HE is a world famous trombone player who has a special place in the history of Eastleigh’s Concorde Club

It was nearly 50 years ago that Roy Williams helped to fanfare a new chapter in the life of the club when it moved to its current Stoneham Lane home from the old Bassett Hotel in Southampton where it spent its early days.

He was part of the Alex Welsh Band who headlined the opening night gig back on August 18, 1970.

Earlier this year Roy suffered a stroke and while he recovers, fellow jazzers have got together to stage a series of benefit nights in support of the popular musician.

Guitarist Jim Douglas, who for many years played alongside Roy in the Alex Welsh Band, is staging a fund raising night for the legendary trombonist at The Concorde on September 11.

Billed as Jim’s Jam For Roy, the star studded line up of jazz musicians includes Andy Dickens, Bruce Adams, Ben Cummings, Ian Bateman, Ray Wordsworth, John Hallam, Ron Drake, Mike Etherington Band, Rich Hughes, Mike Kemp, Simon Smith, Jim Douglas and Graham Smith.

Very much part of jazz royalty, Roy has played with many big bands including Humphrey Lyttelton and a number of big American jazz names throughout his illustrious career.

Roy joined a very exclusive band of musicians after being given the Freedom of the Concorde for his distinguished services to the club.

The honour was conferred by Concorde boss Cole Mathieson who founded the popular club more than 60 years ago.

Roy’s music has taken him around the globe but the Eastleigh club has always been close to his heart and he has appeared there many times.

Since his first gig at the club nearly five decades ago, it has gone on to become somewhat of an international jazz mecca, welcoming a glittering line up of top jazz stars including Nat Gonella, Alex Welsh, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, Humphrey Lyttelton, Kenny Ball, Georgie Fame, Gene Harris, Kenny Wheeler Ruby Braff, Benny Carter, Clark Terry, Harry Gold, Stan Tracey, Buddy DeFranco, Phil Woods and Sir John Dankworth.