Archie Semple

b. Archibald Stuart Nisbet Semple, 1 March 1928, Edinburgh, Scotland, d. 26 January 1974. After initial playing clarinet in rings in his homeland, Semple shifted to London in the first 50s. There he became a significant voice within the burgeoning traditional jazz picture, using the rings of Mick Mulligan, Freddy Randall and Alex Welsh, with whom he continued to be before early 60s. Throughout that 10 years he used various rings, led his very own small groupings and produced many records, regardless of the fast-encroaching ramifications of a serious drinking problem. An extremely distinctive participant with a wealthy and quirky musical creativity, Semple was probably one of the most strikingly individualistic music artists to emerge from the occasionally predictable English trad picture. His presence within the currently formidable Welsh music group helped to generate much unforgettable music.