One of Ireland’s best-loved jazz musicians will be remembered for having made an “indelible mark” on the music community.
Martin Wilson, a former member of the Ulster Orchestra from Bangor in Co Down, died last weekend following a short illness.
An alumnus of London’s prestigious Royal College of Music, he joined the Ulster Orchestra as its principal trombonist in 1989, a position he held until his retirement in 2022.
Mr Wilson continued to indulge his love of music, including with his jazz group at Jenny Watts pub in Bangor, where he and bandmates played for more than three decades as the ‘Kings of Swing’.
In November, Mr Wilson’s band marked the 35th anniversary of their residency at the popular venue, which is owned by the Beanchorr group.
Beanchorr boss Bill Wolsey appeared in a video interview with Mr Wilson that was posted to social media last month to celebrate what is thought to have been the longest running jazz residency in Ireland.
Mr Wolsey said Mr Wilson’s band had been a “hit from the first week” and was an “institution” at the pub.
35 YEARS OF JAZZ AT JENNY WATTS | HIGHLIGHTS It was such an incredible afternoon celebrating Marty and the band's 35-year residency at Jenny Watts a few weeks back. We've put together a short interview with Marty and the pub's owner Bill Wolsey who had some time to reflect on the partnership and many great gigs throughout the years at the venue.
Posted by Jenny Watts Bar on Tuesday 10 December 2024
In a statement, a spokesperson for Jenny Watts said: “It feels like we have lost one of the family as he was part of the furniture at Jenny’s. As you would all know, we only recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of his jazz band residency with us.
“Marty you will be fondly remembered by many in Bangor and especially from all of us at Jenny Watts. RIP.”
A spokesperson for the Ulster Orchestra said they were “deeply saddened” at the loss of their former colleague.
“In addition to leading the trombone section with distinction, Marty was a wonderful jazz musician, and a valuable contributor to our programme of community activity,” they said, adding: “Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this very sad time.”
The British Trombone Society said Mr Wilson “left an indelible mark on Northern Ireland’s musical community” during his career.
“A brilliant trombonist - and a talented jazz singer - Marty’s artistry and passion inspired all who knew him,” they said in a statement.
“Away from music, he cherished time with his family, enjoyed playing golf, and took great pride in tending to his beloved rose garden.”
A death notice describes Mr Wilson as the “cherished husband of Gillian, beloved father of Brian and Alan and loving brother of Mary, Margaret and James”.
A service of thanksgiving for Mr Wilson will be held at Bangor Parish Church next Tuesday, January 14.
