Ian Armit* (11 April 1929 – 19 February 1992) was a British blues, jazz pianist and composer.
Ian was born in Kirckaldy, Fife, Scotland. Information about his early life is scarce, but in 1957 we find him playing in the band of Sandy Brown. In the same year he released the solo EP Jazz Club Piano on Decca Records. From 1958 to 1960 he was part of the
Humphrey Lyttelton Band and also participated in recordings by Al Fairweather , Cy Laurie, The Wally Fawkes-Sandy Brown Quintet, and Wally Fawkes And The Troglodytes. While with Lyttelton, he guested in some Chris Barber appearances for BBC Radio in December 1963.
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| L-R : Ian Armit, Humph, Pete Blannin, Eddie Taylor & Danny Moss. |
In April 1964 Ian led his own quintet on the BBC’s radio programme “Three’s Company.” But after many years playing jazz, Ian changed direction when working alongside Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated from there he joined Long John Baldry’s
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Hoochie Coochie Men in October 1964. The band released an album “Long John's Blues.” Ian stayed with Baldry until he dissolved the band in July 1965 to form The Steampacket.
Hoochie Coochie Men in October 1964. The band released an album “Long John's Blues.” Ian stayed with Baldry until he dissolved the band in July 1965 to form The Steampacket.During 1964 – 1966 Ian recorded with Rod Stewart and these sessions were released on the album “A shot of rhythm and blues” in 1977.
In 1971 Steampacket toured the States, after which the band was dissolved. Only Ian remained with Long John Baldry. The band Ashman-Reynolds became Baldry's new backing band, along with Denny Ball. The band went on a package tour with Savoy Brown and Fleetwood Mac. After the tour finished they made an
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appearance on “Top of The Pops” BBC show. The band line up for that show included Rod Stewart, Elton John and Lesley Duncan on back-up vocals.
appearance on “Top of The Pops” BBC show. The band line up for that show included Rod Stewart, Elton John and Lesley Duncan on back-up vocals.1971 was also the year when Baldry released “ It Ain't Easy” (with Elton John, Ian Armit, Rod Stewart, Maggie Bell, Ron Wood, Sam Mitchell, Ray Jackson, Alan Skidmore, Jimmy Horowitz, Caleb Quaye, Ian Duck, Dave Glover, Roger Pope)
Here's Ian Armit's solo "Armit's Trousers from above 1972 album.
In the summer of 1972, Baldry changed the line-up again, as people went their separate ways. Ian went with trumpeter Bob Wallis on a European tour. Then he moved to Switzerland, where he not only led his own quartet, but also recorded his Ian's Boogie Woogie with the Old Rivertown jazz band in 1989 and performed with Piccadilly Six , the Harlem Ramblers and local blues bands.
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He died after a short illness in Zurich, Switzerland 19thFebruary 1992.
He died after a short illness in Zurich, Switzerland 19thFebruary 1992.
(Edited from The Musicians Olympus & Wikipedia)
*Some Sources give name as Ian “Chieffy” Armitt or Ian Armitt.