Alan Haven

Alan Haven became a professional musician on leaving school in Prestwich Manchester around the mid 1950's.

Largely self taught apart from a six month course in theory and harmony he found himself playing piano at venues like "The Ritz Ballroom" Manchester for Mecca Leisure.

He then discovered the electric organ.

Alan bought a Lowrey Heritage organ with Leslie speakers and rehearsed for months. At first a novelty, his use of organ in jazz soon established him as a greatly respected jazz musician and all this happened when he was in his early twenItes. He then teamed up with drummer Tony Crombie and together they played and recorded their brand of jazz for many years.

In years to come Alan was to play with the likes of Ben Webster, Maynard Ferguson, Ronnie Scott, Stephan Grappelli and countless other famous names in jazz. He played on the soundtracks of two James Bond films "Goldfinger" and "From Russia with Love" and appeared on many TV shows in England and the US.

During the 1960s he recorded "Image" a sophisticated laid back track which which was used as DJ Bob Stewart's theme tune on "Radio Caroline", later Tony Blackburn also used it on his radio programme.

The track became an anthem in discotheques around the world. Both Dave Eager and Jimmy Savile used to close off the evening with the track.

Alan is the organ masterforce behind the score to the film "The Knack and how to get it" composed by John Barry in 1965.

 

He did more organ work on a black comedy entitled "A Jolly Bad Fellow" (They All Died Laughing) also by Barry.

He was resident organ player at Annie Ross' London jazz club called Annie's Room during the 1960s. He recorded 'Live At Annie's Room' (Fontana, 1966) as well as a number of cover versions on 'Through 'til Two' (Fontana, 1967)

During the 1980's/90's Alan was based mostly in Spain playing at corporate events and organ fesyvals in Torremolinos night clubs.

Over 14 albums later, Alan Haven is still living and playing his music around the world. He has just completed a new album based on "The Big Band Sounds" of Count Basie, etc.

Alan has his own website - www.alanhaven.com/

   
Memories  
   

Alan used to play turnaround band at Bolton Palais in late 59/60. There was a revolving stage and the big band played their set and then the stage turned arround and on came the Alan Haven Trio, who were really brilliant.

If I am not mistaken he used to wear leopardskin coat and it really caught the eye.

Good on ya mate,glad to see you are still playing.

cheers, Ronnie Carr

 



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