Ron Rumbol

Band Leader and reed player Ron was born in Isleworth, Middlesex. He learnt to read music at school and played in the school orchestra. He became interested in big bands and swing music in his 'teens while still at school. He was introduced to traditional jazz and subsequently New Orleans style jazz at the age of 18, and inspired by such clarinet players as George Lewis, Johnny Dodds and Albert Nicholas, he learnt to play the clarinet. He joined his first band in 1958 with Keith Smith which was called The Powder Mill Stompers and subsequently the Fron-Zi-Me Jazzmen. After leaving the Keith Smith band in the early 60's, he played with Bill Brunskill's band for about 2 years and at various times played with Ken Colyer.