Pete King (Maynard Ferguson)

[Kraig]

OK, some of you UK folks help me out here. One of my all time favorite jazz albums is Maynard Ferguson MF Horn. I believe it was recorded in England in the 60's. A guy named Pete King plays absolutely knock-out alto on that recording. I just LOVE his sound and his soloing. I see in this thread some mention of a Pete King who just died recently. Please fill me in, here, about these guys. Which one played for Maynard? What can you tell me about him? I have never heard him any where else than on that CD. I figure some of you probably know or knew him!! I would love to know more about him and his career. Maybe get to hear more of his playing. Please enlighten me!! I have always thought he must be one of the best.
Thanks.
Kraig

 

[TomMapfumo]

Hi Kraig!

There are 2 Mr. Kings. The one who died recently was Tenor Sax player Pete King, who died at the end of last year, aged 80. Peter King is an Alto Sax player, who is 70 this year, and still touring - he has been making a name for himself professionally since 1958 (as an 18 year old). Both had some significant involvement with Ronnie Scott over the years. Obviously it is the latter player that appears on Maynard's album. His website is www.peterkingjazz.com though there is not much detail on there.

I've never seen him live so far (he appeared in my home town jazz club in October 2009, with the house trio) but will keep an eye out. He plays both Soprano and Alto.

Hope this helps.
Kind regards
Tom😎

 

[O.C.V.]

Pete King

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjY1NPUUp9U

A video of Pete King playing Charlie Parkers Grafton Acrylic alto: amazing.
O.C.V.

 

[Mikec]

I am going to see him tonight, he's playing with Jean Toussaint at Marlow Jazz Cub! He is one of my favourite sax players, still very fast and furious, and still hungry for the microphone. If you google "peter king alto sax" there's loads of info, though he doesn't seem to have a web site of his own. I have 3 CDs of his and I'm sure there are more.

 

[rhysonsax]

The Pete King who died recently was Ronnie Scott's business partner in the jazz club.

The Pete(r) King who plays alto and soprano also plays/played excellent tenor. I've got a nice Jimmy Witherspoon recording called "Big Blues" where PK plays really authentic and moving blues tenor, so he can do that as well as the fluent and rapid alto thing.

Rhys

 

[Kraig]

Thanks all, for replying. The other night when I posted this thread - I should've just googled Pete King!! When I did that, I found an article on Wikipedia about him, and he does have his own web site:

http://peterkingjazz.com/

I would love to find some more CD's that he plays on. So please give me some ideas. I will look for "Big Blues" if that is something that is still available. Are any of you familiar with Pete's playing on M. Ferguson's MF Horn?

Thanks!
Kraig

 

[Andrew Sanders]

Hi Kraig
I have an excellent CD of the Pete King Quartet called "Lush Life". It has some fantastic alto playing on it and a brilliant band.
Try to have a listen.
When a statue was erected in the states to Bird they called on Pete to play at the dedication ceremony, apparently.
Cheers
Andy

 

[Ann]

I think the Peter King on the CD is probably Peter King, well-known saxophonist in the UK. He has written his brilliant autobiography which includes an account of his time with Maynard Ferguson: Flying High: A Jazz Life and Beyond. I have to declare an interest as I published it (Northway Books). Ann