Biography
Though a seasoned English trumpeter of long experience, Derek Watkins fronted just two albums across his entire career: 1988’s Increased Demand on MA Music and 1995’s Over the Rainbow with the Brian Lemon Quartet on Zephyr/New Note. Born the son and grandson of trumpeters, he took up the instrument himself at age six. His first public performances came at thirteen, when he played in his father’s dance band. Skills developed rapidly, and by seventeen he was working regularly around London, soon establishing himself as a prolific studio musician. He joined the big bands of Ted Heath and John Dankworth, performed with the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Orchestra, and in 1969 toured and recorded with Benny Goodman’s orchestra. Between 1970 and 1974 Watkins lived in Los Angeles, handling studio dates and appearing often at Dante’s with Louie Bellson, Don Menza, and others. After returning to Europe he worked with Peter Herbolzheimer, James Last, Phil Woods, the Metropole Orchestra, and the Dutch Radio Big Band while remaining active in the studios.
Albums
