Such sad new that the legendary Bassist Richard "Ricky" Laird sadly loses battle with cancer and has passed away today 4th July. Born in Dublin, Laird played music from a young age and enrolled for guitar and piano lessons. He started playing jazz after moving to the other side of the world New Zealand at the age of 16 with his father. he brought his upright bass whilst living there . After extensive touring in New Zealand he moved to Australia, where he played with many top jazz musicians including Don Burrows .

Laird moved to England in 1962 and became house bassist at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London's West End , playing with many visiting musicians including Wes Montgomery Sonny Stitt Stan Getz and Buddy Rich to name but a few , he played a residence at The Talk of the Town  He was recorded on the soundtrack of Alfie (1966) with Sonny Rollins, 

Rest easy and go join the guys and make some more amazing music