Is Dudley Moore one of the best jazz pianists you've never heard of?

Dudley Moore, aside from being a highly respected actor and comedian, possessed musical talent that many may not be aware of - he was a jazz pianist. Moore began playing the piano at a young age and continued to play throughout his career. He even released several  albums, including "Strictly for the Birds" and "Songs Without Words."His sense of humour was always present such as his album title  " Genuine Dud"   or his spooneristic " Dudley Dell" which [if said] comes out as Deadly Dull. It was the theme tune for the long running Radio 4 panel show " Quote Unquote" Moore played with notable musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie  in the short animated film " The Hat" and often contributed musical content with his comedy partner Peter Cook.  His love for jazz was evident in his comedic performances, incorporating musical elements into his acts. His talent as a Jazz pianist was a lesser-known aspect of his career, but it is a testament to his versatility as an artist.

 

Biography

Dudley Moore was a British actor, comedian, and musician who gained worldwide recognition for his exceptional talent and outstanding performance in several movies and TV shows. Dudley, born on April 19, 1935, in Dagenham, Essex, England, initially pursued a career in classical music but later turned to comedy due to his incredible sense of humor. He attained the peak of his comedy career in the 1960s and 70s with the British comedy troupe Beyond the Fringe. However, he also starred in several Hollywood films, including "Arthur," "10," and "Micki and Maude." Sadly, Dudley Moore passed away on March 27, 2002, due to complications from Parkinson's disease. Nonetheless, his incredible legacy as a comedian, actor, and musician still lives on.

 

Jazz Career

Dudley  had a successful career as a jazz pianist, in addition to being a comedic actor and writer. He began playing the piano at an early age and developed a love for jazz music. In the 1960s, he formed a successful jazz trio with bassist Pete McGurk and drummer Chris Karan, and they performed together for several years. Moore's abilities as a musician earned him recognition and praise among jazz enthusiasts. He continued to play the piano throughout his life and even wrote original music for films such as "30 Is a Dangerous Age, Cynthia" and "Bedazzled." Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Moore never abandoned his passion for jazz music, and his career in the genre remains an important part of his legacy.

Here is a transcription of Moore's tune Dudley Dell