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In his formative days in London, Ron started out playing boogie, blues and 20s jazz, but it was his versatility and imaginative playing in many spheres from pop to classics that was to make him in such demand in a wide variety of musical fields, as a soloist, with his duo and trio, in traditional and modern jazz, accompanying nightclub acts, in society bands, as a Musical Director - playing, in fact, anywhere from pubs to palaces!
He worked in Europe and North Africa doubling on trombone in a military band, on the US bases in Germany on piano with a 40s style swing band, in England with the famous broadcasting big bands of the day - Ronnie Aldrich, Cyril Stapleton, Johnny Howard and Bob Miller.
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He was a touring member of the John Barry Seven, the hit recording group. With other musicians from the Seven he formed a rock group and had a single out in the UK, produced by Joe Meek of 'Telstar' fame.
Around this time he was asked to join the band of legendary blues guitarist Alexis Korner, who had been such a big influence in the early days on many up and coming blues bands and rock groups of the time - notably The Rolling Stones. There followed many memorable one-nighters all round the country with Alexis and his band of suburban musicians, along with American blues shouter Herbie Goins, culminating in the album for Transatlantic Records 'Alexis Korner's All Stars - Blues Incorporated'.
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Ron was also Musical Director and accompanist for other big-name artists such as Clyde McPhatter (US hit record act from the 50s), and singing star Vince Hill. He was Musical Director too for pop pianist Russ Conway's Summer Variety Show and was also booked as solo opening act for the season.
When Judith Durham left The Seekers, she asked Ron to become her Musical Director and arranger for a tour that brought him for the first time to Australia and New Zealand, for concerts and television work, followed by a trip to the United States to record her first solo album. On this record date he played Hammond organ and piano with a Hollywood orchestra that included such great jazz names as Herb Ellis, Pete Jolly and Louis Belson.
He continued working with Judith Durham for many years, touring the world's major concert halls, theatres and nightclubs, and making numerous television appearances. In the 70s Ron picked up on his early jazz influences, starting with an extended booking in San Francisco at 'Earthquake McGoon's' 
(Turk Murphy's famous nightclub), working in a Duo with Judith and in his own spots as a solo pianist. It was at McGoon's that Ron's unmistakeable two-fisted piano style began to emerge, along with his feeling for the wonderful ballads and standards of the era. Later, together with Judith, he formed his own jazz band, The Hottest Band In Town, hand-picked from the cream of San Francisco's great players, and produced and arranged the album 'Judith Durham & The Hottest Band In Town Volume 1' (Festival Records).
Ron and Judith put together a second 'Hottest Band In Town' in the UK, producing the follow-up album '...Volume 2'. Ron also worked with Judith on television shows such as 'Sunday Night At The London Palladium' and 'The Benny Hill Show'. He took his band on the road for concerts with Judith all over the UK and Australia, providing a show-stopping opening act and exciting back-up.
In Australia, an episode of the award-winning TV series Cash & Company was specially written for Judith, and Ron had both acting and performing roles in this. There were television appearances with her plus numerous performances throughout the world, including Europe and the United States of America, setting audiences everywhere alight and winning much critical praise.
Once more, Ron and Judith teamed up for their musical partnership, now called The Hot Jazz Duo. The highlight of this particular partnership came in the United States where they made a sensational appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival, receiving three standing ovations. Ron co-produced the live album from this concert - 'The Hot Jazz Duo' (Festival Records).
Apart from his performing credentials Ron Edgeworth was a talented composer, having written many original works covering all categories of music, which have been recorded and broadcast. His theme music, which he arranged and recorded for the soundtrack of the movie 'Raw Deal' was nominated for the 1978 Sammy Awards. He also worked as an extra in this movie - as a piano player!
Exceptional talent and experience aside, to hear Ron Edgeworth play was to be aware of an infectious excitement that was a true tonic, and was guaranteed - as the song says - to 'Chase Those Blues Away'. But Ron's music, which lives on today, is not just for listening to, so don't be surprised if at times you feel yourself unable to resist the urge to get up and boogie on the nearest dance floor!
Tragically Ron Edgeworth died of Motor Neurone Disease in December 1994, with his beloved wife Judith at his side. He lives on in her and in the music they made together, as well as in his own brilliant solo playing.
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'Fantastique.' Le Canard Enchaine, PARIS
'An excellent solo pianist ... a perfect accompanist.'
'Fans left calling for more ... last night's audience was roused by two boogie solos by Ron Edgeworth.'
'Great gusto and considerable talent ... very very good.' |
'Extraordinary piano playing.'
'... Ron's piano, always interesting, often amazing in its fullness.'
'Edgeworth played some of the best Harlem piano I've ever heard ... should be exploited for artistic as well as educational reasons. An unexpected delight and a big hit.'
'Much impressed with two-fisted Ron's 88 ideas ... standing ovation!' |
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'Pianist Ron Edgeworth is something special, playing a very capable stride piano style, that was at once engaging and refreshing.' Mississippi Rag, U.S.A.
'Very fine and well received.'
'A special treat.'
'The thumping stride, Edgeworth-style is always exciting and unpredictable' |
'Ron Edgeworth is a perfect accompanist with his entirely commendable two-handed playing that stands comparison with the very best.'
'His playing was one of the highlights of a star-studded programme ... a perfectly controlled mastery of the keyboard ... one of the country's most acclaimed jazz pianists ... unleashed a truly virtuoso performance embracing Blues, ballads, ragtime, boogie and stride that sounded just like the great Fats Waller reincarnated. The audience loved it all.' |