Pioneering independent recording technician from Nottingham.
Alan, who lived in Chilwell, was a friend and colleague of maverick jazz promoters Bill Kinnell and Ken Alsop who were both major figures in promoting jazz and blues in Nottingham from the early 1940’s. Alan recorded many influential musicians of the fifties and sixties. Lots of trad jazz but also blues artists like Big Bill Broonzy, Champion Jack Dupree, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Joe Turner, Earl Hines and Buck Clayton, gospel singer Marie Knight not to mention local groups like Ray Crane, Les Devotees, Mercia Jazz band, Tony Jackson and the Johnny Johnstone All Stars.
I believe these tapes eventually made their way to the music department of Nottingham University after the death of Alan’s wife.
In an open letter to Nottingham University “Please make these recordings available for me/us to hear. I’m inquisitive and hungry to savour, what are now historical documents, of a time now passed, before I too, pass. Or at least let me help catalogue them. If I can help in any way I will”.
Here are some significant sources of local Nottingham music.
Alan Gilmour – Jazz & blues tapes early 1960’s
Clive Gamble – Codolar studio 1968 – local rock/pop/soul bands recorded.
Colin Horton Jnr son of Colin F. Horton who founded “Nottingham Sound Studio” – 1960’s acetates etc.
Family of Bob Rowe – Banner studios etc 60’s 70’s.
John Holmes – Radio Nottingham tapes of local bands 1970’s / 80’s?
John. E. Moon – Radio Trent – local live gigs 1970’s.
Paddy Flynn – Rainbow Studios – local bands 1970’s / 80’s.
Mole – local live recordings etc maybe 1970’s / 1980’s
More Coming Later …………..