[Dixielandjazz] Bruce Gray

[Jack Mitchell]

I'm saddened to report the death of brilliant clarinetist Bruce Gray, of Adelaide.

Although he started with Malcolm Bills Dixielanders in 1944, most of us not in Adelaide first became aware of him with the Southern Jazz Group at the first Australian Jazz Convention in December, 1946. Then came a swag of recordings that showed us just how great he was. In 1950 the SJG broke up he formed his own All Stars, and continued as a professional, in all senses of the word, until a few months back. He died in Adelaide on May 3, 2010.

He will always be remembered as a top jazz musician.

Best wishes,
Jack Mitchell