 'Noctuary' (BB101). Although today countless musicians have set up their own label and are able to distribute their music digitally, this was an unusual move at the time. “I was fed up with being mucked about by record companies and that whole hassle of the music business. Someone in London said I'd be lucky to sell 500 altogether. But I sold 500 in the first two weeks." Frank said at the time. The album went on to top the UK jazz charts.
He made hundreds of appearances on BBC and ITV television, including the 'Michael Parkinson Show' several times and his own ITV programme 'Frank Evans and Friends' featuring guests, Georgie Fame and Marion Williams. He wrote scores for film and television, particularly for BBC's 'World About Us' series.
His earliest influence was Django Reinhardt, but other favourites were Jim Hall, Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery and Laurindo Almeida, with whom he recorded an album on the 'Blue Bag' label.
In recent years, with his health declining, Frank's performances became rarer and much anticipated, particularly in his beloved West Country .
He is survived by his wife of many years, Mary, and two sons.
He took up the guitar at the age of eleven and learned his craft, without formal tuition, through a lengthy apprenticeship in jazz clubs, ballrooms and restaurants around the world.
Frank Evans' debut album was recorded at a concert in 1968 with Tubby Hayes and Tony Coe ('77 Records, Doug Dobell). After further albums on the 'Saydisc' label, Frank set up his own label 'Blue Bag' to release his solo album 'Noctuary' (BB101). Although today countless musicians have set up their own label and are able to distribute their music digitally, this was an unusual move at the time. “I was fed up with being mucked about by record companies and that whole hassle of the music business. Someone in London said I'd be lucky to sell 500 altogether. But I sold 500 in the first two weeks." Frank said at the time. The album went on to top the UK jazz charts.
He made hundreds of appearances on BBC and ITV television, including the 'Michael Parkinson Show' several times and his own ITV programme 'Frank Evans and Friends' featuring guests, Georgie Fame and Marion Williams. He wrote scores for film and television, particularly for BBC's 'World About Us' series.
His earliest influence was Django Reinhardt, but other favourites were Jim Hall, Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery and Laurindo Almeida, with whom he recorded an album on the 'Blue Bag' label.
In recent years, with his health declining, Frank's performances became rarer and much anticipated, particularly in his beloved West Country .
He is survived by his wife of many years, Mary, and two sons.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
