Jiver Hutchinson

A native of Jamaica where he was born in 1906, Leslie ‘Jiver’ Hutchinson began playing trumpet as a young man, notably in the "British West Indies Regimental Band" (Jamaica). In 1924, that band, with Hutchinson, went to England to play at the Empire Exhibition in London. In 1935, he took up permanent residence in England.

Jiver began work in England with Happy Blake at the Cuba Club and then at the Cabin Club in Soho London. He then toured with a Stage Show, prior to working briefly with Leslie Johnson's "Emperors of Jazz". When Ken Johnson, singer and dancer, took over the "Emperors", Jiver remained with Johnson from April 1936 until early 1938. In addition he was working with Jack Davies, Al Craig, and finally with Fela Sowande, an import from Nigeria, with whom he worked for almost a year, leaving in Oct 1939. Jiver did however guest with Johnson throughout this period, including playing in the movie 'Traitor-Spy' in 1939. In late 1939, he finally led a band of his own for an engagement at the Florida Club in Mayfair London.

From 1941 to 1942, he worked with Sid Philips, but also appeared with (Bert) Ambrose. He moved on to Maurice Burman before joining Geraldo, in 1943 and 1944, as 'star soloist'. During this time the band toured the Middle East. After they returned, he began working with Lew Stone.

In the Spring of 1944, he again formed his own band using many of the sidemen from Ken Johnson's orchestra leading this band till 1949, touring extensively to India, Scandinavia, Holland, Czechoslovakia, Belgium and other European countries. He rejoined Geraldo in 1950 and, on and off, worked almost exclusively with him until 1956.

Hutchinson also worked with American pianist Mary-Lou Williams during her long stay in England, as well as appearing in the 1953 Alec Guiness film "Captain's Paradise".

After a short stay with George Feirstone he again worked with Geraldo from May 1954 till Oct. 1956. During this time he also established his "Ebony Knights" in 1955 and a new band in 1956.

Leslie ‘Jiver’ Hutchinson was tragically killed, on Nov. 1959, when the band bus left the road in Norfolk County, England. Hutchinson was survived by his daughter,popular singer Elaine Delmar. Source: Derrick Wilkenson

Tags