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This project was made possible by funding through the Canadian Culture Online Strategy and the Heritage Policy Branch of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Canadian Heritage

Alastair Lawrie

Biography

ALASTAIR 'AL' LAWRIE (clarinetist) was leader of the Al Lawrie Quintet (Ron Peck on vibraphone, Mike Roberts on guitar, Terry Foster on bass, and Doug McLeod on drums) who were featured during the “Sound of Toronto Jazz” Concert Series at the Ontario Science Centre on November 6. 1978.

Alastair Lawrie got his first clarinet at 16 years of age at about the same time as he started listening to Benny Goodman. As a jazz reviewer for the Toronto Globe and Mail, he got to know (and occasionally play with) Bobby Hackett, Duke Ellington, Vic Dickenson and Buddy Tate.

He played with Canadian vibraphone icon, Peter Appleyard, for three years, and for many years has been a key member of the famed Ragweed Dixieland band, playing in clubs, concerts, and festivals all over North America.

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