Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

WELLINS, Bobby

(b 24 Jan. '36, Glasgow) Tenor sax, composer. From musical family, lessons from his dad; studied in RAF School of Music, played in dance bands and turned to improvisation. Played with Stan Tracey (on his classic Under Milk Wood) but personal problems kept him out of the limelight. He came back late '70s and continued developing as a complete original, absorbing influences from Lester Young to Tony Coe but remaining himself, never wasting a note. Each late album is unique, from Birds Of Brazil '89 on Sungai (title suite written by Wellins, arr. by Coe), Nomad '92 on Hot House (three of Wellins's tunes sung by Claire Martin), quartet Don't Worry 'Bout Me '96 on Cadillac: 'technique employed in the service of intelligence and taste' (Jack Bowers in Cadence).