Quattro MacJazz - Past Members & Back Story
Forrie Cairns
Co-founder of Quattro MacJazz.
In 1958 he joined the Clyde Valley Stompers and was one of the reasons they went to the top of the tree and in 1960 he was named Best UK Clarinettist by the Melody Maker.
He then formed his own Clansmen in 1961, working extensively in London, and was resident at the famous Georgian Club with fellow Scots Fionna Duncan and Ian Armit.
His next 25 years were spent in Switzerland, firstly with Bob Wallis, then with one of the continent’s top traditional bands, the Piccadilly Six. He moved back to Scotland in 2006 when he starred regularly with the Scottish Jazz All Stars.
Forrie plays Willie The Weeper
Lennie Herd
Co-founder of Quattro MacJazz.
In 1959, Lennie was one of the founders, along with Alastair McDonald, of the much admired George Penman Band.
He has since featured with countless bands across the UK including the Scottish Jazz All Stars, the New Orleans Joymakers and Alastair’s Clan MacJazz.
Lennie has played with a number of Britain’s best musicians including George Chisholm, Alan Barnes, Terry Lightfoot, and Humphrey Lyttleton.
A founder board member of the Glasgow International Jazz Festival and currently serving in a similar capacity on the board of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra.
Lennie Herd – In his inimitable style
Alastair McDonald
Co-founder of Quattro MacJazz.
The ebullient figure of Alastair first appeared in the late 1950’s with the George Penman band.
A highly renowned international performer, singer, song-writer, recording artist and broadcaster – Alastair often humbly describes himself as a “banjo player”. His talent was recognised as far back as 1962 when he scooped the best banjoist award at the North of Scotland Jazz Festival.
Alastair has built up a successful career not only in his native Scotland, but on numerous occasions has taken his own style of musical entertainment to locations such as USA, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Israel, Thailand, East Africa, the Arab Emirates and even Auchtermuchty.
Alastair McDonald – Chesapeake Bay
Our History
Why the unusual name ?
The band is made up of 4 internationally acclaimed jazz players from Scotland, but the name “ The internationally-renowned jazz quartet from Scotland” was just a bit too clumsy.
The idea for the band was discussed in 2006 by clarinetist Forrie Cairns, entertainer and banjoman Alastair McDonald, and Lennie Herd over lunch in a Glasgow Italian restaurant. A couple of glasses of wine later, Quattro MacJazz was born!
The band went ‘live’ with Roy Percy making up the ‘quattro’ in early 2007 at Whitecraigs Lawn Tennis Club when our first CD, Live at Whitecraigs, was recorded.
In 2018, we moved premises across the road to Whitecraigs Golf Club where we play on the first Monday of every month between September and April
In 2016, Forrie retired, with his place in the quartet being taken up by the renowned clarinetist, Hamish McGregor
In 2024, Lennie retired, with his place in the quartet being taken up by the distinctive trumpet of Mike Daly
In 2024, Alastair retired, with his place in the quartet being taken up by the well known Duncan Findlay
Hamish – Roy – Mike and Duncan are all professional internationally well known musicians, and can guarantee an excellent evening of Hot Jazz from an extensive repertoire.