Monty Sunshine

Monty Sunshine (1928-2010) was a beloved British clarinetist who became a central figure in the UK’s trad jazz revival of the 1950s and '60s. Best known for his velvety, lyrical playing, he rose to fame as part of Chris Barber’s Jazz Band, where his iconic clarinet solo on the hit "Petite Fleur" (1959) turned the Sidney Bechet composition into a timeless classic. Sunshine’s warm tone and New Orleans-inspired style made him a standout in the trad scene, and he later led his own groups, touring extensively and keeping traditional jazz alive for decades.

A cheerful presence onstage, Sunshine recorded albums like *At The Jazzband Ball* and *Riverboot Shuffle*, blending Dixieland energy with British charm. Releases such as *The Full Monty Sunshine* and *Black Moonlight & Sunshine* showcased his enduring love for jazz standards and collaborative spirit. Even after his passing, compilations like *Running Wild* and *In London* keep his legacy swinging—proof that his clarinet magic still lights up jazz playlists today.

Genres

Ragtime

Related Artists

Tony Bennett

Acker Bilk

Frank Sinatra

Andy Williams

Nat King Cole

Michael Bublé

Ella Fitzgerald

Louis Armstrong

Johnny Mathis

Chris Barber

Tom Jones

Neil Diamond

Latest Release

Black Moonlight & Sunshine

Monty Sunshine

Album - 12 Tracks - Released February 7, 2025