A HAMPSHIRE club which has become an international jazz mecca has honoured a world famous trombone star.

It was 45 years ago that Roy Williams helped to fanfare a new chapter in the life of Eastleigh’s Concorde Club.

He was part of the Alex Welsh Band who headlined the gig which marked the club’s move to Stoneham Lane from the old Bassett Hotel in Southampton.

Roy has played with many big bands including Humphrey Lyttelton and big American jazz names.

He made a sentimental return to Eastleigh for the club’s 45th anniversary which was marked with a star spangled jazz gig.

Now Roy has joined that exclusive band of musicians after being given the freedom of the Concorde for his distinguished services to the club.

The honour was conferred by Concorde boss Cole Mathieson who founded the popular club nearly 60 years ago.

Roy’s music has taken him around the globe but the Eastleigh club has always been close to his heart.

He said: “This is one of the of the premier clubs in the country and I always love playing here.”

Later he showed why he is regarded as the world’s greatest trombone player by delivering a note perfect version of the 1946 jazz standard and Jerome Kern composition, Nobody Else But Me from the Broadway musical revival Showboat.

He was among the cream of the United Kingdom’s jazz scene which included Enrico Tomasso (trumpet), Julian Marc Stringle (clarinet/saxophone), Martin Litton (piano), Dave Green (double bass) and Bobby Worth (drums), who helped to celebrate the Stoneham Lane club’s 45th anniversary.

The Concorde has been a launching pad for musicians who have become a household names like Rod Stewart, Elton John, Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton and Manfred Mann.

And its reputation as an international jazz mecca has attracted big names from both sides of the Big Pond.

The Concorde audience included many who were at the opening night gig on August 18, 1970.

Among those paying tribute was Roger Horton who for many years ran the legendary live music venue, The 100 Club in London’s Oxford Street.

Roger, who lives at West Moors, near Ferndown, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to keep a club running for this long. Many big names have appeared here, including jazz stars from America.

“Cole should be honoured for the way he has kept jazz alive.”